Hoppin’ John Black Eyed Peas
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 50 minutes
Yields: 4-6 servings
Ingredients:

* 1 cup black eyed peas, soaked 6-8 hours
* 4 cups water
* 1inch piece kombu
* 1 onion
* 1 red or yellow bell pepper
* 4 cloves garlic
* 1 bay leaf
* 1 teaspoon oregano
* 1 teaspoon black pepper
* 1/4-1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
* 3 tablespoons umeboshi vinegar or 1 teaspoon salt
* juice of 1/2 lemon
* olive oil for sautéing
* fresh parsley

Directions:

1. Rinse the beans and bring to a boil in the water. Skim off the foam and add the kombu, bay leaf, black pepper and cayenne. Simmer for 50 minutes.
2. Chop the onion and garlic and sauté in the oil until translucent.
3. Chop the pepper and add to the pan. Continue sautéing for another 5 minutes.
4. Add the sautéed vegetables to the beans and continue cooking until the beans are tender.
5. Chop the parsley, saving a few sprigs for garnish.
6. Add the umeboshi vinegar and parsley to the beans.
7. Adjust seasonings and let sit on the stove for 5 minutes before serving.
Variations:

* Add chopped carrots to the vegetables while sautéing, for color.
* Top with thinly sliced scallions
* Serve with cornbread and collards for a “Down Home” Southern meal!