AUTHENTIC SOUTHERN HOPPIN’ JOHN RECIPE
Authentic Southern Hoppin’ John is a classic dish of black-eyed peas, rice, and smoky pork. It’s a traditional New Year’s meal believed to bring luck and prosperity, full of comforting, hearty Southern flavors.
Ingredients
- 1 cup dried black-eyed peas rinsed and sorted
- 4 cups water or chicken broth
- 1 cup long-grain white rice
- 4 oz smoked ham hock or diced ham
- 1 small onion chopped
- 1 celery stalk chopped
- 1 green bell pepper chopped
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil or bacon fat
- 2 green onions sliced (for garnish)
- Hot sauce optional, for serving
Instructions
Cook Peas:
- In a large pot, combine black-eyed peas, water or broth, and ham hock. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for about 45 minutes until peas are tender.
Prepare Vegetables:
- In a skillet, heat oil or bacon fat over medium heat. Add onion, celery, bell pepper, and garlic. Sauté until soft, about 5 minutes.
Add Rice and Spices:
- Add rice, salt, pepper, and smoked paprika to the skillet. Stir to coat the rice with vegetables and spices.
Combine and Cook:
- Remove ham hock from peas, shred the meat, and return to pot. Stir in sautéed rice mixture. Cover and cook on low for 20 minutes or until rice is tender and liquid absorbed.
Serve:
- Garnish with sliced green onions and serve with hot sauce if desired.
Notes
- Make Ahead: Prepare black-eyed peas a day ahead to save time.
- Customizing the Flavour: Add hot sauce or diced jalapeños for extra heat.
- Serving Suggestions: Serve with collard greens, cornbread, or pickled vegetables.
- Allergy-Friendly Options: Use vegetable broth and omit ham for vegetarian version.
- Storage Tips: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days in the fridge.