Classic Hoppin' John

Alright, let's dive into some proper southern comfort food! ever wondered how to kick off the new year with a bit of luck? this hoppin john recipe is your answer.

I'm talking about savory black-eyed peas, smoky goodness, and a tradition that's been passed down for generations.

What's the Buzz About Hoppin' John?

This hoppin john recipe , ain't just food; it's a piece of history! originating in the southern united states, hoppin' john has deep cultural roots.

It's usually served on new year's day to bring good luck and prosperity. this particular recipe is dead easy to make.

It needs around 2 to 3 hours, and it gives you about 6 to 8 servings. perfect for a family get-together or a casual fall pot luck recipes .

Classic Hoppin' John Recipe Card

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Preparation time:25 Mins

Cooking time:02 Hrs 30 Mins

Servings:6-8 servings

Ingredients:

• 1 pound (450g) dried black-eyed peas, rinsed
• 8 cups (1.9 liters) water or chicken broth
• 1 large onion, chopped (approx. 1 cup or 150g)
• 2 carrots, chopped (approx. ½ cup or 75g)
• 2 celery stalks, chopped (approx. ½ cup or 75g)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 smoked ham hock (approx. 1 pound/450g) or 6 oz (170g) smoked bacon, diced
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for a bit of kick)
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
• 2 cups (400g) long-grain rice, rinsed
• 4 cups (950ml) water or chicken broth
• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter (14g)
• Salt to taste

Instructions:

• Soak beans in water for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight. Drain and rinse. (This reduces cooking time and gas.) If opting for the quick soak method, bring beans to a boil for 2 minutes, then remove from heat and let sit covered for 1 hour. Drain and rinse.
• In a large pot or Dutch oven, sauté onion, carrots, and celery in a bit of oil (if not using bacon) until softened. Add garlic and cook until fragrant.
• Add the drained black-eyed peas, water (or broth), ham hock (or bacon), thyme, oregano, and cayenne pepper (if using) to the pot.
• Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 2-3 hours, or until the black-eyed peas are tender. Check periodically and add more liquid if needed. (Peas should be very tender but not mushy.) Remember to check the seasoning – a little salt and pepper goes a long way.
• While the black-eyed peas are simmering, cook the rice according to package directions, using water or chicken broth and butter for added flavor. Fluff with a fork when done.
• Once the black-eyed peas are cooked, remove the ham hock from the pot. Let it cool slightly, then shred the meat and return it to the pot. Discard the skin and bone.
• Taste the Hoppin' John and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
• Serve the Hoppin' John hot over a bed of fluffy rice.

Nutrition Facts

Calories:450

Fat:15g

Fiber:17g

Recipe Info

Category:Main Course

Cuisine:Southern

Why You'll Love This Hoppin' John Casserole Recipe (Well, Almost Casserole)

Honestly, the best thing is how healthy it is! black-eyed peas are packed with fiber and protein. it's a comforting dish for any occasion.

The combination of smoky pork, hearty peas, and fluffy rice makes it a soul-satisfying meal. it is also very similar to hoppin john soup with sausage .

It's like a warm hug in a bowl, innit?

Now, let's gather our bits and bobs:

• One pound of dried black-eyed peas, rinsed.
• Eight cups of water or chicken broth.
• One large onion, chopped.
• Two carrots, chopped.
• Two celery stalks, chopped.
• Two cloves of garlic, minced.
• One smoked ham hock (or bacon, if you're feeling cheeky).
• Spices like thyme, oregano, cayenne pepper (for a kick!), salt, and pepper.
• Plus, two cups of long-grain rice.
• Butter for the rice.

Unlock Good Fortune with Crockpot Hoppin John Recipe

For those who prefer set-it-and-forget-it cooking, a crock pot hoppin john recipe is the way to go! just chuck everything in, give it a good stir, and let it simmer away while you get on with your day.

This method really lets the flavors meld together beautifully. the joy of southern crockpot meals is real.

Tips for the Best Hoppin Johns

Don't skimp on the smoky element – that ham hock is the secret weapon! also, season generously; black-eyed peas love a good bit of flavor.

Oh, and if you're short on time, a quick soak of the beans can do wonders. but i always prefer a good crock pot hoppin john recipe !

Variations on the Theme

Feeling adventurous? try adding some shrimp for a coastal twist or a bit of jalapeño for extra heat. for a veggie version, ditch the pork and add a splash of liquid smoke – sorted! if you want a hoppin jack recipe , just mix some rice, black eyed peas, and eggs and fry them in a pan.

Right, let's dive into the good stuff: what you need to make a bangin' Hoppin John recipe . Honestly, it's simpler than you think. We're talkin' soul food here, not rocket science.

Ingredients & Equipment: Your Hoppin' John Arsenal

Main Ingredients: Get Your Southern Groove On

Alright, listen up. For the best Hoppin Johns , you need the right gear. We're aiming for about 6-8 servings, perfect for a family dinner or a fall pot luck .

• Black-Eyed Peas: 1 pound (450g) dried black-eyed peas. Don't even THINK about canned. Dried is where it's at. Look for peas that are uniform in color and size, with no signs of damage.
• Water or Chicken Broth: 8 cups (1.9 liters) . Broth adds extra flavour.
• Onion: 1 large (approx. 1 cup or 150g) , chopped. Yellow or white, doesn't matter too much.
• Carrots: 2 (approx. ½ cup or 75g) , chopped. Adds a touch of sweetness.
• Celery: 2 stalks (approx. ½ cup or 75g) , chopped. Essential for that savory base.
• Garlic: 2 cloves , minced. More if you're feeling sassy.
• Smoked Ham Hock or Smoked Bacon: 1 ham hock (approx. 1 pound/450g) or 6 oz (170g) diced bacon. The ham hock is traditional, but bacon works in a pinch.
• Dried Thyme: 1 teaspoon .
• Dried Oregano: ½ teaspoon .
• Cayenne Pepper: ¼ teaspoon (optional). For a little kick!
• Rice: 2 cups (400g) long-grain rice. Rinse it first!
• Water or Chicken Broth (for rice): 4 cups (950ml) .
• Butter: 1 tablespoon (14g) unsalted. For that extra richness in the rice.

Seasoning Notes: Spice Up Your Life

This is where the magic happens. It's all about creating depth of flavor. These Southern Crockpot Meals need that extra oomph .

• Essential Spice Combo: Thyme and oregano are key. They bring that earthy, savory vibe.
• Flavor Enhancers: Don't be afraid to throw in a bay leaf while simmering. Remember to remove it before serving. Also a dash of Worcestershire sauce can elevate the flavors too.
• Quick Subs: No thyme or oregano? Italian seasoning works.

Equipment Needed: Keep It Simple, Stupid

You don't need fancy gear for this Hoppin John Casserole Recipe . Let's keep it real.

• Large Pot or Dutch Oven: Essential for simmering the Hoppin Johns . If you're thinking of a Crockpot Hoppin John Recipe , a slow cooker is your best mate.
• Medium Saucepan: For cooking the rice.
• Cutting Board & Knife: Obvious, innit?

Household Hacks: Don't have a fancy Dutch oven? A large, heavy-bottomed pot will do just fine. As for measuring spoons, you can use regular cutlery. Just eyeball it!

And there you have it! with these ingredients and your trusty equipment, you're well on your way to creating a crock pot hoppin john recipe or a classic hoppin jack recipe that'll bring some serious southern charm to your table.

This hoppin john soup with sausage adaptation is a delicious variation. trust me; it's a game-changer.

Honestly, this hoppin john recipe is fool proof, and you can't mess it up. Now go on, get cooking!

Lucky Black-Eyed Peas: My Classic Hoppin' John Recipe

Honestly, there's nothing quite like a bowl of hoppin' john to bring in the new year or just for a bit of comfort food.

My granny always said it brings good luck. i don't know about luck, but it sure brings some deliciousness! this isn’t some fancy pants recipe.

It's pure southern comfort. this is more than just a dish; it's a tradition.

Prep Like a Pro: Your Mise en Place is Key

First things first, let's get organised. chop 1 large onion , 2 carrots , and 2 celery stalks . mince 2 cloves of garlic .

Rinse 1 pound of black-eyed peas . if you're using a ham hock , give it a rinse too. seriously, prepping everything first makes life so much easier.

Safety first, too! keep your knives sharp and your fingers out of the way.

Want to be super efficient? Chop the veggies the day before!

Let's Get Cooking: Step-by-Step Hoppin' Goodness

Here's how we turn those humble ingredients into a bowl of joy:

1. Soak those Peas (Optional): Soak the rinsed black-eyed peas in water for at least 4 hours or, better yet, overnight. Drain and rinse them again. This cuts down cooking time, you know?
2. Sauté the Goodness: In a big pot, sauté the chopped onion, carrots, and celery. Cook 'em until they soften up a bit. Add the minced garlic and cook until you can smell that deliciousness (about 1 minute ).
3. Combine the Magic: Add the drained black-eyed peas, 8 cups of water (or chicken broth for extra flavour), the ham hock , 1 teaspoon dried thyme, ½ teaspoon dried oregano, and a pinch of cayenne pepper if you want a little kick.
4. Simmer Time: Bring the mixture to a boil, then turn down the heat. Cover the pot and let it simmer for 2- 3 hours , or until those black-eyed peas are nice and tender. Keep an eye on it and add more liquid if needed.
5. Cook the Rice: While the peas are simmering, cook 2 cups of long-grain rice. Follow the package directions, using 4 cups of water or chicken broth. Add 1 tablespoon of butter for extra flavor.
6. Shred the Hock: Take out the ham hock . Let it cool a little, then shred the meat. Toss the shredded meat back into the pot. Ditch the skin and bone, yeah?
7. Taste and Season: Give your Hoppin Johns a taste. Add salt and pepper until it's just right.
8. Serve it Up!: Serve the Hoppin Johns hot over a bed of fluffy rice.

Pro Tips for the Perfect Pot

• Don't Rush It: Slow cooking is key! The longer it simmers, the better the flavor.
• Ham Hock Power: That ham hock is what gives it that signature smoky flavour. Don't skimp!
• Make-Ahead Magic: This is a great dish to make ahead. The Hoppin Johns actually taste better the next day! Just store it in the fridge and reheat. If you're looking for Fall Pot Luck Recipes , this is a winner.

Honestly, this hoppin john recipe is foolproof. you can even try a crockpot hoppin john recipe or make a hoppin john casserole recipe if you're feeling adventurous.

I've even made a hoppin john soup with sausage once when i was short on rice. however, the key is the black-eyed peas and the smoky pork.

So there you have it! my hoppin' john recipe. it's simple, delicious, and full of good vibes. give it a try and let me know what you think.

And if you're looking for more southern crockpot meals , keep an eye out. you might even invent your hoppin jack recipe .

Happy cooking, y'all!

Alright, let's dive into some essential recipe notes for my lucky black-eyed peas, or as some folks call it, the hoppin john recipe .

Trust me, these little nuggets of wisdom will take your dish from good to oh my gosh, this is amazing! seriously though, these tips are gold .

Recipe Notes

Serving It Up Right!

Okay, so you've got this gorgeous pot of hoppin johns . how do you make it look as good as it tastes? for plating and presentation, i'm all about keeping it simple.

A nice scoop of hoppin john casserole recipe over a bed of fluffy rice is classic. a sprig of parsley? yes, please! feeling fancy? maybe a drizzle of hot sauce.

Complementary sides? now we're talking! honestly, nothing beats collard greens with this. cornbread is another winner. and for drinks? sweet tea, of course! it's a southern tradition, you know? some people like a nice light beer too.

It's your call, innit?

Storage Savvy

Right, let's talk storage. no one wants to waste delicious crockpot hoppin john . if you have leftovers, refrigerate them in an airtight container.

They’ll be good for about 3-4 days. just make sure they cool down properly before you pop them in the fridge.

Freezing? Absolutely! The Hoppin John recipe freezes beautifully. Portion it out, chuck it in freezer-safe bags or containers, and you're golden for up to 3 months.

Reheating is a breeze. Microwave it, or gently heat it on the stovetop. You might need to add a splash of water if it's looking a bit dry.

Remix Time!

Want to shake things up? Let's talk variations!

• Veggie Power: For a vegetarian take, lose the ham hock. Use vegetable broth and add a dash of liquid smoke. You won't miss the meat, promise.
• Seasonal Swaps: In the fall, butternut squash would be amazing. You know? Add it with the other veggies for a sweet twist. These Fall Pot Luck Recipes work great.

Knowledge is Power!

Alright, so this hoppin john recipe is more than just tasty; it’s actually pretty good for you! black-eyed peas are packed with fiber and protein.

They're good for your heart. plus, all those veggies add vitamins and antioxidants. it's a win-win, really.

Hoppin' Conclusion

So there you have it! my tried-and-true notes for the perfect hoppin john recipe . you know, i have so many memories of making this with my grandma, and honestly, it always makes me feel closer to home.

Don't be afraid to experiment and make it your own. now, go forth and make some magic in the kitchen! enjoy! this is also a perfect southern crockpot meals that you should try right now.

The crock pot hoppin john recipe is so easy and quick to prepare. if you're in a rush, you can also prepare the hoppin john soup with sausage

(Disclaimer: Nutrition information is approximate and can vary.)