Traditional Hoppin' John

Traditional Hoppin' John Recipe - A Classic Southern Dish

Region / culture: USA | Servings: 4

Introduction

Hoppin' John is a traditional Southern dish that is typically served on New Year's Day to bring good luck and prosperity for the coming year. This hearty and flavorful dish is made with black-eyed peas, rice, ham, and a variety of seasonings.

History

Hoppin' John has roots in African, Caribbean, and Southern cuisine. It is believed to have originated in the Lowcountry region of South Carolina and Georgia, where black-eyed peas were a staple crop. The dish has been enjoyed for generations as a symbol of good luck and prosperity.

Ingredients

1 tbsp vegetable oil
1 cup cubed ham (about 3 oz or 85 g)
1 medium-sized green bell pepper, chopped
0.5 cup thinly sliced green onions
1 4- to 6 oz (170 g) package of chicken flavored seasoned rice mix, prepared according to package directions
1 15- to 16 oz (454 g) can of black-eyed peas, drained and rinsed
0.5 tsp hot pepper sauce

How to prepare

Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until it is hot. Add ham, green pepper, and onions. Cook and stir for 3 to 5 minutes, or until the ham is beginning to brown and the onion is tender.
Stir in rice, black-eyed peas, and hot pepper sauce. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes or until thoroughly heated.

Variations

Add diced tomatoes or bell peppers for extra flavor and color.
Use Cajun seasoning or smoked paprika for a spicier kick.
Substitute the ham with cooked bacon or sausage for a different flavor profile.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to rinse the black-eyed peas thoroughly before adding them to the dish to remove any excess salt or preservatives.

- For a smokier flavor, you can use smoked ham hocks or bacon instead of cubed ham.

- Adjust the amount of hot pepper sauce to suit your taste preferences.

Serving Suggestions

Hoppin' John can be served as a main dish on its own or as a side dish alongside fried chicken, collard greens, or cornbread. It pairs well with a glass of sweet tea or a cold beer.

Cooking Techniques

Hoppin' John is a simple one-pan dish that is easy to prepare on the stovetop. The key is to sauté the ham, peppers, and onions until they are caramelized and fragrant before adding the rice and black-eyed peas.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have black-eyed peas, you can use other types of beans such as kidney beans or black beans. You can also substitute the ham with cooked chicken or turkey for a lighter option.

Make Ahead Tips

Hoppin' John can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Simply reheat it in the microwave or on the stovetop before serving.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish Hoppin' John with chopped parsley or green onions for a pop of color. Serve it in a large bowl or on individual plates for a rustic and comforting presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Hoppin' John pairs well with a variety of Southern dishes, including fried chicken, collard greens, cornbread, and sweet tea. For a complete meal, serve it with a side of coleslaw or potato salad.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers of Hoppin' John in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat it in the microwave or on the stovetop until it is heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

One serving of Hoppin' John typically contains around 300 calories, making it a satisfying and filling meal option.

Carbohydrates

Hoppin' John is a carbohydrate-rich dish, with the rice and black-eyed peas providing a good source of energy. One serving typically contains around 40 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

The vegetable oil and ham in Hoppin' John contribute to the fat content of the dish. One serving usually contains around 8 grams of fat.

Proteins

The ham and black-eyed peas in Hoppin' John are excellent sources of protein. One serving typically contains around 15 grams of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

Hoppin' John is a good source of vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C, vitamin A, iron, and potassium. These nutrients are essential for overall health and well-being.

Alergens

Hoppin' John may contain allergens such as soy (in the hot pepper sauce) and gluten (in the rice mix). Be sure to check the ingredients and labels if you have any food allergies.

Summary

Overall, Hoppin' John is a nutritious and balanced dish that provides a good mix of carbohydrates, fats, proteins, vitamins, and minerals. It is a hearty and flavorful meal option that is perfect for any time of year.

Summary

Hoppin' John is a classic Southern dish that is perfect for celebrating New Year's Day or any time you want a comforting and flavorful meal. With its combination of black-eyed peas, rice, ham, and seasonings, it is a hearty and nutritious option that is sure to please your taste buds. Enjoy this traditional recipe with family and friends for a taste of Southern hospitality.

How did I get this recipe?

I vividly recall the moment I first laid eyes on this recipe for Traditional Hoppin' John. It was a crisp autumn day, and I was visiting my dear friend, Mrs. Jenkins, in her cozy little cottage on the outskirts of town. Mrs. Jenkins was known far and wide for her delicious Southern cooking, and I always looked forward to our visits together.

As soon as I walked through her front door, the savory aroma of simmering black-eyed peas, rice, and smoky bacon filled the air. Mrs. Jenkins greeted me with a warm smile and a twinkle in her eye as she stirred a large pot on the stove.

"Come, child, sit down and let me tell you the story of my famous Hoppin' John recipe," she said, motioning for me to take a seat at her kitchen table.

Mrs. Jenkins began by recounting how she had learned the recipe from her own grandmother, who had passed it down through generations of Southern women. She spoke of the tradition of eating Hoppin' John on New Year's Day for good luck and prosperity, a practice that had been ingrained in her family for as long as she could remember.

As she shared the recipe with me, Mrs. Jenkins explained the importance of using fresh ingredients and taking the time to cook the dish slowly to allow the flavors to meld together. She showed me how to season the black-eyed peas with just the right amount of salt, pepper, and a pinch of cayenne for a bit of heat.

I watched intently as she added the rice to the pot, stirring it gently to ensure it cooked to a perfect fluffy texture. The bacon sizzled and crisped up, releasing its rich, smoky flavor into the dish. Mrs. Jenkins told me that the key to a good Hoppin' John was to let the ingredients mingle and meld together, creating a harmonious blend of flavors that would tantalize the taste buds.

As we sat down to enjoy our meal, Mrs. Jenkins regaled me with stories of her childhood in the South, where Hoppin' John was a staple on the dinner table. She spoke of family gatherings and celebrations where the dish was served with cornbread and collard greens, a feast that brought people together in love and fellowship.

I savored every bite of the delicious Hoppin' John, the flavors dancing on my tongue and warming my soul. Mrs. Jenkins smiled as she watched me eat, her eyes twinkling with pride.

"Remember, child, good food is meant to be shared with those we love," she said, patting my hand affectionately.

As I left Mrs. Jenkins' cottage that day, I carried with me not only the recipe for Traditional Hoppin' John but also the memories of her warmth and generosity. I vowed to make the dish for my own family and friends, passing down the tradition that had been so lovingly shared with me.

And so, whenever I prepare Hoppin' John in my own kitchen, I am reminded of Mrs. Jenkins and the legacy of love and tradition that she instilled in me. The dish continues to bring good luck and prosperity to all who enjoy it, a testament to the power of family recipes and the joy of sharing good food with those we hold dear.