Hoppin John with Black-Eyed Peas

Hoppin' John is a soul-warming Southern classic that brings history and flavor to the table in every bite. Traditionally served on New Year's Day to ensure a year of prosperity, this dish combines the earthiness of black-eyed peas with the smoky richness of thick-cut bacon and a perfectly seasoned aromatic base.

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The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity. By simmering the legumes directly with aromatics like celery, onion, and garlic, the peas absorb a tremendous amount of savory goodness, creating a hearty stew-like consistency that pairs beautifully with a bed of light, fluffy white rice.

Ingredients

• Meats: 6 oz (170 g) thick-cut bacon, diced
• Vegetables & Aromatics: 1 medium onion (finely chopped), 2 celery stalks (finely chopped), 2 cloves garlic (minced), 1 green bell pepper (diced, optional)
• Legumes: 1 ½ cups (300 g) dried black-eyed peas, soaked overnight and drained (or 3 cups cooked/canned, rinsed and drained)
• Liquids: 4 cups (1 liter) low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth, 1 bay leaf
• Spices & Seasonings: ½ teaspoon dried thyme, ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional), salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
• Rice: 2 cups (360 g) long-grain white rice, 4 cups (950 ml) water, 1 tablespoon unsalted butter or oil, pinch of salt
• Garnish: 2 scallions (thinly sliced), hot sauce (optional)

Instructions

Step 1: Render the Bacon

In a large pot or Dutch oven, cook the diced bacon over medium heat until crisp, about 6–8 minutes. Remove half the bacon with a slotted spoon and set aside for garnish, leaving the rest and the drippings in the pot.

Step 2: Sauté the Base

Add onion, celery, and bell pepper (if using) to the pot. Sauté until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in the garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.

Step 3: Simmer the Peas

Add the soaked black-eyed peas, bay leaf, thyme, cayenne, and broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer uncovered for 35–45 minutes (20–25 minutes if using canned peas), or until the peas are tender but not mushy. Season with salt and pepper to taste and remove the bay leaf.

Step 4: Prepare the Rice

While the peas cook, combine rice, water, butter, and a pinch of salt in a saucepan. Bring to a boil, reduce heat to low, cover, and cook for 15 minutes, or until water is absorbed. Remove from heat and let sit, covered, for 5 minutes before fluffing with a fork.

Step 5: Assemble and Serve

Serve the savory black-eyed peas over the fluffy rice. Top with the reserved crispy bacon and sliced scallions. Add hot sauce if desired.

Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung

For the best texture, ensure your dried black-eyed peas are soaked overnight. If using store-bought broth or bacon, always double-check labels to ensure they meet your dietary needs, specifically regarding gluten content.

Varianten und Anpassungen

To make a vegetarian Hoppin' John, simply omit the bacon and use smoked paprika to achieve that signature smoky flavor. You can also boost the nutrition by adding chopped collard greens or diced tomatoes during the simmering process.

Serviervorschläge

For a complete and traditional Southern meal, serve this dish alongside a slice of warm cornbread and a side of sautéed greens. A few dashes of vinegar-based hot sauce will brighten the earthy flavors perfectly.

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Whether enjoyed on New Year’s Day for good luck or as a satisfying weeknight dinner, Hoppin' John remains a staple of Southern American cuisine. Its simple ingredients and hearty nature make it a timeless favorite for any table.

Recipe FAQs

→ Why is Hoppin John eaten on New Year's Day?

The black-eyed peas represent coins, symbolizing prosperity and good luck for the coming year. This Southern tradition has been passed down through generations as a hopeful way to start January with abundance and positive fortune.

→ Can I make Hoppin John vegetarian?

Absolutely. Simply omit the bacon and add smoked paprika to maintain that savory depth. You can also enhance the flavor with liquid smoke or vegetable broth infused with smoked vegetables for a satisfying meatless version.

→ Do I need to soak dried black-eyed peas overnight?

Overnight soaking ensures even cooking and tender texture. If you're short on time, canned black-eyed peas work perfectly—just rinse them well and reduce the simmering time to 20-25 minutes since they're already fully cooked.

→ What should I serve with Hoppin John?

Cornbread is the classic accompaniment, perfect for soaking up the flavorful broth. Sautéed collard greens, kale, or mustard greens add color and nutrition. A side of hot sauce lets everyone adjust the heat to their preference.

→ How long will leftovers keep in the refrigerator?

Stored in an airtight container, leftovers stay fresh for 4-5 days. The flavors often deepen and improve after a day or two. Reheat gently on the stovetop, adding a splash of broth if needed to restore consistency.

→ Can I freeze Hoppin John?

Yes, it freezes beautifully for up to 3 months. Cool completely before transferring to freezer-safe containers. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat on the stovetop, adding broth if needed. For best results, freeze without the rice and prepare fresh rice when serving.