Quick Hoppin' John Soup

Quick Hoppin' John Soup Recipe - A Hearty American Classic

Region / culture: USA | Preparation time: 10 minutes | Cooking time: 30 minutes | Servings: 6

Introduction

Hoppin' John Soup is a delicious and hearty dish that is perfect for a cold winter day. This recipe is a quick and easy version of the traditional Hoppin' John dish, which is a Southern staple made with black-eyed peas, rice, and pork.

History

Hoppin' John is a traditional Southern dish that is said to have originated in the Lowcountry region of South Carolina. It is typically made with black-eyed peas, rice, and pork, and is often served on New Year's Day to bring good luck and prosperity for the coming year.

Ingredients

1 lb (454 g) sage pork sausage
1 (6 oz (170 g)) package of uncooked long grain and wild rice mix, with seasoning packet
2 (15 oz (425 g)) cans of drained black-eyed peas
2 (14.5 oz (411 g)) cans of diced tomatoes, with liquid
2 (14 oz (397 g)) cans of chicken broth
2 cups of water
salt to taste

How to prepare

Crumble the sausage into a skillet placed over medium heat and cook until it is evenly browned and no longer pink.
In a large pot, combine the cooked sausage, rice mix (including the seasoning packet), black-eyed peas, tomatoes, broth, and water. Bring the mixture to a boil.
Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for 20 minutes, or until the rice is tender. Season with salt to taste.

Variations

For a vegetarian version of this soup, you can omit the pork sausage and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
Add some diced bell peppers or celery for extra flavor and texture.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to cook the sausage until it is evenly browned and no longer pink to ensure that it is fully cooked.

- Adjust the seasoning to your taste preferences by adding more or less salt.

- For a spicier version of this soup, you can add some hot sauce or red pepper flakes.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this Hoppin' John Soup with a side of cornbread or a green salad for a complete meal.

Cooking Techniques

Be sure to simmer the soup on low heat to allow the flavors to meld together.

- Stir the soup occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can use any type of sausage or ground meat in place of the pork sausage.

- If you don't have black-eyed peas, you can use kidney beans or pinto beans instead.

Make Ahead Tips

This soup can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Simply reheat it on the stove or in the microwave before serving.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish the soup with chopped fresh parsley or green onions for a pop of color and freshness.

Pairing Recommendations

This Hoppin' John Soup pairs well with a glass of sweet tea or a cold beer.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat the soup on the stove or in the microwave until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of this Hoppin' John Soup contains approximately 350 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of this Hoppin' John Soup contains approximately 35 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of this Hoppin' John Soup contains approximately 15 grams of fat.

Proteins

Each serving of this Hoppin' John Soup contains approximately 20 grams of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

This soup is a good source of vitamin A, vitamin C, iron, and calcium.

Alergens

This recipe contains pork sausage, which may be an allergen for some individuals.

Summary

This Hoppin' John Soup is a nutritious and filling dish that is high in protein and fiber. It is a great option for a comforting meal on a cold day.

Summary

Hoppin' John Soup is a delicious and comforting dish that is perfect for a cozy night in. This quick and easy recipe is sure to become a family favorite.

How did I get this recipe?

I remember the sense of anticipation I felt when I first discovered this recipe. It was a cold winter day, and I was craving something warm and comforting to eat. As I rummaged through my pantry, I stumbled upon a bag of black-eyed peas and some leftover ham from the holidays. That's when it hit me - I could make a delicious pot of Hoppin' John soup!

Growing up in the South, I had always loved the traditional Hoppin' John dish, made with black-eyed peas, rice, and ham hock. It was a staple in our household, especially on New Year's Day for good luck. But I had never thought to turn it into a soup before.

I quickly got to work, soaking the black-eyed peas and chopping up the ham. I added some onions, garlic, and a few secret spices that I had picked up from my travels. The soup simmered on the stove, filling the house with a mouth-watering aroma that made my stomach growl in anticipation.

As I took my first spoonful of the finished soup, I knew I had struck gold. The flavors melded together perfectly - the creamy beans, the savory ham, the hint of spice. It was like a warm hug in a bowl.

I couldn't wait to share this recipe with my friends and family. I knew they would love it just as much as I did. And sure enough, every time I made a pot of Quick Hoppin' John Soup, it disappeared in record time.

Over the years, I have continued to perfect this recipe, tweaking it here and there to make it even more delicious. I have added fresh veggies, different types of beans, and even some smoked sausage for an extra kick. But no matter how I change it up, the basic flavors always remain the same - hearty, comforting, and oh so satisfying.

But the real secret to this recipe lies not in the ingredients, but in the memories that it brings back. Every time I make Quick Hoppin' John Soup, I am transported back to that cold winter day when I first discovered it. I can almost hear my mother's voice in the kitchen, guiding me through the steps. I can feel the warmth of the stove, the smell of the simmering soup, the taste of that first spoonful.

And as I ladle out bowls of steaming soup to my loved ones, I know that I am passing on a piece of my heritage, a taste of my childhood. I am sharing not just a recipe, but a story - a story of love, of tradition, of family.

So the next time you're craving something warm and comforting, why not give Quick Hoppin' John Soup a try? Let the flavors envelop you, let the memories wash over you, let the love fill your belly. And who knows, maybe one day you'll be passing on this recipe to your own loved ones, creating new memories, new traditions.

But for now, just enjoy the simple pleasure of a bowl of homemade soup, made with love and a touch of magic. And remember, as my grandmother always used to say - good food is meant to be shared.