Quick Hoppin' John with Bacon
Quick Hoppin' John with Bacon Recipe - USA
Introduction
Hoppin' John is a traditional Southern dish that is typically made with black-eyed peas, rice, and bacon. It is said to bring good luck when eaten on New Year's Day. This Quick Hoppin' John with Bacon recipe is a simplified version that can be made in just a few easy steps.
History
Hoppin' John is believed to have originated in the Southern United States, specifically in the Lowcountry region of South Carolina. It is thought to have been brought over by African slaves and has since become a staple dish in Southern cuisine.
Ingredients
- 4 slices of bacon, coarsely chopped
- 1.25 onions, chopped
- 0.75 celery rib, chopped
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1.25 lb (567 g) of canned black-eyed peas, drained
- 1.25 cups of instant rice
- 1 cup of water
- 1 cup of chicken stock
How to prepare
- Heat a heavy nonstick skillet over medium-high heat.
- Saute the bacon for about 5 minutes, stirring frequently until it is browned and crisp.
- Remove the bacon with a slotted spoon and drain it on paper towels.
- Discard all but 2 tsp of the bacon drippings.
- Add the onions, celery, and garlic to the bacon drippings and saute them for about 3 minutes, until they are just softened.
- Add the beans, rice, water, and stock.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste and bring it to a boil over high heat.
- Cover the pan, remove it from the heat, and let it stand for about 5 minutes, until the rice is tender.
- Serve it with the bacon pieces and pepper sauce.
Variations
- Add diced tomatoes or bell peppers for extra flavor and color.
- Use smoked sausage or ham instead of bacon for a different twist on the dish.
Cooking Tips & Tricks
Be sure to cook the bacon until it is browned and crisp to add a delicious smoky flavor to the dish.
- Sauteing the onions, celery, and garlic in the bacon drippings will add extra flavor to the dish.
- Season the dish with salt and pepper to taste, but be mindful of the salt content in the bacon and chicken stock.
Serving Suggestions
This dish can be served as a main course or as a side dish alongside grilled meats or vegetables.
Cooking Techniques
This recipe uses sauteing and boiling techniques to cook the ingredients.
Ingredient Substitutions
Use dried black-eyed peas instead of canned for a more traditional approach.
- Substitute vegetable broth for chicken stock for a vegetarian version of the dish.
Make Ahead Tips
This dish can be made ahead of time and reheated before serving. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Presentation Ideas
Garnish the dish with chopped fresh parsley or green onions for a pop of color.
Pairing Recommendations
This dish pairs well with cornbread, collard greens, or a side salad.
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
Each serving of this Quick Hoppin' John with Bacon recipe contains approximately 250 calories.
Carbohydrates
Each serving of this Quick Hoppin' John with Bacon recipe contains approximately 35 grams of carbohydrates.
Fats
Each serving of this Quick Hoppin' John with Bacon recipe contains approximately 8 grams of fat.
Proteins
Each serving of this Quick Hoppin' John with Bacon recipe contains approximately 12 grams of protein.
Vitamins and minerals
This dish is a good source of iron, fiber, and potassium.
Alergens
This recipe contains bacon, which may be a potential allergen for some individuals.
Summary
This Quick Hoppin' John with Bacon recipe is a balanced dish that provides a good mix of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins. It is also a good source of vitamins and minerals.
Summary
This Quick Hoppin' John with Bacon recipe is a delicious and easy-to-make dish that is perfect for a quick weeknight meal. Enjoy the flavors of the South with this classic Southern recipe.
How did I get this recipe?
The moment I found this recipe is etched in my memory forever. It was a hot summer day, and I was rummaging through an old box of recipes that had been passed down through generations in my family. As I sifted through the yellowed index cards and newspaper clippings, I stumbled upon a handwritten note that caught my eye.
The note was written in delicate cursive script, and it detailed a recipe for Quick Hoppin' John with Bacon. I had never heard of this dish before, but something about the way it was written piqued my interest. The ingredients were simple - black-eyed peas, bacon, onions, and rice - but the instructions were detailed and precise.
I could almost picture the person who had written the note - a seasoned cook with years of experience and a deep love for Southern cuisine. I knew that I had to try this recipe and bring a taste of the past into my own kitchen.
I set to work gathering the ingredients, taking care to select the freshest black-eyed peas and the crispiest bacon I could find. As I chopped the onions and sautéed the bacon in a large skillet, the aroma that filled my kitchen was intoxicating. I could feel the history and tradition of this recipe coming to life before my eyes.
Once the bacon was crispy and the onions were golden brown, I added the black-eyed peas to the skillet and let them simmer in a flavorful broth of chicken stock and seasonings. As they cooked, the peas softened and absorbed the smoky, savory flavors of the bacon and onions.
Finally, it was time to add the rice. I stirred it into the skillet, making sure to coat each grain with the rich broth and seasonings. As the rice cooked, it absorbed the flavors of the peas and bacon, creating a dish that was both hearty and comforting.
When the rice was tender and the peas were perfectly cooked, I knew that my Quick Hoppin' John with Bacon was ready. I scooped it into a serving bowl and garnished it with a sprinkle of fresh parsley for a pop of color.
As I sat down to enjoy my creation, I closed my eyes and took a bite. The flavors exploded on my tongue - the smoky bacon, the earthy black-eyed peas, the sweet onions, and the perfectly cooked rice. It was a dish that spoke to me in a way that no other recipe ever had.
From that moment on, Quick Hoppin' John with Bacon became a staple in my kitchen. I made it for family gatherings, potluck dinners, and quiet weeknight meals. Each time I cooked it, I felt a connection to the past and to the generations of cooks who had come before me.
I shared the recipe with friends and loved ones, passing on the tradition and the story behind it. And as I watched them savor each bite, I knew that this dish would continue to bring joy and comfort for years to come.
In the end, I realized that it wasn't just a recipe - it was a piece of history, a taste of the past that had been preserved and cherished through the years. And I was grateful for the chance to bring it back to life in my own kitchen, where it would be loved and enjoyed for generations to come.
Categories
| American Recipes | Bacon Recipes | Black-eyed Pea Recipes | Celery Recipes | Chicken Stock And Broth Recipes | Garlic Recipes | Healthy Recipes For Diabetic Friends | Instant Rice Recipes | New Year's Recipes | Onion Recipes |