Lucky New Years Hoppin John

Lucky New Year's Hoppin' John: A Southern Comfort Staple

Ever wonder what to eat for good luck? Well, This Hoppin John Recipe Satisfies that craving and tradition! It's more than just food; it's a wish for a prosperous year.

What's the Buzz About Hoppin John Anyway?

Originating in the Southern USA, Hoppin John is traditionally eaten on New Year's Day. The black eye peas symbolize coins, bringing wealth and prosperity.

It's a heartwarming tradition. This dish is easy and only takes about an hour and ten minutes to make, yielding 6-8 servings.

Why You'll Love This Black Eyed Peas and Rice Recipe

It's packed with protein and fiber, making it a healthy and filling meal. Think of it as good karma on a plate! It's the perfect centerpiece for a Southern New Year's dinner .

This isn’t just any dish; it’s an edible good luck charm.

Time to Start Hoppin' ! Ingredients You'll Need

Here's what you'll need to whip up this fantastic Southern Dishes : olive oil, onion, celery, bell pepper, garlic, thyme, oregano, red pepper flakes, chicken broth, black eyed peas , bay leaf, salt, pepper, ham, and rice.

Oh my gosh, it sounds delicious already, doesn't it? Don't forget your garnishes!

Super Easy Preparation Steps

First, sauté your aromatics. Then, add the peas and broth. Next, simmer those little guys until they're tender. Finally, stir in the ham and rice.

Let it all cook together. Remember , taste as you go!

Ingredients & Equipment

Alright, let's talk about what you need to whip up some Hoppin John . Don't worry, it's not rocket science! This Easy Hoppin' John recipe only needs a few simple things.

Main Ingredients Breakdown for this Hoppin John Recipe

• Olive Oil: 2 tablespoons (30 ml) . Any decent olive oil will do the trick.
• Yellow Onion: 1 medium, chopped (about 1 cup or 150g). Go for a firm one, no squishy onions allowed!
• Celery: 2 stalks, chopped (about 1 cup or 120g). Nice and crisp is what you're after.
• Green Bell Pepper: 1, chopped (about 1 cup or 150g). Avoid any with bruises
• Garlic: 2 cloves, minced . Fresh is always best.
• Dried Thyme: 1 teaspoon .
• Dried Oregano: 1/2 teaspoon .
• Red Pepper Flakes: 1/4 teaspoon (or more to taste).
• Chicken Broth: 6 cups (1.4 liters) . Use good quality stuff, it makes all the difference. Honestly, the flavour really shines through!
• Black Eyed Peas: 1 pound dried, rinsed (450g). Make sure they're clean and not all broken.
• Bay Leaf: 1 .
• Salt & Pepper: To taste.
• Cooked Ham: 1 pound diced (450g). A smoked ham hock is awesome here too!
• Long Grain Rice: 1 1/2 cups rinsed (300g). Don't skip the rinsing!
• Parsley, Green Onions, Hot Sauce: For garnish (optional).

Remember that This Hoppin John Recipe Satisfies and also is a quintessential dish in the Southern New Year's dinner , symbolizing good luck for the coming year.

As part of the New Year's Day food traditions , making it is like sending a message of hope to the future!

Seasoning Shenanigans

Okay, spices! Thyme and oregano are your core Southern dishes flavours. Red pepper flakes add a kick. Can't find those exact spices? No worries, a general Italian herb blend works in a pinch.

A pinch of cayenne pepper will bring this Black eye peas right up.

Equipment - Keep it Simple

• A big pot! A Dutch oven is perfect, but any large, heavy bottomed pot works.
• Chopping board.
• A good knife, if you want to use your hands and not end up calling a chef
• Measuring cups and spoons.
• Spatula or wooden spoon.

That's it! Nothing too fancy needed. Now, let's get cooking this Black eyed peas and rice recipe! .

Lucky New Year's Hoppin' John : A Southern Comfort Staple

Fancy a bit of Southern charm and a whole lotta luck this New Year? Then you absolutely HAVE to try this Hoppin' John recipe .

It’s basically like eating a big, warm hug that also promises you won't be skint next year. Honestly, what's not to love? This Hoppin John Recipe Satisfies your cravings and your hopes for a prosperous year.

This is way more than just a black eyed peas and rice recipe . Think of it as a cornerstone of any proper Southern New Year's dinner .

I'm not kidding, my granny swore by it. She always said Southern dishes like this are what kept her going, bless her cotton socks! And trust me, if it was good enough for her, it's good enough for all of us!

Prep Steps: Getting Your Ducks in a Row

Mise en Place: Essential Prep for Peak Performance

Before you even think about turning on the hob, get everything ready. Chop your veggies: 1 medium yellow onion , 2 celery stalks , and 1 green bell pepper , all about 1 cup each.

Mince those 2 cloves of garlic . Measure out your spices: 1 teaspoon dried thyme , 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano , and 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes .

Rinse 1 pound of dried black eyed peas and 1 1/2 cups of long grain rice until the water runs clear.

Time Saving Organization Tips

Look, nobody wants to spend all day in the kitchen. I always pre-dice my ham ( 1 pound, diced ) the day before.

Boom! Instant time saver. You know? Also, have your 6 cups of chicken broth ready to go no fumbling around when things get heated.

step-by-step Process: Making the Magic Happen

Making the Southern Black Eyed Peas

1. Sauté the good stuff: Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in your pot. Add the onion, celery, and bell pepper. Cook until they get nice and soft.
2. Add the spices: Stir in the garlic, thyme, oregano, and red pepper flakes. Get that fragrant party started!
3. Peas and broth power-up: Toss in the black eyed peas, chicken broth, 1 bay leaf , salt, and pepper. Bring it all to a boil, then simmer on low.
4. Simmer Time: Cover and simmer for 40- 45 minutes , or until those peas are tender. Don't forget to stir every now and then. You'll probably need to add more broth. No biggie! Remove the bay leaf when it's done.
5. Ham and rice are the secret: Stir in the diced ham and rice. Back to a simmer, we go!
6. Cook the Rice: Turn the heat way down, cover, and simmer for 15- 20 minutes , or until the rice is cooked and the liquid is gone.

Pro Tips: Level Up Your Hoppin' John

Expert Techniques

Want to make this even quicker? Soak the black eyed peas overnight. Also, using good quality ham makes a big difference!

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Don’t overcook the rice. Check it every few minutes towards the end. Mushy rice is a crime against lucky food recipes !

Hoppin John Recipe: make-ahead Option

You can totally make the Southern black eyed peas part a day ahead. Just store it in the fridge and add the rice when you're ready to serve.

Easy peasy! This easy Hoppin' John recipe will be your family's favourite!

Recipe Notes: Nailing Your Hoppin John Recipe !

So, you're ready to whip up some Hoppin John , eh? Awesome! Here's the lowdown on making it your own.

I've been making this recipe for yonks, and these tips are gems. They're not just instructions; they're lessons learned in the trenches I mean, kitchen.

Fab Serving Suggestions!

Let's get this show on the road. A generous scoop of Southern Black Eyed Peas on a plate looks rustic, but we can fancify it.

Sprinkle some freshly chopped parsley for colour. A dollop of sour cream or Greek yoghurt adds a cool tang. Think about serving it with a side of crispy cornbread.

Honestly, it's a match made in heaven!

For drinks? Sweet tea is a no-brainer, obviously! But a light beer or even a dry rosé can work wonders. It cuts through the richness perfectly.

Proper Storage Like a Pro

Right, leftover time! Store your Black Eye Peas smart. Once it cools down, pop it in an airtight container. It'll happily chill in the fridge for about 3-4 days.

Fancy freezing? Portion it out before you do, and it will be good for up to 2 months.

Reheating is a doddle. Microwave it. Add a splash of water or broth if it's looking dry. Or, gently heat it on the hob, stirring now and then. Easy peasy!

Swapsies! Variations to Spice Things Up

Want to mix it up a bit? No worries, mate! For a veggie version, ditch the ham and use vegetable broth.

A dash of liquid smoke gives it that smoky flavour. Swapping out long grain rice for quinoa adds protein and fibre.

If you're feeling adventurous, try adding some chorizo for a spicy kick. Seasonally, you can swap the green bell pepper for roasted red peppers in autumn for a sweeter flavour.

Nutrition 101

Okay, let's talk health benefits. This Hoppin John Recipe Satisfies because it is packed with goodness. The black eyed peas are full of fibre and protein.

This recipe is great for digestion and energy. It’s not just New Year's Day food traditions . It's genuinely good for you!

Each serving of this Southern New Year's dinner packs a decent punch of protein, fibre, and complex carbs, thanks to the peas and rice.

This translates to sustained energy and good gut health. Consider it a tasty way to kickstart those resolutions!

Alright, now you're armed with all the insider knowledge you need to create a truly special Easy Hoppin' John recipe .

Don't be afraid to experiment and make it your own. Trust me, it will become a new family favourite. These are Lucky food recipes , after all! Now, get cooking and have a brilliant time.

The Black eyed peas and rice recipe is waiting for you!