Hoppin' John
A classic Southern comfort dish made with black-eyed peas, fluffy rice, and smoky bacon. Traditionally served on New Year's Day for good luck and prosperity, this one-pot meal is savory, hearty, and full of flavor any day of the year.
For 4 servings
6 steps. 90 minutes total.
- 1
Cook the black-eyed peas
- a.Place the soaked and drained peas in a large pot with 4 cups of fresh water. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to a simmer. Cook, partially covered, for 60-70 minutes, or until the peas are tender but not mushy. Drain well and set aside.
- 2
While the peas are cooking, prepare the flavor base
- a.In a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot, cook the chopped bacon over medium heat until crisp, about 5-7 minutes. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the bacon to a paper towel-lined plate, leaving about 2 tablespoons of rendered fat in the pot. Discard any excess.
- 3
Sauté the aromatics
- a.Add the chopped onion, bell pepper, and celery (the 'holy trinity') to the bacon fat. Cook, stirring occasionally, until softened, about 6-8 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- 4
Combine ingredients
- a.Add the rinsed rice to the pot and stir for 1 minute to toast it lightly. Pour in the chicken broth. Add the cooked black-eyed peas, dried thyme, bay leaf, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper. Stir everything to combine.
- 5
Simmer the dish
- a.Bring the mixture to a rolling boil, then immediately reduce the heat to the lowest setting. Cover the pot with a tight-fitting lid and let it simmer for 18-20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and has absorbed all the liquid. Do not lift the lid during this time.
- 6
Rest and serve
- a.Remove the pot from the heat and let it stand, covered, for 10 minutes. This allows the rice to steam and finish cooking. Remove the bay leaf, then fluff the rice and peas with a fork. Gently stir in half of the reserved crispy bacon, the sliced scallions, and chopped parsley. Garnish with the remaining bacon before serving.
What to keep in mind.
5 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1For the best texture, soak dried peas overnight. If you're short on time, use the quick-soak method: cover peas with water, bring to a boil for 2 minutes, remove from heat, and let stand for 1 hour.
- 2Don't stir the rice while it simmers. This can release starches and make the final dish gummy. Let it steam undisturbed.
- 3Hoppin' John is traditionally served with collard greens (representing paper money) and cornbread (representing gold) for a prosperous new year.
- 4Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors often meld and taste even better the next day.
- 5To control the sodium, use low-sodium bacon and broth, and adjust the added salt to your preference.
Adapt it for your goals.
Smoky Ham Hock
For a deeper, smokier flavor, omit the bacon and instead simmer a smoked ham hock with the black-eyed peas in step 1. Remove the hock, shred the meat, and stir it into the final dish.
Vegetarian/VeganVegetarian/Vegan
Omit the bacon and use 2 tablespoons of olive oil or a neutral oil to sauté the vegetables. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. Add 1/2 teaspoon of smoked paprika with the other spices to mimic the smoky flavor.
Spicy KickSpicy Kick
Add one finely diced jalapeño or serrano pepper along with the onion, bell pepper, and celery for an extra layer of heat.
Quick VersionQuick Version
If you're short on time, use two 15-ounce cans of black-eyed peas, rinsed and drained. Add them in step 4 along with the broth and rice, and proceed with the recipe. The total cook time will be significantly reduced.
Why this is on our healthy list.
High in Dietary Fiber
Black-eyed peas are an excellent source of dietary fiber, which aids in digestion, promotes gut health, and helps maintain stable blood sugar levels.
Good Source of Plant-Based Protein
This dish provides a substantial amount of protein from the black-eyed peas, which is essential for muscle repair, immune function, and overall body maintenance.
Rich in Folate
Black-eyed peas are packed with folate (Vitamin B9), a crucial nutrient for DNA synthesis and cell growth, making it particularly important for pregnant women.
Provides Sustained Energy
The combination of complex carbohydrates from the rice and peas, along with protein and fiber, provides a slow release of energy, keeping you full and energized for longer.
Frequently asked questions
Hoppin' John can be a healthy, balanced meal. It's rich in fiber and plant-based protein from the black-eyed peas. To make it healthier, you can use turkey bacon or omit the bacon entirely, use low-sodium broth, and serve it with plenty of greens.