Traditional Hopping John

This Traditional Hopping John is a beloved Southern staple that combines tender black-eyed peas with fluffy white rice and savory bacon. The dish delivers a perfect balance of smoky richness from the pork and the earthy sweetness of the peas, brightened by diced onions and bell peppers. It is a comforting, one-pot meal that requires minimal effort but yields maximum flavor. Traditionally served on New Year's Day to symbolize prosperity and good luck, this recipe brings a touch of cultural heritage to your table. Whether enjoyed as a main course or a hearty side, its warm, aromatic profile makes it an ideal choice for holiday gatherings or cozy weeknight dinners.

Cooking Method: Baking, Stewing

Cuisine: Global

Courses: Side Dishes

Difficulty: Intermediate

Servings: 10

Calories: 652.0

Dietary: Gluten-free

Description

This Traditional Hopping John is a beloved Southern staple that combines tender black-eyed peas with fluffy white rice and savory bacon. The dish delivers a perfect balance of smoky richness from the pork and the earthy sweetness of the peas, brightened by diced onions and bell peppers. It is a comforting, one-pot meal that requires minimal effort but yields maximum flavor. Traditionally served on New Year's Day to symbolize prosperity and good luck, this recipe brings a touch of cultural heritage to your table. Whether enjoyed as a main course or a hearty side, its warm, aromatic profile makes it an ideal choice for holiday gatherings or cozy weeknight dinners.

Ingredients

4 Bacon Strips
1/4 cup Onion, diced
1/2 Bell Pepper, diced
1/2 Red Bell pepper, diced
2 cup FRESH Blackeyed peas

Directions

1
Dice the bacon strips into small pieces.
2
In a Dutch oven, cook the diced bacon with the diced onion and bell peppers over medium heat.
3
Continue cooking until the bacon is crisp and the vegetables are soft.
4
Add the black-eyed peas and uncooked white rice to the pot.
5
Pour in 2 cups of water.
6
Cover the pot and simmer over very low heat for about 20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and liquid is absorbed.
7
Season with salt and pepper to taste.
8
Add a dash of Louisiana Hot Sauce if desired for extra kick.

Nutrition Facts

Servings 10

Amount Per Serving
Calories 652.0kcal

% Daily Value *
Total Fat 42.6g66%
Saturated Fat 14.0g70%
Cholesterol 46.0mg16%
Sodium 1724.6mg72%
Total Carbohydrate 21.3g8%
Dietary Fiber 7.7g31%
Sugars 9.0g
Protein 43.9g88%

* 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: black-eyed peas, hopping john, southern food, new years day, bacon, rice, comfort food, good luck, traditional, one pot meal, vegetables, onion, bell pepper, simmered, hearty, classic recipe, holiday dish, home cooking, protein, legumes

Read it online: https://www.chefs-mate.com/recipe/traditional-hopping-john/