Why Make This Recipe
Hoppin’ John is a classic Southern dish that’s perfect for sharing with family and friends. This easy recipe allows you to create a hearty and flavorful meal in no time. It combines the goodness of black-eyed peas, smoked sausage, and rice, making it not only delicious but also a great source of protein and fiber. Plus, it’s often enjoyed on New Year’s Day for good luck!
How to Make Easy Hoppin’ John
Ingredients:
- 1 pound smoked beef sausage, cut into bite-size pieces
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 3 (15 ounce) cans black-eyed peas, rinsed and drained
- 2 (10.75 ounce) cans low sodium chicken stock
- 1 cup water
- 0.5 teaspoon cayenne pepper, or to taste
- 2 cups uncooked instant rice
Directions:
- Place the sausage and onion into a large saucepan over medium heat. Cook and stir until the sausage begins to brown, about 10 minutes.
- Stir in the black-eyed peas, chicken stock, water, and cayenne pepper. Bring to a boil.
- Stir in the rice, cover, and cook, stirring occasionally, until the rice is tender, about 20 to 25 minutes.
How to Serve Easy Hoppin’ John
Easy Hoppin’ John is best served warm. You can dish it out into bowls and garnish with chopped green onions or a sprinkle of hot sauce if you like a little heat. It pairs well with cornbread and a side salad for a complete meal.
How to Store Easy Hoppin’ John
To store leftovers, make sure to let the dish cool completely. Place it in an airtight container and refrigerate. It can last for about 3 to 4 days in the fridge. If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze it for up to 3 months. Just ensure it’s stored in a freezer-safe container.
Tips to Make Easy Hoppin’ John
- For more flavor, cook the sausage until it’s really browned. This adds a nice depth to the dish.
- If you like it spicy, feel free to add more cayenne pepper or even some diced jalapeños.
- You can also add diced bell peppers or celery for extra veggies.
Variation
You can try using different types of sausage, such as andouille or turkey sausage, for a lighter version. Additionally, if you don’t have black-eyed peas, you can substitute them with other beans like kidney beans or pinto beans.
FAQs
- Can I use dried black-eyed peas instead of canned?
- Yes, you can use dried black-eyed peas. Be sure to soak them overnight and cook them until tender before adding them to the dish.
- Is Easy Hoppin’ John gluten-free?
- This recipe is naturally gluten-free if you use gluten-free sausage and ensure the chicken stock is gluten-free.
- What can I serve with Hoppin’ John?
- Hoppin’ John is great with cornbread, collard greens, or a simple garden salad!
Hoppin' John
Ingredients
Main ingredients
- 1 pound smoked beef sausage, cut into bite-size pieces
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 3 15 ounce cans black-eyed peas, rinsed and drained
- 2 10.75 ounce cans low sodium chicken stock
- 1 cup water
- 0.5 teaspoon cayenne pepper, or to taste
- 2 cups uncooked instant rice
Instructions
Cooking
- Place the sausage and onion into a large saucepan over medium heat. Cook and stir until the sausage begins to brown, about 10 minutes.
- Stir in the black-eyed peas, chicken stock, water, and cayenne pepper. Bring to a boil.
- Stir in the rice, cover, and cook, stirring occasionally, until the rice is tender, about 20 to 25 minutes.