There’s something magical about the way a simple bowl of beans and rice can bring people together. And when it comes to Southern comfort food, few dishes are as beloved as Hoppin’ John. This hearty, flavorful meal has been gracing dinner tables for generations, especially on New Year’s Day, when it’s said to bring good luck for the coming year.
Today, I’m excited to share with you this recipe for traditional Southern Hoppin’ John. It’s perfect for a cozy family dinner, serving 4-6 hungry folks. So, let’s roll up our sleeves and get cookin’!
Hoppin’ John Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 pound dried black-eyed peas, soaked overnight
- 6 thick-cut bacon slices, diced
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 1 green bell pepper, chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 3 cups cooked white rice, for serving
- Chopped green onions, for garnish
Instructions
- Prep the peas: Drain and rinse the soaked black-eyed peas. Set aside.
- Cook the bacon: In a large pot or Dutch oven, cook the diced bacon over medium heat until crispy, about 5-7 minutes. Remove half of the bacon with a slotted spoon and set aside for garnish.
- Sauté the vegetables: In the same pot with the remaining bacon and drippings, add the onion, celery, and bell pepper. Cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Add peas and seasonings: Stir in the black-eyed peas, chicken broth, bay leaves, thyme, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer, covered, for about 1 hour or until the peas are tender.
- Finish and serve: Remove the bay leaves. Taste and adjust seasonings if needed. Serve the Hoppin’ John over warm white rice, garnished with the reserved crispy bacon and chopped green onions.
A Bite of Southern History
While the exact origins of Hoppin’ John are debated, it’s believed to have roots in West African and Caribbean cuisine, brought to the American South by enslaved people. The dish has since become a staple of Southern cuisine, especially in the Carolinas.
Serving Suggestions
Traditionally, Hoppin’ John is served with collard greens (representing money) and cornbread (representing gold). The combination is not only delicious but also said to bring prosperity in the coming year. Whether you’re superstitious or not, it’s a mighty fine meal that’ll warm your belly and your soul.
For a complete Southern experience, try serving your Hoppin’ John with a tall glass of sweet tea or a wedge of skillet cornbread on the side. And don’t forget to save some leftovers – they say eating Hoppin’ John on January 2nd (known as “Skippin’ Jenny”) shows frugality and increases your chances of prosperity!
I hope this recipe brings as much joy to your family table as it has to mine over the years. There’s nothing quite like gathering around a steaming pot of Hoppin’ John, sharing stories, and creating memories.
