Vegetarian Hoppin’ John with Okra

1½ cups dried black-eyed peas

1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil

1 medium onion, diced

1 medium green bell pepper, diced

3 medium celery ribs, sliced

2 medium carrots, sliced

2 garlic cloves, minced

¼ teaspoon cayenne

1 teaspoon dried thyme

2 cups low-sodium vegetable broth

6 cups water

1 bay leaf

½ teaspoon liquid smoke

2 cups sliced fresh or frozen okra

1 cup uncooked long-grain brown rice

Soak the black-eyed peas overnight in enough cold water to cover them. Drain the peas and set aside.

Heat the olive oil in a large heavy pot. Add the onion, bell pepper, celery, carrots, garlic, cayenne and thyme and saute for 5 minutes.

Add the drained peas, broth, 3 cups water, bay leaf and liquid smoke to the pot and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat, cover, and simmer, stirring occasionally, for 1 hour.

About 30 minutes into the cooking time, prepare the rice. If using a rice cooker, put the remaining 3 cups water and the rice into the cooker and prepare according to the manufacturer’s instructions. If cooking on the stovetop, bring 3 cups water to a boil in a medium saucepan. Add the rice and reduce the heat to a simmer. Cook, covered, until all the liquid is absorbed, 45-50 minutes.

After the peas and vegetables have cooked for 1 hour, add the okra to the mixture and cook another 15 minutes. Remove the bay leaf. Serve immediately over the hot rice.

Serves six.

Cook’s note: Substitute cooked barley, wheat berries, or quinoa for the brown rice for an interesting flavor variation.

Nutrition values per serving (about 1½ cups): 314 calories, 4 g fat, 58 g carbohydrate, 9 g fiber, 14 g protein, 59 mg sodium.

“The Plant-Powered Diet” by Sharon Palmer (2012)