Hot Hoppin' John Salad

Hot Hoppin' John Salad Recipe | USA | Ingredients: Ham, Onion, Garlic, Rice, Black-Eyed Peas, Hot Pepper Sauce, Bacon, Green Cabbage

Region / culture: USA | Preparation time: 15 minutes | Cooking time: 25 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

Hot Hoppin' John Salad is a delicious and hearty dish that combines the flavors of ham, black-eyed peas, and cabbage. This salad is perfect for a comforting meal on a cold day or as a side dish for a summer barbecue.

History

Hoppin' John is a traditional Southern dish that is typically made with black-eyed peas, rice, and ham hock. It is believed to have originated in the Lowcountry region of South Carolina and has been a popular dish in the South for centuries. This salad puts a modern twist on the classic Hoppin' John recipe by adding cabbage and bacon for extra flavor and texture.

Ingredients

1 cup coarsely chopped ham
1 cup chopped onion, divided
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tbsp vegetable oil
3 cups hot cooked rice (cooked in chicken broth)
1 16 oz (454 g) can black-eyed peas, rinsed and drained
1 tsp hot pepper sauce
0.5 tsp cracked black pepper
0.25 tsp salt
2 slices bacon
4 cups very finely shredded green cabbage

How to prepare

Cook ham, 0.5 cup of onion, and garlic in oil in a saucepan until lightly browned. Stir in rice, peas, pepper sauce, pepper, and salt. Cook until thoroughly heated.
Place bacon in a large skillet and cook until crisp. Set aside. Drain all but 1 tbsp of drippings. Add cabbage and remaining 0.5 cup of onion; stir-fry until tender-crisp. Spoon onto a large platter. Ladle rice mixture into the center of the cabbage; crumble bacon over the top of the salad. Serve hot or at room temperature.

Variations

Add diced tomatoes or bell peppers for extra color and flavor.
Substitute turkey bacon for regular bacon for a lighter option.
Use smoked turkey or chicken sausage instead of ham for a different twist.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to cook the ham, onion, and garlic until they are lightly browned to enhance the flavor of the dish.

- Crumble the bacon over the top of the salad just before serving to add a crispy and savory element.

- Serve the salad hot or at room temperature for the best taste and texture.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the Hot Hoppin' John Salad as a main dish with a side of cornbread or as a side dish with grilled chicken or pork.

Cooking Techniques

Stir-fry the cabbage and onion until tender-crisp to retain their texture and flavor.

- Cook the rice and pea mixture until thoroughly heated to ensure that all the flavors are well combined.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use smoked ham or leftover ham instead of fresh ham for a smokier flavor.

- Substitute black beans or kidney beans for black-eyed peas if desired.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the rice and pea mixture ahead of time and reheat it before serving.

- Cook the bacon and cabbage just before serving to ensure that they are fresh and crispy.

Presentation Ideas

Serve the Hot Hoppin' John Salad on a large platter with the cabbage forming a ring around the rice mixture in the center. - Garnish the salad with fresh parsley or green onions for a pop of color.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair this salad with a glass of sweet tea or a cold beer for a classic Southern meal.

- Serve the salad with a side of collard greens or okra for a complete Southern feast.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

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

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

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

250

Carbohydrates

- Total Carbohydrates: 32g

- Dietary Fiber: 6g

- Sugars: 4g

Fats

- Total Fat: 8g

- Saturated Fat: 2g

- Trans Fat: 0g

Proteins

- Protein: 15g

Vitamins and minerals

Vitamin A: 10% DV

- Vitamin C: 40% DV

- Calcium: 6% DV

- Iron: 15% DV

Alergens

Contains: Pork

Summary

This Hot Hoppin' John Salad is a nutritious and satisfying dish that is high in protein and fiber. It is also a good source of vitamins A and C.

Summary

Hot Hoppin' John Salad is a flavorful and satisfying dish that is perfect for any occasion. With its combination of ham, black-eyed peas, cabbage, and bacon, this salad is sure to become a new favorite in your recipe collection. Enjoy it hot or at room temperature for a delicious and comforting meal.

How did I get this recipe?

I remember the sense of wonder I felt when I first saw this recipe for Hot Hoppin' John Salad. It was many years ago, back when I was just a young girl eager to learn how to cook. My grandmother, bless her soul, was the one who introduced me to the world of cooking. She was a skilled cook who could whip up the most delicious dishes with just a few simple ingredients.

One summer afternoon, I was helping my grandmother in the kitchen when she pulled out an old recipe book from the shelf. As she flipped through the pages, her eyes landed on a recipe for Hot Hoppin' John Salad. I had never heard of such a dish before, and I was intrigued by the name.

"Have you ever tried this before, Grandma?" I asked, peering over her shoulder.

She smiled and shook her head. "No, dear. But it looks like something we can try together."

And so, we set out to make the Hot Hoppin' John Salad. The recipe called for black-eyed peas, rice, bacon, bell peppers, onions, and a spicy dressing made with vinegar and mustard. It sounded like a unique combination of flavors, and I couldn't wait to see how it would turn out.

As we cooked, my grandmother shared with me the story of how she had learned to make this dish. She told me that she had first come across the recipe in an old cookbook that had belonged to her mother. The cookbook was filled with all sorts of traditional Southern recipes, passed down from generation to generation.

"My mother used to make this salad for special occasions," my grandmother said, a hint of nostalgia in her voice. "It was always a hit at family gatherings."

I listened intently as my grandmother shared her memories of cooking with her mother in their cozy kitchen. She told me how she had watched her mother carefully as she cooked, learning the techniques and flavors that made each dish unique.

As we finished making the Hot Hoppin' John Salad, my grandmother and I sat down at the table to taste our creation. The flavors burst in my mouth - the smoky bacon, the creamy black-eyed peas, the tangy dressing. It was a delicious combination that I had never experienced before.

My grandmother looked at me with a twinkle in her eye. "What do you think, dear? Do you like it?"

I nodded enthusiastically, my mouth full of salad. "It's amazing, Grandma! I can't wait to make it for my friends."

And so, the Hot Hoppin' John Salad became a staple in my cooking repertoire. I would make it for family gatherings, potlucks, and dinner parties. Each time I made it, I would think of my grandmother and the special bond we shared in the kitchen.

Years passed, and my grandmother passed away, leaving behind a legacy of delicious recipes and cherished memories. But the Hot Hoppin' John Salad lived on, a reminder of the love and joy we had shared in the kitchen.

To this day, whenever I make the Hot Hoppin' John Salad, I think of my grandmother and the sense of wonder I felt when I first saw that recipe. It's a dish that holds a special place in my heart, a connection to the past and a reminder of the love that transcends generations. And for that, I am truly grateful.