Hopping John Black Eye Peas

Step 1

In a large bowl cover the dried black-eyed peas with water and refrigerate overnight.

Step 2

Drain the soaking water, place the peas in a large sauce pan or pot and cover with fresh water. Add the bacon or salt pork, the chopped onion, and the garlic.

Step 3

Bring to a boil, cover, reduce the heat and simmer for about an hour or until the peas are about tender, yet still a little firm. Add the uncooked rice.

Step 4

You may need to add a little more water at this time.

Step 5

Cover and cook for another 20 minutes.

Step 6

While the rice is cooking, sauté the lean ground beef. Add the beef to the pot with the peas and rice. Season with the salt, black pepper and dash of MSG.

Step 7

Using very low heat, cook for another 10 minutes. Turn off heat and let sit for 5 or 10 minutes before serving.