Senator McConnell's Hoppin' John

Senator McConnell's Hoppin' John Recipe - Traditional American Cuisine

Region / culture: USA | Preparation time: 10 minutes | Cooking time: 1.5 hour | Servings: 6

Introduction

Senator McConnell's Hoppin' John is a classic Southern dish that is perfect for bringing good luck and prosperity in the New Year. This hearty and flavorful dish is made with black-eyed peas, bacon, peppers, and rice, making it a delicious and satisfying meal for any occasion.

History

Hoppin' John is a traditional Southern dish that is believed to have originated in the Lowcountry region of South Carolina. It is said to have been brought to America by African slaves and has since become a staple in Southern cuisine, especially on New Year's Day. The dish is typically served with collard greens and cornbread, symbolizing wealth, health, and prosperity for the coming year.

Ingredients

2 cups of fresh or frozen black-eyed peas
0.25 lb (113 g) of bacon
2 small red pepper pods
2 cups of uncooked regular rice
salt

How to prepare

Cover the peas with water.
Simmer the peas, bacon, and peppers in a covered pot over low heat for 1 to 1.5 hours or until tender.
Add the rice, cover, and cook over low heat, stirring frequently until the rice is cooked.
Add more water during cooking if necessary. Add salt to taste.

Variations

Add diced tomatoes or okra for a different flavor and texture.
Use smoked turkey or ham hock instead of bacon for a lighter option.
Stir in some chopped kale or spinach for added nutrition.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to soak the black-eyed peas overnight to help reduce cooking time and improve texture.

- For a smokier flavor, you can use smoked bacon or add a dash of liquid smoke to the dish.

- To make the dish vegetarian, simply omit the bacon and use vegetable broth instead of water for added flavor.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Senator McConnell's Hoppin' John with a side of collard greens, cornbread, and hot sauce for a complete Southern meal.

Cooking Techniques

Simmering the peas, bacon, and peppers together helps infuse the dish with flavor.

- Stirring the rice frequently while cooking ensures even cooking and prevents sticking.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use canned black-eyed peas instead of fresh or frozen for a quicker cooking time.

- Substitute turkey bacon or vegetarian bacon for a healthier option.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the black-eyed peas and bacon mixture ahead of time and refrigerate until ready to cook the rice.

Presentation Ideas

Serve Senator McConnell's Hoppin' John in a large bowl garnished with fresh parsley or green onions for a pop of color.

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 with a splash of water to prevent drying out.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

- Approximately 350 calories per serving

Carbohydrates

- Black-eyed peas: 35g per 1 cup

- Rice: 45g per 1 cup

Fats

- Bacon: 8g per 1 slice

Proteins

- Black-eyed peas: 13g per 1 cup

- Bacon: 3g per 1 slice

Vitamins and minerals

Black-eyed peas are a good source of folate, iron, and potassium.

- Peppers are rich in vitamin C and antioxidants.

Alergens

Bacon contains pork and may not be suitable for those with pork allergies.

Summary

Senator McConnell's Hoppin' John is a nutritious and balanced meal that is high in protein, fiber, and essential vitamins and minerals. It is a great option for those looking for a hearty and satisfying dish.

Summary

Senator McConnell's Hoppin' John is a delicious and comforting dish that is perfect for any occasion. With its rich history and flavorful ingredients, this Southern classic is sure to become a favorite in your household.

How did I get this recipe?

I can still recall the sense of amazement I felt when I first saw this recipe for Senator McConnell's Hoppin' John. It was a warm summer day, and I was at a local farmers market, browsing through the fresh produce and homemade goods. As I made my way through the bustling market, I stumbled upon a small stand with a sign that read "Southern Delights." Intrigued, I approached the stand and was greeted by a friendly older woman with a warm smile.

"Hello, dear! Would you like to try some of our famous Hoppin' John?" she asked, holding out a spoonful of the hearty dish. I had never heard of Hoppin' John before, but the aroma coming from the pot was so enticing that I couldn't resist. I took a small bite and was instantly hooked. The combination of black-eyed peas, rice, and spicy sausage was like nothing I had ever tasted before.

I asked the woman for the recipe, and she chuckled softly. "Oh, honey, this recipe is a family secret handed down from generation to generation. But I'll tell you what, I'll give you a hint. This recipe was inspired by a certain Senator McConnell who used to visit our town every summer."

Intrigued by the mystery surrounding the dish, I thanked the woman and made my way home with a newfound determination to recreate Senator McConnell's Hoppin' John. Over the next few weeks, I experimented with different ingredients and cooking methods until I finally perfected the recipe. The dish quickly became a family favorite, and I was proud to serve it at every gathering.

Years passed, and I continued to make Senator McConnell's Hoppin' John for friends and family. It became a staple at holiday dinners and backyard barbecues, and I always received rave reviews. One day, while cleaning out my recipe box, I stumbled upon a faded newspaper clipping from the local paper. The headline read, "Senator McConnell's Favorite Southern Dish Revealed!"

Curious, I read the article and was shocked to discover that Senator McConnell had indeed visited our town many years ago and had developed a fondness for the local cuisine. The article went on to describe how the Senator had shared his love for Hoppin' John with the townspeople, inspiring them to create their own version of the dish.

As I read the article, a flood of memories came rushing back to me. I remembered the warm summer day at the farmers market, the friendly woman with the secret recipe, and the delicious taste of Senator McConnell's Hoppin' John. I realized that I had stumbled upon a piece of history that had been passed down through generations, and I felt honored to have been a part of it.

To this day, I still make Senator McConnell's Hoppin' John for my family and friends, sharing the story of how I first discovered the recipe. It has become more than just a dish – it is a symbol of tradition, history, and the joy of cooking. And every time I take a bite of the flavorful black-eyed peas and rice, I am reminded of the amazing journey that led me to this delicious recipe.