Black-Eyed Peas/Hoppin John

Submitted by  Kimberly Long

Black eyed peas with greens are thought by many a necessary meal to start the new year - the black-eyed peas for luck, the greens for money.  To pass up this meal on New Years Day could be risking both in the year ahead.  This year I tried to make Hoppin John in the Instant Pot with dried beans and it was quite successful, but soaked or fresh beans can be used in any old pot.
DIRECTIONS
Dice the veggies, mince the garlic, and deseed/dice the jalapeno.  Saute the veggies (onion, bell pepper, celery, and carrots) in olive oil in Instant Pot or stovetop until the onions are translucent.  Add the herbs (bay leaves, thyme), minced garlic, and jalapeno.  Add salt, pepper, and cayenne to taste  and cook until it smells amazing (a minute or so).  Add the broth and vinegar.  Add the meat (if you eat meat).  I usually use salt pork but threw in some leftover ham this year.  Add the black-eyed peas.  If in the instant pot, set to high pressure for 15 minutes, then let it self-release for 15 minutes.  If on the stovetop, bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer until the beans are tender.  
Serve with greens of some sort (collards, kale, cabbage) and definitely corn-bread.  I douse mine in hot sauce, but that’s just me.