Hoppin John

chefs-mate chefs-mate 0 Comments
Servings: 4 quarts Difficulty: Advanced
Jump To Recipe Print Recipe
Classic Southern Black-Eyed Peas and Rice with Bacon
Hoppin John recipe image

Hoppin John is a beloved Southern comfort food traditionally served on New Year’s Day for good luck. This hearty dish combines tender black-eyed peas with fluffy white rice, simmered in a savory broth infused with smoky bacon, garlic, thyme, and bay leaf. The richness of the pork is balanced by the brightness of fresh tomato cubes and crisp scallions, while a dusting of sharp cheddar adds a creamy, salty finish. It is a satisfying, protein-packed meal that brings warmth and tradition to the table. Perfect for holiday gatherings or cozy weeknight dinners, this recipe captures the essence of home-style cooking with robust flavors and textures that everyone will love.

Hoppin John recipe image
Print Recipe

Hoppin John

Author: chefs-mate Cooking Method: , Cuisine: Courses:
Difficulty: Advanced
Servings: 4 quarts Calories: 450

Description

Hoppin John is a beloved Southern comfort food traditionally served on New Year's Day for good luck. This hearty dish combines tender black-eyed peas with fluffy white rice, simmered in a savory broth infused with smoky bacon, garlic, thyme, and bay leaf. The richness of the pork is balanced by the brightness of fresh tomato cubes and crisp scallions, while a dusting of sharp cheddar adds a creamy, salty finish. It is a satisfying, protein-packed meal that brings warmth and tradition to the table. Perfect for holiday gatherings or cozy weeknight dinners, this recipe captures the essence of home-style cooking with robust flavors and textures that everyone will love.

Directions

  1. Place the chopped bacon in a large saucepan over medium heat. Cook, stirring often, until crisp and the fat has rendered.
  2. Add the diced carrots and chopped celery to the bacon fat. Cook, stirring frequently, for about one minute until slightly softened.
  3. Add the black-eyed peas, minced garlic, thyme sprigs, bay leaf, salt, and red pepper flakes to the pot.
  4. Pour in approximately 1 1/4 quarts of water, or enough to barely cover the peas. Bring the mixture to a boil.
  5. Reduce heat to low, cover, and let simmer for 30-40 minutes, or until the peas are tender but not mushy. Remove from heat and discard thyme sprigs and bay leaf.
  6. While the peas are simmering, place the rice in a separate saucepan with 1 1/2 cups of water and a pinch of salt. Bring to a boil.
  7. Reduce heat to low, cover, and let the rice cook for 17 minutes, or until tender and water is absorbed.
  8. Stir the butter into the cooked rice until melted and fluffy.
  9. Arrange the hot rice in the center of a large serving platter.
  10. Spoon the hot pea mixture, including some of the liquid, over and around the rice.
  11. Scatter the grated sharp cheddar cheese over the peas.
  12. Place the raw tomato cubes around the rice.
  13. Sprinkle the finely chopped scallions over the tomatoes and peas. Serve immediately.

Nutrition Facts

Servings 4 quarts

Amount Per Serving
Calories 450kcal
% Daily Value *
Total Fat 18g28%
Saturated Fat 7g35%
Cholesterol 35mg12%
Sodium 650mg28%
Total Carbohydrate 60g20%
Dietary Fiber 10g40%
Sugars 4g
Protein 18g36%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Keywords: hoppin john, black-eyed peas, rice, bacon, southern, new year's day, comfort food, garlic, thyme, tomato, scallions, cheddar, simmered, hearty, tradition, protein
Recipe Card powered by WP Delicious