Lucky Hoppin John Recipe A New Years Day Food Tradition

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon olive oil (15 ml)
• 4 slices bacon, chopped (approx. 4 oz / 115g)
• 1 medium yellow onion, chopped (approx. 1 cup / 150g)
• 2 celery stalks, chopped (approx. 1 cup / 120g)
• 1 green bell pepper, chopped (approx. 1 cup / 150g)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
• 6 cups chicken broth (1.4 liters)
• 1 pound dried black-eyed peas, rinsed (450g)
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 cups long-grain white rice, rinsed (400g)
• Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
• Green onions, thinly sliced (optional)
• Hot sauce (optional)