Hoppin' John


INGREDIENTS:
1 pound dried black-eyed peas
1 Smoked turkey leg
2 medium onions, divided
3 large cloves garlic, halved
1 bay leaf
1 cup long-grain white rice
1 can (10 to 14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes with chile peppers, juices reserved
1 medium red bell pepper, chopped
1/2 green bell pepper, chopped
3 ribs celery, chopped
1 jalapeno or serrano pepper, minced
2 teaspoons Cajun or Creole seasoning
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme leaves
3/4 teaspoon ground cumin
3/4 teaspoon salt
4 green onions, sliced


PREPARATION:


In a large Cast Iron Dutch oven or kettle, combine the black-eyed peas, Smoked turkey leg, and 6 cups water.
Cut 1 of the onions in half and add it to the pot along with the garlic and bay leaf. Bring to a boil, reduce the heat to medium-low, and simmer gently until the beans are tender but not mushy, 2 to 2 1/2 hours.
Remove the turkey leg, cut off the meat; dice and set aside.
Drain the peas and set aside.
Remove and discard the bay leaf, onion pieces, and garlic.
Add 2 1/2 cups of water to the pot and bring to a boil.
Add the rice, cover, and simmer until the rice is almost tender, about 10 to 12 minutes.
Mince the remaining onion then add to the rice along with the peas, tomatoes, and their juices, red and green bell pepper, celery, jalapeno pepper, Creole seasoning, thyme, cumin, and salt.
Cook until the rice is tender, 5 to 8 minutes.
Stir in the sliced green onions and the reserved diced smoked turkey leg.
Serve with hot sauce and freshly baked hot water cornbread.