Hoppin John Soup - cooking recipe

Ingredients

1/2 lb dried black-eyed peas, soaked overnight and drained
2 garlic cloves, chopped
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 slice bacon or 1 -2 tablespoon ham fat
1 cup diced onion
1 cup celery & tops, diced
1 cup carrot, diced
1 bay leaf
1/4 teaspoon marjoram
1/4 teaspoon cayenne
1/4 teaspoon cumin
4 cups water
2 cups ham, diced
1 (15 ounce) can no-salt-added diced tomatoes
2 cups water
1 (4 1/4 ounce) package rice-a-roni long grain and wild rice mix with seasoning
1 lb kale, washed and trimmed

Preparation

Trim ham, if necessary. Fry 1-2 tbs of the ham fat or bacon in olive oil with garlic for about 1 minute. Add onion, carrots, and celery, and saute for about 5 minutes. Add beans, 4 cups water, and spices (don't add salt here.) Simmer for 40 minutes. Add ham, tomatoes plus 2 cups water (use the can to measure), and Rice-a-Roni with seasonings. Simmer another 30 minutes. Add in kale, (and 1 tsp salt here if you wish) and cook another 5-10 minutes, until kale is to your liking. Serve up with cornbread for a great meal!