Hoppin John

The following is a transcript from the December 28, 2007 Hungry Hoosier show on WIRE 91.1

This is Scott Hutcheson, the Hungry Hoosier. One of the great things about living in the melting pot is that we can borrow so freely from all the different cultures that have contributed to our country. On New Year’s Day one of my favorite imported food traditions is Hoppin John. This tradition comes from the south but its roots go even further than that - African, French, and Caribbean. Hoppin John is basically black-eyed peas and rice. On New Year’s Day it is usually served with greens and cornbread. Legend has it that eating this trio will bring good fortune in the new year - the black-eyed pea are coins, the greens cash, and the cornbread gold. I just might have a double portion this year. If you would like to get the recipe for Hoppin John, visit here.