Hoppin' John with Bacon

Hoppin' John with Bacon Recipe - Classic Southern Dish

Region / culture: USA | Preparation time: overnight | Cooking time: 2 hours | Servings: 4-6

Introduction

Hoppin' John with Bacon is a classic Southern dish that is perfect for New Year's Day or any time you want a hearty and flavorful meal. This dish is made with blackeye peas, bacon, rice, and a few simple seasonings that come together to create a delicious and satisfying meal.

History

Hoppin' John is a traditional dish that originated in the Southern United States, specifically in the Lowcountry region of South Carolina. It is believed to have been brought to the region by African slaves and has since become a staple in Southern cuisine. The dish is typically served on New Year's Day to bring good luck and prosperity for the coming year.

Ingredients

1 cup dried blackeye peas
0.5 lb (227 g) rindless slab bacon, in one piece
1.5 qt (1.42 liter) water
1 cup chopped onion
1 clove garlic, minced
1 to 2 tsp salt
0.5 to 1 tsp crushed red pepper
2 cup hot cooked rice

How to prepare

Barely cover the peas with cold water and soak overnight. Drain.
Cook the bacon in water for about 1 hour.
Add the peas, garlic, onion, salt, and pepper. Cover and continue cooking for 1 hour or until the blackeyes are tender.
Remove the bacon, slice it, and set it aside, keeping it warm.
Drain the blackeyes, if desired.
Add the rice and fluff it lightly.
Serve with sliced bacon.

Variations

Add diced tomatoes or bell peppers for added flavor and color.
Use smoked turkey or ham hock instead of bacon for a different flavor profile.
Stir in some chopped kale or spinach for added nutrition.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Soaking the blackeye peas overnight helps to soften them and reduce cooking time.

- Cooking the bacon in water helps to render the fat and infuse the dish with flavor.

- Adjust the amount of salt and crushed red pepper to suit your taste preferences.

- Fluffing the rice lightly helps to separate the grains and prevent them from becoming mushy.

Serving Suggestions

Hoppin' John with Bacon can be served as a main dish with a side of collard greens or cornbread. It can also be served as a side dish alongside fried chicken or grilled pork chops.

Cooking Techniques

Simmering the blackeye peas with the bacon helps to infuse the dish with flavor.

- Fluffing the rice with a fork helps to prevent it from becoming sticky.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use canned blackeye peas instead of dried for a quicker cooking time.

- Substitute turkey bacon for pork bacon for a lower fat option.

Make Ahead Tips

Hoppin' John with Bacon can be made ahead of time and reheated before serving. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Presentation Ideas

Serve Hoppin' John with Bacon in individual bowls garnished with sliced green onions or parsley. - Serve with a side of hot sauce or vinegar-based hot pepper sauce for added heat.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair Hoppin' John with Bacon with a glass of sweet tea or a cold beer for a classic Southern meal.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

- Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

- Approximately 400 calories per serving

Carbohydrates

- Blackeye peas: 35g per 1 cup

- Rice: 45g per 1 cup

Fats

- Bacon: 15g per 1 oz

Proteins

- Blackeye peas: 13g per 1 cup

- Bacon: 7g per 1 oz

Vitamins and minerals

Blackeye peas: good source of folate, iron, and magnesium

- Bacon: contains small amounts of vitamin B12 and zinc

Alergens

Contains pork (bacon)

Summary

Hoppin' John with Bacon is a nutritious dish that is high in protein and fiber. It is a good source of vitamins and minerals, but should be enjoyed in moderation due to its high fat content.

Summary

Hoppin' John with Bacon is a delicious and comforting dish that is perfect for any occasion. With its rich flavors and hearty ingredients, this dish is sure to become a favorite in your household. Enjoy it with family and friends for a taste of the South!

How did I get this recipe?

The first time I saw this recipe, I was immediately intrigued. It was a hot summer day and I was visiting my dear friend Betty, who lived just down the road. As soon as I walked into her kitchen, the aroma of sizzling bacon filled the air.

"What are you making, Betty?" I asked, peering over her shoulder as she stirred a pot of black-eyed peas and rice on the stove.

"Why, I'm making Hoppin' John with Bacon, of course!" she exclaimed, a twinkle in her eye. "It's a traditional Southern dish that's been passed down in my family for generations."

I watched as she added in some diced onions, bell peppers, and garlic, along with a generous sprinkle of salt and pepper. The whole kitchen was filled with the mouthwatering scent of savory bacon and spices.

As Betty stirred the pot, she began to tell me the story of how she learned to make Hoppin' John with Bacon. She explained that her grandmother, Mama Mae, had taught her the recipe when she was just a young girl, and she had been making it ever since.

"Mama Mae used to say that Hoppin' John was a dish that brought good luck and prosperity," Betty said with a smile. "She would make it every New Year's Day to ensure that the coming year would be filled with abundance and blessings."

I listened intently as she shared the recipe with me, taking notes in my trusty recipe book. I could already taste the rich flavors and comforting warmth of this traditional dish.

After the peas and rice had cooked to perfection, Betty dished out generous portions into bowls and topped them with crispy bacon bits. The Hoppin' John with Bacon was a sight to behold, with its vibrant colors and hearty textures.

I took a bite and was immediately transported back to my childhood, when Mama Mae would cook up a big pot of Hoppin' John on special occasions. The flavors were soul-warming and familiar, like a hug from a loved one.

From that day on, Hoppin' John with Bacon became a staple in my own kitchen. I would make it for family gatherings, potlucks, and any time I needed a comforting meal to lift my spirits.

Over the years, I added my own twists and variations to the recipe, experimenting with different seasonings and ingredients. Sometimes I would throw in some smoked sausage or ham hock for extra flavor, or swap out the black-eyed peas for kidney beans or black beans.

But no matter how I tweaked the recipe, the heart of it remained the same – a humble and hearty dish that brought people together around the dinner table.

I shared the recipe with my own children and grandchildren, passing down the tradition of Hoppin' John with Bacon to the next generation. It became a family favorite, a dish that was always requested for birthdays, holidays, and celebrations of all kinds.

As I look back on my life, I realize that recipes like Hoppin' John with Bacon are more than just food – they are a link to the past, a connection to the ones we love, and a way to keep our heritage alive.

So whenever I make a pot of Hoppin' John with Bacon, I am not just cooking a meal – I am honoring the memories of Mama Mae, Betty, and all the wonderful people who have shared their recipes and stories with me over the years.

And as I sit down to enjoy a bowl of this delicious dish, surrounded by my loved ones, I am filled with gratitude for the simple pleasures of good food, good company, and a heart full of love.