A quick Dinner...

Hoppin John, aka. by my friends as a quick Hoppin Jeff, can be a satisfying meal. Serve it alone, over rice or over some good buttered egg noodles.

There are many recipes but this is how I like it. For time saving purposes you can buy pre-cut onion and bell pepper. I did tonight as I did not feel like spending much time prepping. The recipe calls for one onion and one bell pepper. The pre-cut containers typically contain more then a recipe calls for. It won't hurt to add more to the recipe. If you won't use the pre-cut veggies before they spoil just throw them all in. Its just more flavor.

The recipe.

Quick Hoppin John

1 Smoked Kielbasa (Sliced in bite size pieces) or 1lb diced Ham
2 14oz cans Black eyed peas
1 can diced tomatoes
1 Diced onion
1 Diced pepper
14 oz Stock (More if wanted)
Assorted herbs to taste.
2 tablespoons cider vinegar or sherry vinegar
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika, preferably hot (see Tip)

Saute onions and peppers in oil until softened.
Add meat, peas and tomatoes.
Add Stock, herbs, vinegar and paprika.
Cook till meat is hot.
Serve over rice.

Quick Simple and tasty!

Now for variations. Instead of oil add a layer of flavor with some bacon grease. After cooking bacon I strain the grease through a coffee filter and save the grease. It adds a bit of flavor and a subtle bacony scent.(bacony is a new word)

Here is a sample picture of the ingredients.


Veggies Sauteed and Tomatoes added.


Herbs going in.


A bowlful of Hoppin Jeff over some rice.


This is a quick easy to cook meal. It will warm you on a cold night and fuel you through your day. Enjoy!