Yummy & Healthier Hoppin John

This is one of my kids favorites! I came up with a healthier version. It is yummy!

Ingredients:

• 4 T butter or oil

• 1 large onion diced

• 4 cloves garlic, mince

• 2 stalks celery, diced

• 1 cup diced red, yellow or green peppers

• 3 2/3 cup bulk dried black eyed peas

• 1/3 cup dried navy beans

• 5 cups no or low sodium chicken broth

• 1 smoked turkey leg

• ¼ tsp thyme or 2 bay leaves

• ¼ tsp Cajun seasoning

• Salt & Pepper to taste

• Cayenne pepper to taste

• 2T Pepperoncini brine

• 4-5 pepperoncini slices

• White or brown rice for serving

Directions:

1. Soak beans in cool water for at least 6 hours.  Rinse.

2. Heat butter or oil in a large pot over medium-high heat.  Add onion, garlic, celery and peppers and cook 3-4 minutes.  Stir in soaked beans and add chicken stock, smoked turkey leg, thyme or bay leaf, Cajun and cayenne pepper.  Bring to boil than cover and simmer 30 minutes.

3. After 30 minutes check the consistency.  You want some liquid but not soupy.  If too much liquid, leave cover off for 15 minutes until it reduces.  If too dry, add a little more broth.

4. Take cooked Smoked Turkey leg out.  Slice in small chunks, then add meat back in.

5. Stir in pepperoncini bine and slices to taste.  Taste and add more seasonings if necessary.  

6. Serve over rice.  Spoon some of the cooking liquid on top.

Enjoy!