Authentic Southern Hoppin’ John Recipe

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.

Authentic Southern Hoppin’ John Recipe 10 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

  1. Rinse the dried black-eyed peas and set them aside.
  2. Brown the sausage slices over medium heat until crispy in a large pot.
  3. Add the onion, bell pepper, and garlic and cook until softened.
  4. Add the peas, rice, chicken broth, and seasonings. Stir to combine.
  5. Bring to a boil, then cover and simmer for 45 minutes or until peas and rice are tender.
  6. 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.
Authentic Southern Hoppin’ John Recipe
Authentic Southern Hoppin’ John Recipe 11 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.

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.

Print
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Authentic Southern Hoppin’ John Recipe

Authentic Southern Hoppin’ John Recipe

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  • Author: Kim Cooks Easy
  • 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

Units Scale
  • :
  • 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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