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