Hoppin’ John Recipe
“Hoppin’ John” is a delightful and traditional Southern dish that brings together a harmonious blend of flavors. This classic Hoppin’ John recipe combines the earthy richness of black-eyed peas with the comforting embrace of long-grain rice, resulting in a hearty and satisfying dish.
To prepare Hoppin’ John, start by simmering black-eyed peas until they reach a tender perfection, allowing their nutty essence to infuse the dish. The peas are often paired with savory pork elements, such as ham hocks, bacon, or sausage, which contribute a smoky depth and succulent notes to the overall ensemble. This marriage of ingredients not only adds layers of flavor but also pays homage to the dish’s diverse cultural influences.
Hoppin' John Recipe
Equipment
- Large pot or Dutch oven
- Wooden Spoon
- Cutting Board
- Knife:
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Strainer
- Serving Platter
Ingredients
- 1 cup dried black-eyed peas rinsed and soaked overnight
- 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 cup long-grain white rice
- 1 onion finely chopped
- 1 bell pepper diced
- 2 celery stalks chopped
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 smoked ham hock or 1 cup diced ham or bacon
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- Green onions chopped (for garnish)
- Hot sauce optional, for serving
Instructions
Prepare the Black-Eyed Peas:
- Rinse the soaked black-eyed peas and place them in a large pot or Dutch oven.
- Add chicken or vegetable broth, ham hock (or diced ham/bacon), bay leaf, and thyme.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 45-60 minutes or until the peas are tender. Add water if needed.
Cook the Rice:
- In a separate pot, cook the long-grain rice according to package instructions. Set aside.
Saute the Vegetables:
- In a skillet, heat vegetable oil over medium heat.
- Add chopped onion, bell pepper, celery, and minced garlic. Cook until the vegetables are softened and aromatic.
Combine and Season:
- Once the black-eyed peas are tender, remove the ham hock (if used) and discard the bay leaf.
- Add the sautéed vegetables to the pot with the peas and stir in the cooked rice.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste. Allow the flavors to meld together for a few minutes.
Serve:
- Transfer the Hoppin' John to a serving platter.
- Garnish with chopped green onions.
- Serve hot, with a side of hot sauce if desired.
Notes
Enjoy your delicious Hoppin' John, a flavorful and traditional dish that brings good luck and warmth to your table!
