Hoppin’ John is a classic Southern dish, steeped in tradition and brimming with flavor. For many, it’s a must-have on New Year’s Day, with black-eyed peas symbolizing good luck and prosperity. Even if you’re not superstitious, indulging in this comforting dish is a delicious way to welcome the new year.
My Tips for Cooking Hoppin’ John with Black-Eyed Peas:
- For a vegetarian version, omit the bacon or ham hock and use vegetable broth.
- Adding a splash of hot sauce or vinegar before serving can brighten the flavors.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days or frozen for up to three months.
FAQs:
What’s the difference between Hoppin’ John and black-eyed peas? Hoppin’ John features black-eyed peas as a core ingredient but distinguishes itself with the addition of rice and a mix of vegetables and seasonings. For this recipe, the peas are stewed with onion, garlic, celery, and a ham hock. Traditionally, rice can be served on the side or mixed into the pot.
Do you need to soak black-eyed peas before cooking? If using dried peas, soaking them for at least six hours or overnight helps reduce cooking time. Canned black-eyed peas are a quicker alternative—just rinse and drain before use.
How do you store leftover Hoppin’ John? Leftovers can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to three days or frozen for up to three months. Thaw frozen leftovers in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
What’s the best way to reheat Hoppin’ John? Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop over low heat. Add a splash of broth or water to prevent the rice from sticking.
Enjoy this comforting dish that combines simplicity, history, and deliciousness in every bite!
Classic Hoppin’ John with Black-Eyed Peas
Description
Hoppin' John is a classic Southern dish, steeped in tradition and brimming with flavor. For many, it's a must-have on New Year's Day, with black-eyed peas symbolizing good luck and prosperity.
Ingredients:
Instructions:
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Prepare the Black-Eyed Peas:
If using dried peas, rinse them under cold water and remove any debris. Soak them overnight in water or use the quick-soak method by boiling them for 2 minutes and letting them sit for 1 hour. Drain and set aside.
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Cook the Bacon or Ham Hock:
In a large pot or Dutch oven, cook the bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove and set aside, leaving the rendered fat in the pot. If using a ham hock, sear it in the pot to release its flavors.
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Sauté the Vegetables:
Add the onion, green bell pepper, and garlic to the pot. Sauté until softened and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes.
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Combine Ingredients:
Add the black-eyed peas, chicken broth, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, thyme, salt, and pepper to the pot. If using a ham hock, add it now. Bring to a simmer and cook until the peas are tender, about 30-40 minutes (if using canned peas, simmer for 10 minutes to meld flavors).
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Cook the Rice:
In a separate pot, cook the rice according to the package instructions.
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Combine and Serve:
Once the peas are tender, remove the ham hock (if used) and shred any meat, returning it to the pot. Stir in the cooked rice and adjust seasoning as needed.
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Garnish and Enjoy:
Serve the Hoppin' John hot, garnished with chopped green onions or parsley. Pair it with cornbread or collard greens for a complete Southern feast.
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)
Servings 4
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 123kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 3g5%
- Sodium 207mg9%
- Total Carbohydrate 15g5%
- Protein 9g18%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Note
Nutrition Facts: For 1 Serving of hoppin' john (100g)
Total Estimated Cost: €15.00 (serves 4-6)
