Hoppin' John

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1/2 tablespoon unsalted butter
• 1/4 cup salt pork, coarsely cubed
• 1/2 cup onion, chopped
• 1/4 cup celery, chopped
• 1/4 cup green pepper, chopped
• 1 tablespoon garlic, chopped
• 1 (16 ounce) can black-eyed peas, rinsed and drained
• 2 cups chicken stock (if you want it soupier, increase the stock)
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 teaspoon thyme
• 1 pinch salt
• 1 pinch black pepper
• 1 pinch cayenne (Go easy on the salt, the salt pork seasons for you.)
• 1/2 cup of uncooked instant rice (I went really easy on the rice, you may prefer a cup.)

Directions

1. 1

   Heat oil and butter in dutch oven.

2. 2

   Sear salt pork on all sides for four minutes.

3. 3

   Add the onion, celery, green pepper and garlic and saute for another four to five minutes.

4. 4

   Add the peas, half the stock, and all seasonings.

5. 5

   Bring to a boil and simmer with the lid off for thirty to forty minutes, or until reduced to 1/4 cup of liquid.

6. 6

   Add remaining cup of stock and return to a boil.

7. 7

   Reduce to a simmer and simmer for another ten minutes.

8. 8

   Add Minute Rice, stir and let sit covered until rice becomes the texture you like.

9. 9

   Serve with hot sauce and some soppin' bread.