Hoppin' John with Ham Hocks

Hoppin' John with Ham Hocks Recipe - Classic Southern Dish

Region / culture: USA | Preparation time: 1 hour 30 minutes | Cooking time: 45 minutes | Servings: 6

Introduction

Hoppin' John with Ham Hocks is a classic Southern dish that is hearty, flavorful, and perfect for any occasion. This dish is made with blackeyes, rice, and ham hocks, creating a delicious and satisfying meal that is sure to please everyone at the table.

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 lb (454 g) meaty ham hocks
1 cup chopped onion
2 tsp salt
0.25 tsp crushed red pepper
3.5 cups water
2 cups dry blackeyes
1.5 cups uncooked rice
salt and ground black pepper

How to prepare

In a large saucepan, combine ham hocks, onion, salt, red pepper, and water. Bring to a boil, cover, and simmer for 1.25 hours or until the ham is tender.
Meanwhile, wash the blackeyes and combine them with 6 cups of water. Bring to a boil and let it boil for 2 minutes. Remove from heat, cover, and let it stand for 1 hour. Remove the ham hocks from the saucepan.
If necessary, add water to the liquid left in the saucepan to measure 3.5 cups. Cut the meat into small pieces, discarding the bone and rind. Drain the blackeyes and discard the soaking liquid.
In a large saucepan, combine the ham, blackeyes, and rice. Bring the mixture to a boil.
Reduce the heat, cover, and simmer for 20 to 25 minutes or until the blackeyes and rice are tender and the liquid is absorbed. Season to taste with salt and black pepper.

Variations

Substitute the ham hocks with smoked turkey legs for a lighter option.
Add diced tomatoes and bell peppers for a pop of color and flavor.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to simmer the ham hocks until they are tender to ensure that they are flavorful and easy to shred.

- Let the blackeyes soak for at least an hour to ensure they cook evenly and have a creamy texture.

- Season the dish to taste with salt and black pepper to enhance the flavors of the ingredients.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Hoppin' John with Ham Hocks with a side of collard greens and cornbread for a complete Southern meal.

Cooking Techniques

Simmer the ham hocks until tender to infuse the dish with rich flavor.

- Let the blackeyes soak to ensure they cook evenly and have a creamy texture.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use smoked sausage or bacon instead of ham hocks for a different flavor profile.

- Use white rice or brown rice instead of long grain rice.

Make Ahead Tips

This dish can be made ahead of time and reheated before serving for convenience.

Presentation Ideas

Serve Hoppin' John with Ham Hocks in a large serving bowl garnished with fresh parsley for a beautiful presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair this dish 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

- Blackeyes: 35g per serving

- Rice: 45g per serving

Fats

- Ham Hocks: 15g per serving

Proteins

- Ham Hocks: 25g per serving

- Blackeyes: 12g per serving

Vitamins and minerals

Blackeyes are a good source of iron, folate, and potassium.

Alergens

This recipe contains pork (ham hocks) which may be an allergen for some individuals.

Summary

Hoppin' John with Ham Hocks is a nutritious dish that is high in protein and fiber, making it a satisfying meal option.

Summary

Hoppin' John with Ham Hocks is a delicious and comforting dish that is perfect for any occasion. With its rich flavors and hearty ingredients, this Southern classic is sure to become a favorite in your recipe rotation.

How did I get this recipe?

I remember the excitement that washed over me when I first saw this recipe for Hoppin' John with Ham Hocks. It was a crisp autumn day, and I had been invited to a potluck dinner at a friend's house. As I scanned the dishes laid out on the table, my eyes landed on a steaming pot of Hoppin' John, its rich aroma wafting through the air and beckoning me closer.

I had never tried Hoppin' John before, but something about the combination of rice, black-eyed peas, and ham hocks intrigued me. I asked my friend for the recipe, and she gladly shared it with me, explaining that it had been passed down in her family for generations.

I couldn't wait to try making it myself, so I set out to gather all the ingredients I would need. I made a trip to the local farmer's market to pick up fresh black-eyed peas, and stopped by the butcher to select a meaty ham hock. Back in my kitchen, I carefully followed the recipe, simmering the peas and ham hock together until they were tender and flavorful.

As the Hoppin' John cooked, filling my home with its savory scent, I thought back to all the recipes I had learned over the years. My grandmother had been my greatest teacher, passing down her culinary wisdom with patience and love. She had always believed that food was a way to connect with others, to share stories and memories through the simple act of cooking and eating together.

I remembered the first time she had taught me how to make her famous chicken and dumplings, patiently showing me how to roll out the dough and drop it into the simmering broth. I had been so proud when I finally mastered the recipe, and I had made it for my family countless times since.

My grandmother had learned to cook from her own mother, a woman who had grown up on a farm in the deep South. She had passed down recipes that had been handed down to her, creating a culinary legacy that had spanned generations. I felt honored to be a part of that tradition, to carry on the dishes and flavors that had shaped my family's history.

As the Hoppin' John finished cooking, I ladled it into a bowl and took a taste. The flavors were rich and comforting, the smoky ham hock adding a depth of flavor that I had never experienced before. I knew that this dish would become a favorite in my own family, a recipe that would be passed down through the years just like all the others.

I thought about my grandmother as I savored each spoonful of Hoppin' John, remembering the times we had spent together in her kitchen, cooking and laughing and sharing stories. She had taught me so much more than just how to make a good meal – she had shown me the power of food to bring people together, to create lasting memories that would be cherished for a lifetime.

As I finished my bowl of Hoppin' John, I felt a sense of gratitude for all the recipes and traditions that had been passed down to me. I knew that I would continue to cook and share these dishes with my own family, creating new memories and connections that would last for generations to come. And as I cleaned up my kitchen, I felt a deep sense of contentment, knowing that the legacy of my grandmother's recipes would live on through me.