I don’t know why this dish is called Hoppin’ John, but I do know that it’s made from all my favorite things to eat. And there is absolutely NOTHING like a slow cooker to bring it all together. I seriously love this dish. Hoppin’ John is traditional Southern food, and it’s rumored to bring extra special good luck when eaten at the New Year. So what else would I post tonight?

Wishing all of you a happy and healthy new year. Thank you for reading Your Health is on Your Plate. Keep spreading the word — nutritious food is delicious food!

• 1 Tbsp. olive oil
• 1 sweet yellow onion, chopped
• 1 c. long-grain brown rice
• 1 large can crushed tomatoes
• 6 c. hot water (or vegetable broth)
• 2 c. dry black-eyed peas
• 3 c. collard greens, chopped
• 1 tsp. Liquid Smoke
• 1 tsp. cumin
• 1 tsp. red pepper flakes
• 1/2 tsp. fresh ground pepper
• 1 tsp. salt
• your favorite hot sauce

Set crockpot to high, add olive oil, cover and allow oil to heat (approx 10 min.) until fragrant and hot. Add onion and cook 10-15 min. until beginning to brown at the edges. Add rice, tomatoes, black-eyed peas, collards, spices and water. Set crockpot to low, and leave to cook 6-8 hours. Check on your hoppin’ john a couple of times, and add a little more water if the level sinks too low, making the beans and rice look too dry.

Serve hoppin’ john along with your choice of any of the following: cornbread, more greens, sour cream, and of course plenty of hot sauce. Serves 6-8 generously.