There are lots of dishes around the world that represent prosperity for the coming new year.  One of my favorites is Hoppin’ John.  If you’re from the southern US, you know this dish very well.  I know southern dishes aren’t known for being healthy, but that doesn’t mean there aren’t a few healthy gems in the mix.

Hoppin’ John is one of those dishes that is very healthy, so long as you skip the salty ingredients.  Some folks like to use the end of a ham from the holiday feast (with the bone) for the meat.  This is delicious, but adds way too much salt to the dish.  If you use chicken broth, use something low sodium.  Other than that, black-eyed peas are healthy along with the vegetables.  I use a lean pork tenderloin and a ham hock to replace the ham.  I strongly recommend soaking the beans for this one.  The flavor is much better.  Canned beans work, but they don’t soak up any flavor.  Start of your new year right with this healthy dish.

Kerry’s Healthy Hoppin’ John

10 Servings

• 1 Pound Dry Black-Eyed Peas
• 1 Tablespoon Olive Oil
• 1 Yellow Onion – chopped
• 1 Rib of Celery – chopped
• 4 Green Bell Pepper – chopped
• 1 Tablespoon Garlic
• 32oz Low Sodium Chicken Broth
• 1 Teaspoon Dry Thyme
• 1 Bay Leaf
• 1 Pound Pork Tenderloin
• 1 ham hock

1. Soak the beans overnight in enough water to cover by several inches.  Drain.
2. Heat oil in a large stock pot.  Add the onion, green pepper, celery and garlic and cook until soft.
3. Add the black-eyed peas, chicken broth, pork, thyme, ham hock and bay leaf to the pot.  Bring to a boil and simmer for 40 minutes.  The peas should be creamy.
4. Serve alone or with brown rice.

Recipe Stats:

• 248 Calories
• 3g Fat
• 26mg Cholesterol
• 124mg Sodium
• 155mg Potassium
• 37g Carbohydrates
• 22g Protien
• 103% Vitamin A
• 93% Vitamin C
• 8% Calcium
• 25% Iron