Field Pea and Rice Salad
(from Lucianolinda’s recipe box)
Source: eat,drink, Mississippi
Serves 10 peopleCategories: Salad- Salad Dressings- Slaw
Ingredients
- 2 lb. fresh field peas
- 1 smoked ham hock
- 2 white onions, halved
- 3 bay leaves
- 3 thyme sprigs
- 3 dried red chile peppers
- 2 tsp. salt
- 6 bacon slices
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 1 green pepper, chopped
- 1 sweet onion, such a Vidalia, chopped
- 4 garlic cloves, chopped
- 2 Tbsp. olive oil
- 1 lb. andouille sausage, cut into 1/4-inch dice
- 2 cups Uncle Ben's Original Converted rice
- 1 bunch scallions, thinly sliced, including about 1-inch green stems
- 1/4 cup finely chopped Italian parsley leaves
- For the vinaigrette:
- 1/4 tsp. salt
- Freshly ground black pepper
- 1 generous tsp. Dijon mustard
- 1 1/2 Tbsp. sherry vinegar
- 6 Tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil
- Hot sauce for serving
Directions
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Place the peas in a colander and pick through, discarding any debris or beans that are shriveled or broken. Rinse in cold water.
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Place the peas, ham hock, onion halves, bay leaves, thyme, chile peppers, and salt in a large pot and cover with water. Bring to a boil over high heat, skimming off the foam that collects on the surface. Reduce the heat and cook at a gentle simmer until the peas are tender but not too soft, stirring and skimming occasionally. The cooking time will vary-start checking at 30 minutes. Strain the broth and discarding the ham hock and seasonings.
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While the peas are cooking, fry the bacon in a large skillet until at least 2 Tbsp. of grease have been rendered. Remove the bacon from the celery, green pepper, sweet onion, and garlic and stir, scraping up any leftover bacon brown bits. Saute over medium-low heart for about 4 minutes, until the vegetables are just barely soft, and set aside.
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In another skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the andouille and cook, stirring occasionally, until browned and slightly caramelized, 5 to 6 minutes. Add the sausage to the vegetable mixture.
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Place the rice and 4 1/2 cups of the strained broth in a large pot, bring to a boil over high heat, cover, and simmer until the rice is done, about 20 minutes.
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To make the vinaigrette: Combine the salt, pepper to taste, mustard, and vinegar in a small bowl and mix together with a small whisk. Whisk in the olive oil and set aside.
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To assemble the dish: Fluff the rice when it is done and allow it to cool slightly. In a large bowl, combine the strained peas with the rice and the vegetable/ andouille mixture and toss with the vinaigrette. Add the scallions and parsley, toss again, and taste for seasonings. Serve with hot sauce on the side.