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🍽️ Classic Hoppin' John Recipe

Celebrate Southern tradition with our Classic Hoppin' John recipe. This delicious dish is perfect for New Year's Day or any time of the year. Try it now!

Classic Hoppin' John

You will need:

  • black-eyed peas1 cup black-eyed peas
  • long grain rice2 cups long grain rice
  • smoked ham hock1 smoked ham hock
  • diced onion1 onion, diced
  • minced garlic2 cloves garlic, minced
  • diced green bell pepper1 green bell pepper, diced
  • chicken broth4 cups chicken broth
  • salt and pepperSalt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Start by rinsing the black-eyed peas under cold water.
  2. Place the peas in a large pot, cover with water, and soak overnight.
  3. Drain the peas and set them aside.
  4. In the same pot, add the ham hock, onion, garlic, and bell pepper. Cook over medium heat until the vegetables are softened.
  5. Add the black-eyed peas back to the pot along with the chicken broth. Bring to a boil.
  6. Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for about an hour, or until the peas are tender.
  7. Remove the ham hock from the pot and let it cool. Once cooled, remove the meat from the bone, chop it, and add it back to the pot.
  8. Stir in the rice, cover the pot, and let it cook for another 20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid.
  9. Season with salt and pepper to taste before serving.

Notes

This dish is traditionally served on New Year's Day for good luck, but it's delicious any time of the year. Feel free to adjust the ingredients to your liking.

There's no denying the charm of Southern cuisine. Its rich flavors, hearty ingredients, and cultural significance make it a favorite among food enthusiasts. One such dish that perfectly encapsulates this culinary tradition is the Classic Hoppin' John. This recipe is not just a delightful medley of black-eyed peas, long grain rice, and smoked ham hock, but it also carries a cultural significance, traditionally served on New Year's Day for good fortune.

While the Classic Hoppin' John is a dish in its own right, it's also a testament to the versatility of Southern ingredients. For instance, the black-eyed peas used in this recipe can also be found in our Southern Green Beans Recipe. Similarly, the long grain rice is a staple in our Traditional Southern Chicken and Rice Recipe.

What makes Southern cooking truly special is the ability to take simple ingredients and transform them into dishes with complex flavors and textures. The Classic Hoppin' John is a perfect example of this, combining the creaminess of black-eyed peas with the smoky flavor of ham hock and the soft, fluffy texture of long grain rice. It's a dish that's as comforting as it is satisfying.

But, if you're new to Southern cuisine, you might be wondering about other traditional meals. Our FAQ on traditional Southern meals is a great place to start. It covers everything from breakfast grits to dinner classics like shrimp and grits. Speaking of which, if you're curious about how to prepare authentic Southern shrimp and grits, we've got a detailed guide for that too!

So, whether you're a seasoned cook or a novice in the kitchen, Southern cuisine has something to offer everyone. With its rich history, diverse ingredients, and comforting flavors, it's a culinary tradition that's worth exploring. So why wait? Dive into the world of Southern cooking with our Classic Hoppin' John recipe and discover the joy of Southern cuisine today!