Hoppin’ John
Hoppin’ John is a traditional Southern dish made with black-eyed peas and rice, often enjoyed for good luck on New Year's Day. It’s a delicious and simple meal that’s perfect for family gatherings.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 1 large green bell pepper, chopped
- 1 large jalapeno pepper, chopped (optional)
- 1 stalk celery, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, chopped
- 1 pound smoked ham, chopped
- 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning blend (or more to taste)
- 1 pound black-eyed peas, sorted through, rinsed, soaked, and drained
- 4 cups chicken broth (or more as needed)
- to taste Cooked white rice for serving
- to taste Chopped parsley for serving
Instructions
Preparation
- Heat a large pot to medium heat and add the olive oil.
- Add the onion, green bell pepper, celery, and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in the garlic and smoked ham; cook for another minute until fragrant.
Cooking
- Add the Cajun seasonings, black-eyed peas, and chicken broth.
- Bring the mixture to a quick boil, then reduce the heat.
- Simmer for 1 hour, or until the beans are softened but not mushy.
Serving
- Serve hot over a bed of cooked white rice and garnish with chopped parsley.
Notes
For extra flavor, consider using homemade chicken broth. Adjust the Cajun seasoning to your spice preference. Soak the black-eyed peas overnight for quicker cooking and better texture. If you like it spicy, include more jalapeno or add hot sauce when serving. Hoppin’ John can be made vegetarian by replacing smoked ham with smoked paprika or a meat substitute.
