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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