Hearty Healthy Hoppin' John

For the prep:

• 1 15-ounce can fire-roasted tomatoes drained and chopped small (reserve the juice)
• 4 medium stalks celery diced small
• 1 medium red bell pepper diced small
• 1 medium yellow bell pepper diced small
• 1 medium orange bell pepper diced small
• 1 medium red onion diced small
• 1 medium sweet yellow onion diced small
• 2 medium-size jalapeños seeds removed and finely chopped
• ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley
• 2 15-ounce cans black-eyed peas drained and rinsed
• 2 cups diced smoky ham diced in ½-inch pieces

For the Hoppin’ John:

• 2 slices thick-cut smoky bacon halved lengthwise then cut into ½ inch slices
• 4 cloves garlic minced
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 3 cups low -sodium chicken broth maybe more
• 2 medium-size bay leaves (3 if small)
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
• ¼ cup finely chopped fresh parsley

To finish:

• 4 cups cooked rice I like basmati (about a half cup per serving)
• green onions thinly sliced on a diagonal, optional
• halved cherry tomatoes optional
• avocado slices optional