New Year’s Good Luck Hoppin’ John

Hoppin’ John is a soul food dish made of beans and rice that became popularized in the 1800’s in America’s Southeastern regions where legumes known as black eyed peas, field peas, or cow beans were prevalently grown. It was believed that eating black eyed peas first thing on New Year’s Day would bring those who ate them good luck and prosperity for the rest of the year. Today this belief has spread into an annual tradition followed by many American households throughout the country. My version of Hoppin’ John can be made quicker and easier than ever because pre-cooked black-eyed peas and brown rice are now stocked at many grocery stores in the frozen food section. The ham can be replaced in this recipe with 1 cup of smoked salmon pieces (about 5 oz.) to add extra omega-3’s to your diet - and you can then call this dish “Swimmin’ John”. But, be sure to keep the black eyed peas in this recipe – they are the magic ingredient that brings you all the luck and prosperity!