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The Honolulu Advertiser
Posted on: Wednesday, April 4, 2007

TASTE
Veggie Hoppin' John, as Kokua makes it

 •  Kokua Market means fresh

By Wanda A. Adams
Advertiser Food Editor

Though it doesn't look like much, this recipe is absolutely delicious.

It was one of the hot-food items at the new Kokua Market deli the day we visited. Though Hoppin' John traditionally contains ham hocks or other flavorful meats, the loss here is made up by flavorful sweet peppers, herbs and even a touch of jalapeno (optional). Low in fat and high in protein and fiber, this dish would make a great option for a healthy dinner with a salad on the side. To save time, you could use canned black-eyed peas, drained and cooked with the brown rice.

VEGETARIAN HOPPIN' JOHN

  • 6 cups water

  • 1 pound dried black-eyed peas

  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano

  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme

  • 1 bay leaf

  • 1 cup long-grain brown rice

  • 2 cups onions, diced

  • 3 tablespoons olive oil

  • 2 tablespoons minced garlic

  • 1 1/2 cups celery, diced

  • 1 1/2 cups yellow peppers

  • 1 1/2 cups red peppers

  • 1 1/2 cups corn (fresh, frozen or canned — drained)

  • Jalapeno pepper to taste — 1 or 2 small ones, minced

  • 1/3 cup fresh parsley, chopped

  • 1 teaspoon salt

  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

    Bring water to a boil, add black-eyed peas, oregano, thyme and bay leaf, turn heat down to low and cook about 40 minutes over low heat. Add brown rice and cook another 40 minutes or until the rice and peas are tender. While beans and rice cook, saute onion in oil until browned. Add garlic, celery, peppers, corn and jalapenos. Add veggie mix to peas and rice. Fold in parsley and add salt and pepper to taste.

    Makes 10 servings.

  • Per serving (based on using 1 teaspoon salt): 300 calories, 6 g fat, 1 g saturated fat, no cholesterol, 250 mg sodium, 52 g carbohydrate, 11 g fiber, 8 g sugar, 13 g protein

    Reach Wanda A. Adams at wadams@honoluluadvertiser.com.