Hoppin’ John is a traditional Southern dish, often enjoyed on New Year’s Day as a symbol of good luck and prosperity. This hearty dish features black-eyed peas, rice, and smoky, savory seasonings, making it both comforting and flavorful.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Rich in Flavor: The combination of smoky meat, earthy black-eyed peas, and aromatic seasonings creates a deeply satisfying dish.
- Easy to Customize: Suitable for various dietary needs with simple adjustments.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: While traditionally served on New Year’s, it’s a wonderful dish to enjoy year-round.
- Budget-Friendly: Made with affordable pantry staples, it’s a cost-effective way to feed a crowd.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Black-eyed peas
- Long-grain white rice
- Onion
- Celery
- Bell pepper
- Garlic
- Smoked ham hock or bacon
- Chicken broth or water
- Bay leaf
- Salt and pepper
- Hot sauce (optional, for serving)
Directions
- Prepare the Black-Eyed Peas: If using dried peas, soak them overnight or use the quick soak method. Drain and rinse before cooking.
- Sauté Vegetables: In a large pot, sauté diced onion, celery, and bell pepper until softened. Add minced garlic and cook for another minute.
- Cook the Peas: Add the soaked black-eyed peas, ham hock, chicken broth, and bay leaf to the pot. Simmer until the peas are tender.
- Cook the Rice: Separately, cook the rice according to package instructions.
- Combine: Once the peas are cooked, remove the ham hock, shred the meat, and return it to the pot. Stir in the cooked rice and adjust seasonings as needed.
- Serve: Serve hot with hot sauce on the side, if desired.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: This recipe serves 6-8 people.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 30 minutes (including time to cook peas)
Variations
- Vegetarian Option: Skip the ham hock or bacon and use vegetable broth. For added flavor, consider smoked paprika.
- Spicy Twist: Add diced jalapeños or cayenne pepper for a kick.
- Other Grains: Substitute rice with farro or quinoa for a modern twist.
- Add Greens: Stir in cooked collard greens or kale for added nutrition and texture.
Storage/Reheating
- Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freezer: Freeze in portions for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
- Reheating: Warm on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth if needed. Alternatively, reheat in the microwave in 30-second intervals until hot.
FAQs
What is the origin of Hoppin’ John?
Hoppin’ John has roots in West African cuisine, brought to the Southern United States by enslaved Africans.
Why is it called Hoppin’ John?
The exact origin of the name is unclear, but it is believed to be a corruption of the Creole term “pois pigeons,” meaning pigeon peas.
Do I have to soak dried black-eyed peas?
Soaking helps reduce cooking time, but you can cook them without soaking by extending the simmering time.
Can I use canned black-eyed peas?
Yes, canned peas work well; just reduce the cooking time and drain them before adding.
Is it gluten-free?
Yes, Hoppin’ John is naturally gluten-free when made with gluten-free broth.
Can I make it ahead of time?
Absolutely! Hoppin’ John tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld.
What goes well with Hoppin’ John?
Traditionally, it’s served with collard greens and cornbread.
Can I use other meats?
Yes, smoked sausage or turkey can replace ham hock or bacon.
Is it spicy?
Not typically, but you can add hot sauce or chili peppers for heat.
What does eating Hoppin’ John on New Year’s Day symbolize?
It symbolizes good luck and prosperity, with black-eyed peas representing coins.
Conclusion
Hoppin’ John is a timeless Southern classic that’s as rich in history as it is in flavor. Whether you’re celebrating a holiday or simply craving a hearty, comforting meal, this recipe is sure to please. With its adaptability and ease, it’s a dish that can fit into any kitchen or occasion. Serve it with greens and cornbread for a truly authentic Southern experience.
Print
Authentic Southern Hoppin’ John Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
- Category: Side Dish or Main Dish
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: Southern
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Hoppin’ John is a classic Southern dish traditionally enjoyed on New Year’s Day to bring good luck and prosperity. This hearty recipe combines black-eyed peas, rice, and smoky bacon for a comforting meal that’s delicious any time of year.
Ingredients
- 4 slices thick-cut bacon, chopped
- 1 small green bell pepper, diced
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup uncooked long-grain white rice
- 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 bay leaf
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1 can (15 ounces) black-eyed peas, rinsed and drained
- Sliced green onions, for garnish
- Hot sauce, for serving (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the Bacon:
- In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the chopped bacon until crisp.
- Remove the bacon with a slotted spoon and set aside on paper towels to drain.
- Reserve about 2 tablespoons of the bacon drippings in the skillet.
- Sauté Vegetables:
- Add the diced green bell pepper and onion to the skillet with the bacon drippings.
- Sauté over medium heat until the vegetables are softened, about 5 minutes.
- Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add Rice and Seasonings:
- Stir in the uncooked rice, ensuring it is well coated with the vegetable mixture.
- Add the chicken broth, bay leaf, dried thyme, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 15 minutes.
- Add Black-Eyed Peas and Bacon:
- After 15 minutes, stir in the rinsed and drained black-eyed peas and the cooked bacon.
- Cover and continue to simmer for an additional 10 minutes, or until the rice is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid.
- Finish and Serve:
- Remove the bay leaf and fluff the Hoppin’ John with a fork.
- Adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.
- Serve hot, garnished with sliced green onions and a dash of hot sauce if desired.
Notes
- For added depth of flavor, consider using smoked ham hock or andouille sausage in place of bacon.
- If using dried black-eyed peas, soak them overnight and cook them separately before adding to the dish.
- Serving Hoppin’ John with collard greens and cornbread is a traditional Southern New Year’s Day meal, symbolizing coins, paper money, and gold, respectively.
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