Hoppin' John Soup

For New Year's Day I made Hoppin' John soup.  Hoppin' John has always been associated with a prosperous new year in the Southern states.  I always like these ingredients in a soup instead of the side dish.  I had this soup years ago at a steakhouse in KY and I tried to copy what I remember.  I always thought it was so good!  So, I just created this recipe.  It was really good I did not have any leftovers!  

Ingredients:

1 small onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 cans (15 oz.) black-eyed peas
3 medium carrots, peeled and sliced
1 cup collards, fresh or frozen
2 cups ham cubed
6 cups water 
2 chicken bouillon cubes
1 bay leaf
1 teaspoon celery flakes
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
1/2 long grain rice

 In a large stock pot heat oil over medium heat; add diced onion and minced garlic and cook until the onions are tender.  Add carrots, collards,  ham, water, bouillon cubes, bay leaf, celery flakes, salt and pepper.  Bring to a boil; reduce heat and simmer for 30 minutes, add the black-eyed peas, and simmer 30 more minutes.  Add the rice and simmer 30 more minutes.  Serve hot.

Recipe adapted from: Stefanie's Cooking Spot.
Serves: 6

Enjoy! 

Sherry

I will link this to:
 

Foodie Friday at Rattlebridge Farm 

Strut Your Stuff Saturday at Six Sisters Stuff 

Homemaking Linkup at Hope In Every Season 

Rooted in Thyme Simple and Sweet Fridays

Wow Us Wednesday at Savvy Southern Style 

The Best Blog Recipes link party
Inspire Me Tuesday at A Stroll Thru Life