Cozy Southern Hoppin John Recipe: Soul-Warming Classic Comfort

Ingredients

• 4 oz (113 g) ham, ham hock, or bacon, diced
• 1 cup black-eyed peas, dried (soaked overnight or quick-soaked)
• 1 cup white rice, long-grain
• 1 onion, medium, diced
• 1 bell pepper, green, diced
• 2 stalks celery, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 cups chicken broth (or vegetable broth for vegetarian)
• ½ tsp smoked paprika
• ½ tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
• ½ tsp thyme, dried or fresh
• 1 bay leaf
• ¼ tsp black pepper
• ½ tsp salt (adjust to taste)
• 2 green onions, sliced (for garnish)
• Hot sauce, for serving