Beefy Hoppin' John - Hopping John

Molly53's Note:

Hoppin john is a famous Southern dish made with black-eyed peas and rice and usually served with rice as a side dish. The addition of beef strips transforms it into a hearty main dish. From an old newspaper clipping.

• Total Time: 1 hrs 30 mins
• Prep Time: 15 mins
• Cook Time: 1 hrs 15 mins

Ingredients:

Servings: 6

• 2 lbs beef round steak , cut into 3/4-inch strips
• 2 tablespoons lard or 2 tablespoons oil
• 2 teaspoons salt
• ½ teaspoon savory
• 1⁄8; teaspoon black pepper
• 1 cup rice
• ¾ cup celery , thinly sliced
• 1 onion , peeled and chopped
• 1 (15 ounce) can black-eyed peas , drained and rinsed
• 1 (15 ounce) can tomatoes , undrained

Directions:

1. Brown beef strips in lard or oil; sprinkle with next three ingredients.
2. Add 1 1/2 cups water; cover tightly and cook slowly 30 minutes.
3. Remove meat and set aside; add rice, celery and onion to pan liquid.
4. Return meat to pan and add peas and tomatoes.
5. Cover tightly and continue cooking slowly until rice and meat are done, adding additional water if needed to prevent scorching, about 45 minutes.