Hoppin' John with Turnips and Turnip Greens

• 1 pound dried black-eyed peas
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 medium-size white onion, finely chopped
• 2 medium turnips, peeled and cut into 8 (½-inch) wedges
• 2 ½ teaspoons kosher salt, or to taste, divided
• 1 ½ teaspoon black pepper, divided
• 2 medium celery stalks, halved lengthwise and cut into small cubes
• 4 small fresh jalapeños, seeded and diced
• 4 medium garlic cloves, smashed and chopped
• 4 dried bay leaves or 2 fresh bay leaves
• 2 tablespoons harissa paste, or more to taste
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• ¼ teaspoon ground cumin
• ¼ teaspoon dried thyme or 2 thyme sprigs
• 3 to 4 cups vegetable stock
• 1 (about 1 ½-pound) smoked ham hock (optional)
• 8 ounces turnip greens or kale

Cooked yellow or white rice

• 3 scallions, thinly sliced

Sliced pickled jalapeños (optional)

1. Rinse black-eyed peas; discard any debris. Place peas in a large pot or bowl. Add cold water to cover; let soak at room temperature at least 6 hours or up to 12 hours. Drain peas, and set aside.
2. Heat oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium. Add onion, turnips, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; cook, stirring occasionally, until starting to brown, 4 to 6 minutes. Add celery, diced jalapeños, garlic, bay leaves, harissa, smoked paprika, cumin, and thyme; cook, stirring constantly, until fragrant, 1 to 2 minutes. Add peas, stock, ham hock (if using), 1 1/2 teaspoons salt, and remaining 1 teaspoon black pepper; bring to a simmer over medium-high. Reduce heat to medium-low; cover and cook, stirring occasionally, until peas are tender, about 45 minutes. Remove from heat; stir in turnip greens until just wilted. Let stand 15 minutes.
3. Remove and discard bay leaves, thyme sprigs (if used), and ham hock. Stir in remaining 1/2 teaspoon salt or more to taste. Serve over rice; top with scallions, and, if desired, garnish with pickled jalapeños.

Substitute a smoked turkey wing for ham hock, or omit for a vegan dish.

Make Ahead

Hoppin' John can be prepared up to 2 days ahead.

Originally appeared: January 2021