New Year's Hopping John

• sliced celery1 cup
• medium onion↗1
• cloves garlic, minced↗2 2
• oil, bacon drippings or 1 tablespoon butter1 tablespoon
• water↗4 cups
• (10 1/2 ounce) cans chicken broth (or 2 1/2 cups)↗2 cans
• ounces black-eyed peas (fresh or frozen, thawed)↗16 ounces
• lb cooked ham, cubed↗1⁄2 lb
• teaspoon dry crushed red pepper↗1⁄4 teaspoon
• bay leaves↗3
• cups cooked long-grain rice↗3 cups

Step-by-step instructions

1. 1

   Saute the first three ingredients in a large Dutch oven in hot oil, bacon drippings, or butter until tender.

2. 2

   Add water and next five ingredients.

3. 3

   Bring to a boil; cover, reduce heat, and simmer 40 minutes or until peas are tender.

4. 4

   Remove and discard bay leaf.

5. 5

   Serve over rice.