HOPPIN’ JOHN

BUDGET- FRIENDLY: Hoppin’ John is a traditional meal to bring good luck. Add to your luck in 2018 by adding collard greens and cornbread. Top ice cream with chocolate sauce or hot fudge for dessert.

Ingredients

1 tablespoon olive oil 1 medium onion, chopped 1 rib celery, chopped 3 cloves garlic, minced 1 teaspoon dried thyme 3 cups cooked or canned reduced- sodium black- eyed peas, rinsed 1 ( 14 1/ 2- ounce) can no- salt- added petite diced tomatoes, drained 1 ( 4- ounce) can diced green chilies, drained 1 cup unsalted chicken broth Coarse salt Freshly ground pepper 8 ounces vegetarian sausage or mild turkey sausage 3 cups cooked brown rice

Servings: makes 6 servings Preparation time: 15 minutes Cooking time: 4 to 6 hours on low

Heat oil in a large nonstick skillet on medium. Add onion and celery and cook 5 minutes or until softened. Stir in garlic and thyme. Transfer to a 4- quart or larger slow cooker. Add peas, tomatoes, chilies, broth, and salt and pepper to taste. Cover and cook on low 4 to 6 hours. About 15 minutes before serving, heat a large nonstick skillet on medium. Crumble and cook sausage about 6 to 8 minutes or until no longer pink. Add to slow cooker along with cooked rice, stirring to combine; serve.

Per serving: 322 calories, 18 grams protein, 5 grams fat ( 15 percent calories from fat), 0.8 gram saturated fat, 51 grams carbohydrate, no cholesterol, 399 milligrams sodium, 11 grams fiber.

Carb count: 3.5.