If you're looking for a hearty and delicious dish to add to your Southern cooking repertoire, then look no further than hoppin johns. This traditional recipe originated in the Lowcountry region of South Carolina and has become a beloved dish throughout the Southern United States. With its combination of black-eyed peas, rice, and flavorful seasonings, hoppin johns is a dish that is sure to please any crowd. In this article, we'll walk you through the steps of making the perfect southern hoppin johns recipe so you can impress your family and friends with this tasty and authentic dish.
Main Ingredients: Butter, Onion, Garlic, Green Bell Pepper, Celery
Hoppin' John is a classic Southern dish that is often served on New Year's Day for good luck. This hearty dish is made with black-eyed peas and rice, and is typically seasoned with pork or bacon. This dish is not only delicious, but it is also a symbol of good fortune and prosperity. Here are 20 different ways to make this traditional dish, each with their own unique twist.
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The Best Southern Hoppin' John
Main Ingredients: Rice, Peas, Bacon Fat, Tomato, Green Onions, Shredded
Start off with the best version of the classic Hoppin' John recipe. This recipe calls for black-eyed peas, bacon, and rice, but also adds in some diced tomatoes and bell peppers for added flavor and nutrition. The dish is then seasoned with thyme, oregano, and cayenne pepper for a spicy kick. Serve this dish with some freshly baked cornbread for a complete Southern meal.
This version of Hoppin' John is a bit more traditional, with just black-eyed peas, rice, and bacon. The dish is flavored with onion, garlic, and chicken broth, and is then topped with some chopped green onions for a pop of freshness. This recipe is quick and easy to make, making it a great weeknight meal option.
If you're looking for a vegetarian version of Hoppin' John, this recipe is for you. It replaces the bacon with smoked paprika for a smoky flavor, and adds in some collard greens for added nutrition. The dish is then topped with some chopped pecans for a satisfying crunch. This dish is perfect for Meatless Mondays or for those who are looking for a healthier option.
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Southern Cornbread – Southern Skillet Cornbread
Main Ingredients: Butter, Yellow Cornmeal, Flour, Baking Soda, Salt
Cornbread and Hoppin' John go hand in hand, and this recipe combines the two into one delicious dish. This cornbread is made in a cast iron skillet for a crispy crust, and is then topped with a layer of Hoppin' John. The dish is then finished off with some shredded cheddar cheese and green onions for a savory and satisfying meal.
This Hoppin' John recipe takes things to the next level by adding in some smothered chicken. The chicken is cooked in a flavorful gravy made with bacon, onions, and garlic, and is then served on top of a bed of black-eyed peas and rice. This dish is hearty, comforting, and full of flavor.
If you're a fan of dressing, you'll love this Hoppin' John-inspired version. This dish combines cornbread, black-eyed peas, and rice with some traditional dressing ingredients like celery, onions, and sage. The dish is then baked until golden brown and crispy, making it the perfect side dish for any holiday meal.
Collard greens are a staple in Southern cuisine, and this Hoppin' John recipe incorporates them into the dish. The collards are cooked with bacon, onion, and garlic for added flavor, and are then mixed in with the black-eyed peas and rice. This dish is not only delicious, but it also adds some extra greens to your meal.
If you're looking for a hearty and flavorful meal, try this Hoppin' John recipe that includes smothered oxtails. The oxtails are cooked in a rich and flavorful gravy made with bacon, onion, and garlic, and are then served on top of a bed of black-eyed peas and rice. This dish is perfect for a special occasion or when you're craving some comfort food.
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Classic Flaky Southern Biscuits
Main Ingredients: Flour, Whole Milk, Butter, Sugar, Baking Powder, Salt
No Southern meal is complete without a side of biscuits, and this Hoppin' John recipe takes things up a notch by incorporating them into the dish. The biscuits are mixed in with the black-eyed peas and rice, and are then topped with a layer of shredded cheddar cheese. This dish is a unique and tasty twist on the classic Hoppin' John recipe.
Mac and cheese is a favorite among many, and this Hoppin' John-inspired version is sure to be a hit. The dish combines creamy mac and cheese with black-eyed peas, bacon, and rice for a flavorful and satisfying meal. This dish is perfect for potlucks or family gatherings.
This version of the Hoppin' John-inspired mac and cheese takes things to the next level by adding in some smoky pulled pork. The dish is also flavored with some hot sauce and barbecue sauce for a spicy and tangy twist. Serve this dish at your next barbecue or game day gathering for a crowd-pleasing meal.
Pecan pie is a classic Southern dessert, and this Hoppin' John recipe puts a unique spin on it. These pecan pie bars are made with a crust of crushed graham crackers, and are then topped with a layer of creamy and sweet pecan filling. The dish is then finished off with a layer of black-eyed peas and rice, making it a sweet and savory treat.
Another classic Southern dessert, peach cobbler, is incorporated into this Hoppin' John recipe. The dish combines sweet and juicy peaches with a buttery and crispy topping, and is then topped with a layer of black-eyed peas and rice. This dish is perfect for summer gatherings and is sure to be a hit with everyone.
This classic Hoppin' John recipe is a must-try for any collard greens lover. The dish is made with bacon, onion, and garlic for added flavor, and is then topped with some chopped green onions for freshness. Serve this dish as a side or add some protein like chicken or shrimp for a complete meal.
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New Year’s Hoppin’ John – Southern Black Eyed Peas
Main Ingredients: Bacon, Butter, Large Onion, Garlic, Black Eyed Peas
This version of Hoppin' John is perfect for New Year's Day, as it is believed to bring good luck and prosperity for the year ahead. The dish is made with black-eyed peas, bacon, and rice, and is then seasoned with some traditional Southern spices like paprika, cayenne pepper, and thyme. Serve this dish with some cornbread and collard greens for a full Southern meal.
Pimento cheese is a beloved Southern spread, and this Hoppin' John recipe incorporates it into the dish. The pimento cheese is mixed in with the black-eyed peas and rice, giving the dish a creamy and cheesy texture. Serve this dish as a side or add some protein like grilled chicken or shrimp for a complete meal.
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Southern Black-eyed Peas and Rice aka Hoppin John
Main Ingredients: Dried Black Eyed Peas, Olive Oil, Turkey Wings, Large
This classic version of Hoppin' John is a must-try for anyone who has never had it before. The dish is made with black-eyed peas, bacon, and rice, and is then seasoned with some traditional Southern spices like thyme and cayenne pepper. Serve this dish with some cornbread and collard greens for a complete Southern meal.
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Crock Pot Hoppin John
Main Ingredients: Andouille Sausage, Chicken Broth, Black Eyed Peas, Rice
If you're looking for an easy and hands-off way to make Hoppin' John, this crock pot version is for you. Simply throw all the ingredients into a slow cooker and let it cook for a few hours. The result is a flavorful and hearty dish that requires minimal effort.
Cabbage is a staple in Southern cooking, and this Hoppin' John recipe incorporates it into the dish. The cabbage is cooked with bacon, onion, and garlic for added flavor, and is then mixed in with the black-eyed peas and rice. Serve this dish as a side or add some protein like smoked sausage or ham for a complete meal.
Ingredients You Will Need
Black-Eyed Peas
The star ingredient of hoppin johns is black-eyed peas, also known as cowpeas. These small, creamy legumes are common in Southern cuisine and are packed with protein, fiber, and essential nutrients. They are also a key ingredient in other Southern dishes such as black-eyed pea salad and black-eyed pea soup.
Rice
Another key component of hoppin johns is rice. Traditionally, long-grain white rice is used, but you can also use brown rice or even cauliflower rice for a healthier twist. The rice helps to soak up the flavorful juices from the black-eyed peas and seasonings, creating a delicious and satisfying dish.
Seasonings
To add depth and flavor to the dish, you'll need some seasonings. This can include onion, garlic, celery, and bell pepper, also known as the "holy trinity" of Southern cooking. You can also add in some smoked ham hock or bacon for a meatier version, or vegetable broth for a vegetarian option.
Hot Sauce and Vinegar
For a true Southern flavor, you'll want to add some hot sauce and vinegar to your hoppin johns. These ingredients add a tangy kick and balance out the flavors of the dish. You can use any type of hot sauce you prefer, such as Tabasco or Frank's RedHot, and for the vinegar, apple cider vinegar or white vinegar work well.
How to Make Hoppin Johns
Now that you have all your ingredients ready, it's time to make the hoppin johns. Start by soaking the black-eyed peas overnight in water to soften them. The next day, drain and rinse the peas before cooking them in a pot with water or broth until they are tender.
In a separate pot, sauté the onion, garlic, celery, and bell pepper until they are soft and fragrant. You can also add in the smoked ham hock or bacon at this point if you are using it. Then, add in the cooked black-eyed peas and some of the cooking liquid, along with the hot sauce, vinegar, and any additional seasonings you desire. Let it simmer for about 20 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
In another pot, cook the rice according to the package instructions. Once it's done, combine the rice with the black-eyed pea mixture, stirring well to incorporate all the flavors.
Serving and Enjoying Hoppin Johns
Hoppin johns can be served as a main dish or as a side dish to complement other Southern favorites like fried chicken or collard greens. Some people also like to add a sprinkle of green onions or parsley on top for a pop of color and freshness. It's best enjoyed hot, straight from the pot, with a side of cornbread or hush puppies.
Now that you know how to make a traditional Southern hoppin johns recipe, it's time to gather your ingredients and get cooking. This dish is perfect for any occasion, from a simple family dinner to a big gathering with friends. So go ahead and add this delicious and comforting dish to your menu and enjoy the flavors of the South.
