Hoppin John campfire style

I love cooking over an open flame, the smell of the wood smoke is wonderful. :) Hoppin john happens to be one of my favorite things to cook while camping. It's my comfort food. lol

I start by crisping a few pieces of bacon....





I add some onion, green onion, garlic, celery and a few peppers to the bacon drippings. I let them saute until just tender...

Next I add 4 cups of chicken broth,

2 bay leaves

1 smoked ham hock

some red pepper flakes or cayenne to taste and

a couple pinches of basil, oregano and thyme

Also, about 2 cups of cooked pinto beans. (blackeyed peas are usually used, I like pintos)

I let this simmer for awhile to meld the flavors...
letting the ham hock become fall apart tender..



Then I add rice leaving enough broth to make the mixture very moist...

I let this simmer until the rice has absorbed the broth..



I crumble the crisp bacon on top... season with black pepper to taste. The bacon and ham hock usually add enough salt to the dish for me, but you can add more if needed.


Add a few chopped green onions ...


It's ready to eat...


Goes well with campfire beer bread.