Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Hoppin’ John is a classic Southern dish that combines black-eyed peas with rice and pork for a hearty, flavorful meal. It’s perfect for a cozy dinner or as part of a celebratory spread.
Ingredients
- 1 lb dried black-eyed peas
- 1 lb smoked sausage, sliced
- 1 onion, diced
- 1 bell pepper, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup rice (preferably long grain)
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 bay leaf
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
- Rinse the dried black-eyed peas and set them aside.
- Brown the sausage slices over medium heat until crispy in a large pot.
- Add the onion, bell pepper, and garlic and cook until softened.
- Add the peas, rice, chicken broth, and seasonings. Stir to combine.
- Bring to a boil, then cover and simmer for 45 minutes or until peas and rice are tender.
- Remove the bay leaf and serve warm.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 6 servings
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
Variations
- Spicy: Add hot sauce or cayenne pepper.
- Vegetarian: Omit the sausage and use vegetable broth for a vegetarian version.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Reheat with a little extra broth if needed.
FAQs
1. Can I use canned black-eyed peas?
Yes, use two cans, but adjust the cooking time to 20-25 minutes.
2. How do I prevent the rice from being mushy?
Use long-grain rice and don’t stir too much while cooking.
3. Can I freeze Hoppin’ John?
Yes, store in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 3 months.
4. Can I make this in a slow cooker?
Yes, combine all ingredients in the slow cooker and cook on low for 6 hours.
5. How do I make it spicier?
Add diced jalapeños or cayenne pepper to the pot.
6. How long does this dish last in the fridge?
It lasts about 3 days in an airtight container.
7. What should I serve with Hoppin’ John?
Cornbread or collard greens are perfect sides.
8. Can I add more vegetables?
Yes, add spinach or bell peppers for extra flavor.
9. Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
Yes, but brown rice requires a longer cook time.
10. What kind of sausage is best for Hoppin’ John?
Smoked sausage or andouille sausage works well.
Conclusion
Authentic Southern Hoppin’ John is a comforting, flavorful dish that brings together tradition and taste. Perfect for any meal, it’s easy to make and always satisfying.
PrintAuthentic Southern Hoppin’ John Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 1.5 hours
- Total Time: 1.5 hours
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course, Southern
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Southern
Description
Southern Hoppin’ John Recipe Description: A true Southern classic, Hoppin’ John is a hearty dish made with black-eyed peas, rice, and smoked meat. Traditionally eaten on New Year’s Day for good luck, this recipe is easy to make and full of flavor.
Ingredients
- :
- 1 lb dried black-eyed peas (or 4 cups cooked)
- 1 cup long-grain white rice
- 1 onion, chopped
- 1 bell pepper, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 smoked ham hock or 1 lb smoked sausage, chopped
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp Cajun seasoning
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 tbsp olive oil
Instructions
- :
- Prepare the Peas: If using dried black-eyed peas, rinse them and soak overnight or quick-soak them by boiling for 2 minutes and letting them sit for 1 hour. If using cooked peas, proceed to the next step.
- Sauté Vegetables: In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion, bell pepper, and garlic. Sauté for about 5 minutes until softened.
- Add Meat and Seasonings: Stir in the smoked ham hock or sausage, salt, pepper, Cajun seasoning, thyme, and bay leaf.
- Cook the Peas: Add the soaked black-eyed peas (or cooked peas) and chicken broth to the pot. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Simmer for 1 to 1.5 hours until the peas are tender.
- Cook the Rice: In a separate pot, cook the rice according to package instructions. Once both the rice and peas are cooked, combine them in the pot and stir gently to mix.
- Serve: Serve the Hoppin’ John hot with cornbread and greens for a traditional Southern meal.
Notes
- :
- For extra flavor, add a splash of hot sauce or vinegar before serving.
- You can substitute the ham hock with turkey necks or smoked turkey for a lighter version.
Nutrition
- Calories: 330
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 700mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 10g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
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