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If you’re craving a soul-satisfying dish that’s rich in history and flavor, the Hoppin’ John Recipe is your go-to comfort food. This traditional Southern classic combines tender black-eyed peas with savory ham hock, vibrant aromatics, and a tangy hint of vinegar, all simmered to perfection. It’s a dish that welcomes you in with its hearty warmth and keeps you coming back for more, whether you enjoy it on New Year’s Day for luck or anytime you want a bowl of pure deliciousness.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Though it may seem like a few humble ingredients create this dish, each one plays a crucial role in building the depth and soul of the Hoppin’ John Recipe. From the creamy black-eyed peas to the smoky ham hock and fresh vegetables, every element brings texture, color, or that unmistakable Southern flavor.
- Butter: Adds richness and helps soften the vegetables while bringing a subtle creaminess to the base.
- Onion, diced: Gives a sweet and savory flavor as it cooks down, forming the foundation of the dish.
- Garlic, minced: Infuses a warm, aromatic note that elevates every spoonful.
- Green bell pepper, diced: Offers a slight crunch and fresh, tangy sweetness for balance.
- Celery, diced: Adds a crisp, herbal bite and an extra layer of complexity to the mix.
- Dried black-eyed peas: The star of the recipe, tender and earthy, delivering that authentic Southern soul food taste.
- Low-sodium chicken broth: Provides a savory cooking liquid that keeps flavors vibrant without overwhelming saltiness.
- Ham hock: Brings smokiness and depth, slowly infusing the peas with meaty goodness while tenderizing them.
- Kosher salt and pepper: Season to taste, essential for balancing and rounding out all the flavors.
- Cayenne pepper: Adds a gentle kick of heat, customizable based on your spice preference.
- White vinegar: Adds a bright, tangy finish that cuts through the richness and ties everything together.
- White or brown rice: The comforting base that soaks up all the delicious juices for a complete meal.
How to Make Hoppin’ John Recipe
Step 1: Soak the Black-eyed Peas
The magic starts with prepping the black-eyed peas. Soak them in cool water for at least six hours to soften their texture and reduce cooking time. This step is key to achieving tender peas that melt in your mouth without being mushy. After soaking, give them a good rinse to wash away any residue.
Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics
Next, heat four tablespoons of butter in a large pot over medium-high heat. Toss in diced onion, minced garlic, diced green bell pepper, and celery. Stir and cook these fragrant vegetables for about 3 to 4 minutes until they’re softened and inviting. This sauté sets the stage for the rest of the recipe by creating a flavorful, aromatic base.
Step 3: Add Beans, Broth, and Ham Hock
Now, stir in the soaked black-eyed peas followed by five cups of low-sodium chicken broth. Nestle in the whole ham hock, then season with kosher salt, pepper, and a pinch of cayenne for a gentle warmth. Bring the mixture to a lively boil, then lower the heat, cover the pot, and let everything simmer for 30 minutes. During this time, the peas absorb the smoky flavors and become beautifully tender.
Step 4: Adjust Consistency and Seasonings
After the initial simmer, check your pot’s liquid level. If it feels too soupy, remove the lid and cook for another 15 minutes to concentrate flavors and thicken the broth. If it’s thicker than you’d like, splash in a little more broth to loosen it up. Stir in two tablespoons of white vinegar to add brightness and balance. Taste and customize your seasoning by adding more salt, pepper, or cayenne as you prefer.
Step 5: Serve Over Rice
The finishing touch is to ladle the Hoppin’ John mixture over fluffy white or brown rice. Make sure to get a good amount of the savory cooking liquid poured over the top since that’s where much of the flavor lives. For a different texture, you can also gently fold the peas and broth into the rice before serving.
How to Serve Hoppin’ John Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley or green onions adds a lovely pop of color and a fresh contrast to the deep, smoky flavors in the Hoppin’ John Recipe. For a bit of zing, consider a dash of hot sauce or extra cayenne pepper, especially if you enjoy some heat with your soul food classics.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs beautifully with cornbread, which is perfect for soaking up every last drop of that luscious broth. Collard greens or sautéed kale serve as hearty greens that harmonize well with the earthy peas and smoky ham hock. You could also serve it alongside a simple tomato salad or roasted vegetables for a balanced meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, try serving Hoppin’ John in bell pepper halves as edible bowls, adding a vibrant presentation that excites the senses. You can also spoon the peas over baked sweet potatoes for a sweet and savory combo. Or mix in some shredded cheese and bake it briefly for a hearty, casserole-style dish everyone will love.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Hoppin’ John stores wonderfully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. The flavors actually deepen after resting, making your next meal even more delicious. Just be sure to cool it down before refrigerating.
Freezing
This recipe freezes well if you want to make a big batch ahead of time. Portion it into freezer-safe containers, leaving a little space for expansion, and freeze for up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator for best results.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally to heat evenly and prevent sticking. If the dish has thickened too much, add a splash of broth or water to restore the ideal consistency. Microwave reheating is fine too—just cover and heat in short bursts, stirring in between.
FAQs
Can I use canned black-eyed peas instead of dried?
Yes, canned black-eyed peas work well if you’re short on time. Just drain and rinse them before adding to the pot. Use diced ham instead of a ham hock since the canned peas cook quickly and won’t need as much simmering or broth.
Is Hoppin’ John spicy?
Traditionally, Hoppin’ John has a mild warmth from cayenne pepper and seasonings, but you can easily adjust the heat level to your liking—from mild to spicy—by varying the amount of cayenne or adding hot sauce at serving.
What’s the purpose of the vinegar in this recipe?
White vinegar brightens the flavors and balances the richness of the ham and butter. It adds a subtle tang that lifts the entire dish, making it taste fresh and vibrant.
Can I make a vegetarian version of Hoppin’ John?
Absolutely! Simply omit the ham hock and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. You can add smoked paprika or liquid smoke for that smoky, savory depth that the ham would typically provide.
Is Hoppin’ John traditionally served on New Year’s Day?
Yes, it is a beloved Southern tradition to eat Hoppin’ John on New Year’s Day for good luck and prosperity throughout the year. The black-eyed peas symbolize coins, and the greens often served with it represent money, making this dish a tasty way to welcome a fresh start.
Final Thoughts
Making the Hoppin’ John Recipe is more than just preparing a meal—it’s experiencing a slice of Southern hospitality and tradition in every bite. With its hearty ingredients, soulful flavors, and comforting warmth, this dish invites you to slow down and savor something truly special. I hope you give it a try soon and find it as delightful as I do!
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Hoppin’ John Recipe
- Total Time: 7 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 10 servings
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Hoppin’ John is a traditional Southern dish featuring tender black-eyed peas simmered with ham hock and aromatic vegetables, served over rice for a comforting, hearty meal. This version combines flavors from sautéed onion, garlic, bell pepper, and celery with slow-cooked black-eyed peas in a savory broth, finished with a splash of vinegar to brighten the dish. Perfect for a soulful lunch or dinner and typically enjoyed especially on New Year’s Day for good luck.
Ingredients
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 1 large onion, diced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 2 stalks celery, diced
Legumes
- 1 lb. dried black-eyed peas
Broth and Meat
- 5 cups low-sodium chicken broth, plus more as needed
- 1 whole ham hock
- 4 tbsp. butter
Seasonings
- Kosher salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Cayenne pepper, to taste
- 2 tbsp. white vinegar
For Serving
- White or brown rice
Instructions
- Soak the black-eyed peas: Place the dried black-eyed peas in a large bowl and cover with cool water. Let them soak for at least 6 hours to soften. After soaking, drain and rinse the peas thoroughly.
- Sauté the aromatics: In a large pot, melt the butter over medium-high heat. Add the diced onion, minced garlic, green bell pepper, and celery. Stir and cook for 3 to 4 minutes until the vegetables are softened and fragrant.
- Add beans and broth: Stir in the soaked black-eyed peas. Pour in the chicken broth and add the whole ham hock. Season with kosher salt, freshly ground black pepper, and cayenne pepper to taste. Bring the mixture to a boil.
- Simmer with lid on: Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and cover the pot. Let it simmer gently for 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld and the peas to begin cooking through.
- Adjust liquid and continue cooking: After 30 minutes, check the consistency. If too soupy, cook uncovered for another 15 minutes to reduce liquid. If too thick, add a little more broth to loosen the mixture. Stir in the white vinegar, then taste and adjust seasonings as needed.
- Serve over rice: Spoon the Hoppin’ John over cooked white or brown rice, ensuring to include plenty of the savory cooking liquid. Optionally, mix the beans with the rice before serving.
- Optional variations: Feel free to add red bell pepper, canned diced tomatoes, diced jalapeños, diced ham (instead of ham hock), or sliced bacon (instead of ham hock) for different flavor profiles. For extra greens, stir in torn kale during the final 5 minutes of cooking. When using canned black-eyed peas, reduce broth slightly and use diced ham instead of a ham hock as peas require less cooking time.
Notes
- Soaking the dried peas significantly reduces cooking time and improves texture.
- Ham hock provides rich smoky flavor but can be substituted with diced ham or bacon for convenience.
- Adding vinegar at the end balances the earthy flavors and brightens the dish.
- Adjust cayenne pepper for desired spice level or omit for mild taste.
- Leftovers taste great and can be refrigerated for up to 4 days or frozen for longer storage.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes plus 6 hours soaking time
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Category: Stew
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Southern American
