If you're in the mood for something comforting and flavorful, Hoppin' John is where it's at! With its roots in Southern cooking, this dish is packed with black-eyed peas, rice, and all sorts of deliciousness. Whether you like it classic, spicy, or even vegetarian, there's a version that'll tickle your taste buds. Ready to spice up your next meal? Let's plunge into the five best Hoppin' John recipes that'll have everyone coming back for seconds!
Traditional Hoppin' John Recipe
Hoppin' John is a traditional Southern dish that's often served on New Year's Day to bring good luck and prosperity for the year ahead. This hearty meal consists of black-eyed peas, rice, and flavorful seasonings, often accompanied by pork. It isn't only delicious but also a great way to celebrate Southern culture and cuisine. Follow this recipe to create an authentic Hoppin' John that will surely impress your family and friends.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup dried black-eyed peas
- 4 cups water
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 1 green bell pepper, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 smoked ham hock or 1 cup diced smoked sausage
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
- 2 cups long-grain white rice
- 2 cups chicken broth
- Chopped green onions for garnish
Instructions:
Begin by rinsing the dried black-eyed peas and soaking them in water for at least 4 hours or overnight.
In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat, then add the chopped onion, green bell pepper, and minced garlic, sautéing until the vegetables are tender.
Add the soaked black-eyed peas, ham hock or sausage, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper to the pot. Pour in 4 cups of fresh water and bring the mixture to a boil.
Once boiling, reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 30 minutes. After that, stir in the rice and chicken broth, cover the pot, and cook for an additional 20-25 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed.
Remove the ham hock, shred any meat, and return it to the pot before serving.
Extra Tips:
For a richer flavor, consider using homemade chicken broth instead of store-bought.
If you're a fan of spice, feel free to adjust the cayenne pepper to your liking or add a dash of hot sauce before serving.
Hoppin' John is often better the next day as the flavors meld, so consider making it a day ahead for a delicious and convenient meal.
Additionally, serve it with cornbread and collard greens for a truly Southern feast!
Vegetarian Hoppin' John
Vegetarian Hoppin' John is a delightful twist on the traditional Southern dish, offering a hearty and flavorful meal while keeping it meat-free. This comforting dish consists of black-eyed peas, rice, and a medley of vegetables, seasoned with aromatic spices.
It's perfect for a cozy dinner or as a side dish for a festive gathering, often enjoyed on New Year's Day for good luck. With its rich flavors and filling ingredients, this vegetarian version is sure to satisfy both vegetarians and meat-lovers alike.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup dried black-eyed peas (or 2 cups canned, rinsed and drained)
- 1 cup brown or white rice
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 bell pepper, diced (any color)
- 1 cup diced tomatoes (canned or fresh)
- 2 cups vegetable broth
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon thyme
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 green onions, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions:
Begin by soaking the dried black-eyed peas in water overnight if using dried; otherwise, rinse the canned peas.
In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat and sauté the diced onion, bell pepper, and garlic until softened. Add the smoked paprika, thyme, and cumin, stirring to coat the vegetables.
Next, add the soaked black-eyed peas, rice, diced tomatoes, and vegetable broth. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for about 25-30 minutes or until the rice is cooked and the peas are tender. If using canned peas, reduce the cooking time to about 15 minutes.
Season with salt and pepper to taste, and garnish with chopped green onions before serving.
Extra Tips:
For added flavor, consider incorporating other vegetables like carrots or celery, and feel free to adjust the spices according to your taste preferences.
If you prefer a bit of heat, adding a diced jalapeño or a sprinkle of cayenne pepper can give your dish a nice kick. Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to three days and make for a delicious lunch option.
For a heartier meal, serve it with a side of cornbread or a fresh green salad.
Spicy Hoppin' John With Andouille Sausage
Spicy Hoppin' John with Andouille Sausage is a flavorful twist on the classic Southern dish that combines black-eyed peas, rice, and a kick of spice from Andouille sausage. This hearty meal is perfect for a cozy dinner or a festive gathering, bringing warmth and comfort to your table.
The combination of smoky sausage and aromatic vegetables creates a deliciously satisfying dish that pairs wonderfully with cornbread or a fresh green salad.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup dried black-eyed peas
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 pound Andouille sausage, sliced
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 2 cups long-grain rice
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Chopped green onions for garnish
Instructions:
Begin by soaking the black-eyed peas in water overnight, then drain and rinse them before cooking.
In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat and add the sliced Andouille sausage, cooking until browned.
Add the diced onion, bell pepper, and garlic to the pot, sautéing until the vegetables are tender.
Stir in the cayenne pepper and smoked paprika, followed by the chicken broth and soaked black-eyed peas.
Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for about 30 minutes.
Add the rice, cover the pot, and cook for an additional 20 minutes or until the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed.
Season with salt and pepper to taste and garnish with chopped green onions before serving.
Extra Tips:
For added depth of flavor, consider using homemade chicken broth or adding a bay leaf during the cooking process.
If you prefer a milder dish, reduce the amount of cayenne pepper or substitute it with a less spicy seasoning.
Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for a few days and can be easily reheated for a quick meal.
This dish also freezes well, making it a convenient option for meal prep.
Serve with hot sauce for those who enjoy an extra punch of heat!
Hoppin' John With Collard Greens
Hoppin' John with collard greens is a classic Southern dish that combines the hearty flavors of black-eyed peas, rice, and savory greens to create a meal that's not only delicious but also steeped in tradition. Often enjoyed on New Year's Day for good luck, this dish is packed with nutrients and is a comforting staple for any time of the year.
The earthy taste of the collard greens complements the richness of the Hoppin' John, making it a perfect combination for any family gathering or cozy dinner.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup dried black-eyed peas
- 4 cups water
- 1 cup long-grain rice
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup diced ham or bacon
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
- 1 bunch collard greens, washed and chopped
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar (optional)
Cooking Instructions:
Begin by rinsing the black-eyed peas and placing them in a pot with 4 cups of water. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer and cook for about 30 minutes or until tender.
In a separate pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat and sauté the onion, garlic, and diced ham or bacon until the onions are translucent. Add the cooked black-eyed peas (drained), rice, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper to the onion mixture, then stir in 2 cups of water. Bring to a boil, cover, and reduce to low heat, cooking for about 20 minutes or until the rice is tender.
Meanwhile, in another pot, sauté the collard greens in a little olive oil until they're wilted and tender. Finish with a splash of apple cider vinegar if desired, and serve the Hoppin' John alongside the collard greens.
Extra Tips:
For a deeper flavor, consider soaking the black-eyed peas overnight before cooking. This not only reduces cooking time but also improves the general texture.
If you want to make the dish vegetarian, simply omit the ham or bacon and replace it with vegetable broth. Experiment with spices by adding smoked paprika or thyme for an added depth of flavor.
Finally, leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to three days and taste even better the next day, as the flavors meld together beautifully!
One-Pot Hoppin' John Casserole
One-Pot Hoppin' John Casserole is a hearty and flavorful dish that combines the traditional Southern flavors of black-eyed peas, rice, and smoked sausage, all cooked together in a single pot for easy preparation and cleanup.
This comforting casserole is perfect for New Year's Day to bring good luck, but it can be enjoyed any time of the year. With a blend of spices and savory ingredients, this dish is sure to warm your heart and satisfy your hunger.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup dried black-eyed peas, rinsed and soaked overnight
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 bell pepper, diced
- 1 cup smoked sausage, sliced
- 1 cup long-grain white rice
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon thyme
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 green onions, chopped (for garnish)
Cooking Instructions:
In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion, garlic, and bell pepper, and sauté until softened, about 5 minutes.
Stir in the sliced smoked sausage and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes. Next, add the soaked black-eyed peas, rice, chicken broth, thyme, paprika, salt, and pepper.
Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 30-35 minutes, or until the rice and peas are tender and the liquid is absorbed.
Remove from heat and let it sit, covered, for 5 minutes before serving.
Extra Tips:
For added depth of flavor, consider substituting the smoked sausage with diced ham or bacon.
You can also toss in some chopped greens like collard greens or spinach for extra nutrition. If you prefer a spicier kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or diced jalapeños to the mix.
This dish can be easily doubled for larger gatherings, and leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for up to a month.
Enjoy your One-Pot Hoppin' John Casserole with cornbread or a side salad for a complete meal!