Janice's Fast Hoppin' John

This is the New Years Day luck providing meal of choice for many people in the southern United States. There are a lot of variations on the theme and I'd be interested in hearing what you do that's different. The following is a basic low country meatless version done on the quick with canned black-eyed peas. It is easily jazzed up to be a more substantial dish. Also, to increase the lucky factor exponentially, add a side of "greens" such as collards or cabbage.

The nutrition facts are at Calorie Count!

Fast Hoppin' John

Ingredients:

1 medium onion, chopped
1 stalk of celery, chopped - include the leaves
2 T pure olive oil
2 t fresh crushed garlic

2 jalapenos or 1 serrano, deseeded and minced
2 15 oz cans Black-eyed peas, drained and rinsed
2 chopped tomatoes (about 1/2 - 1 cup the amount is to taste)
1 T Paul Prudhomme's Magic seasoning*

*I like either the pork or the "meat" seasoning for this. He also makes a great salt free generic seasoning that is very good indeed and is my choice when sodium is a concern. Personally, I like Prudhomme's seasoning better than Tony Chacheres - which I find way too salty. But if you like that better, use it. Watch how much you use though as his seasonings have way more salt.

Directions:

In a medium sized pot, heat the oil and then saute the chopped celery and onion until both are softened - about 5 minutes or more as you prefer. Add the garlic and pepper; saute another minute or two. Stir in the drained and rinsed black-eyed peas, chopped tomatoes, and seasoning. Simmer for about 10 minutes. Serve over rice...since this is Fast Hoppin' John, use quick cook brown rice.

Optional Things:

Use dried black-eyed peas (soak overnight, drain, cook, and add the rest).
Cut well rinsed Collard Greens into long strips - add with the tomatoes.
Use more tomatoes - or a can or two of diced tomatoes or Rotelle tomatoes with chilis.
Add cooked sausage - either fresh that is cooked and browned or smoked
Add Smokey Chipotle Tabasco - or more peppers.
Turn it into a black-eyed pea and rice soup with some stock and greens and more seasonings.