20 Southern Peas And Rice Recipe Discover Culinary Perfection!
Published on: Apr 24, 2024
Southern peas and rice, also known as Hoppin' John, is a classic dish that has been enjoyed for generations in the American South. This simple yet flavorful recipe combines tender black-eyed peas with fragrant rice, creating a hearty and satisfying meal that is perfect for any occasion. Whether you're looking for a tasty side dish or a filling main course, this southern peas and rice recipe is sure to become a family favorite.
Main Ingredients: Bacon, Onion, Green Bell Pepper, Peas, Water, Garlic
For a taste of the South, try pairing your Beer Can Chicken with some Southern-Style Crowder Peas. This classic dish is made with tender peas, bacon, and a variety of spices to give it a hearty and flavorful taste. Don't forget to add a touch of hot sauce for some extra heat!
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The Best Southern Hoppin' John
Main Ingredients: Rice, Peas, Bacon Fat, Tomato, Green Onions, Shredded
If you're looking for a side dish that will complement your Beer Can Chicken perfectly, try making The Best Southern Hoppin' John. This traditional dish is made with black-eyed peas, rice, and a variety of spices like cumin and garlic powder. For an extra kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper.
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Peanutty Stewed Black-Eyed Peas & Collard Greens
Main Ingredients: Neutral Cooking Oil, Small Onions, Green Bell Pepper
If you want to add a unique twist to your black-eyed peas, try making this Peanutty Stewed Black-Eyed Peas & Collard Greens dish. The creamy peanut sauce gives the peas a rich and nutty flavor, while the collard greens add a touch of freshness. For a vegetarian option, substitute the chicken broth with vegetable broth.
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Hoppin' John
Main Ingredients: Pancetta, Bell Pepper, Yellow Onion, Celery, Garlic
Another take on the classic Hoppin' John, this recipe adds a twist by using smoked sausage as the protein. The sausage adds a smoky flavor to the dish, making it the perfect accompaniment to your Beer Can Chicken. For a healthier alternative, use turkey or chicken sausage instead of pork.
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Hoppin' John
Main Ingredients: Peas, Slab Bacon, Onion, Hot Sauce, Water, Long Grain
If you want to add some greens to your Hoppin' John, try making this recipe that adds kale to the mix. The kale adds a nutritious and flavorful element to the dish, making it a well-rounded side for your Beer Can Chicken. For some added texture, sprinkle some crushed croutons on top before serving.
This classic Southern Black-eyed Peas recipe is a must-try for any Beer Can Chicken meal. The peas are cooked with bacon, onions, and a variety of spices, resulting in a hearty and flavorful side dish. For a vegetarian option, omit the bacon and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
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Instant Pot Black-Eyed Pea and Collard Green Soup
Main Ingredients: Bacon, Sweet Onion, Garlic, Chicken Stock, Ham Bone
If you're short on time but still want to enjoy the flavors of black-eyed peas, try making this Instant Pot Black-Eyed Pea and Collard Green Soup. This recipe uses an Instant Pot to quickly cook the peas and collard greens, resulting in a delicious and comforting soup. For a creamier soup, add a splash of heavy cream before serving.
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Creole Black Eyed Peas And Rice
Main Ingredients: Peas, Green Bell Pepper, Onion, Jalapenos, Olive Oil
For a taste of New Orleans, try making this Creole Black Eyed Peas And Rice dish. This recipe uses a variety of spices like cayenne pepper and Cajun seasoning to give the peas a spicy kick. For a vegetarian option, substitute the chicken broth with vegetable broth and omit the sausage.
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Black Eyed Peas Burgers
Main Ingredients: Bacon, Cooked Brown Rice, Peas, Chopped Onion, Chopped
If you're feeling adventurous, try making these Black Eyed Peas Burgers. This recipe combines black-eyed peas with quinoa, breadcrumbs, and a variety of spices to create a delicious and hearty vegetarian burger. Top it off with a slice of melted cheddar cheese and serve on a toasted bun.
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The Best Southern Hoppin’ John
Main Ingredients: Rice, Peas, Bacon Fat, Tomato, Green Onions, Shredded
For a classic and traditional Hoppin’ John recipe, try making this dish that uses a combination of black-eyed peas and rice. The peas are cooked with bacon, onions, and a variety of spices to create a flavorful and comforting side dish for your Beer Can Chicken. For some added crunch, sprinkle some fried onions on top before serving.
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General Tso Chicken and Fried Rice
Main Ingredients: Chicken Breast, Eggs, Flour, Salt, Pepper, Seasoning
If you want to add some Asian-inspired flavors to your Beer Can Chicken meal, try making this General Tso Chicken and Fried Rice dish. The crispy chicken is coated in a sweet and spicy sauce, while the fried rice is packed with vegetables for a well-rounded and flavorful meal. For a vegetarian option, substitute the chicken with tofu and omit the egg in the fried rice.
For a milder and sweeter alternative to black-eyed peas, try making this Southern White Acre Peas recipe. The peas are cooked with onions, garlic, and a touch of sugar to create a delicious and comforting side dish for your Beer Can Chicken. For some added freshness, top it off with a squeeze of lemon juice before serving.
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Southern White Acre Pea Succotash
Main Ingredients: Corn On The Cob, Cherry Tomatoes, Peas, Cooking Liquid
If you want to add some extra vegetables to your Beer Can Chicken meal, try making this Southern White Acre Pea Succotash. This colorful dish combines white acre peas with a variety of vegetables like corn, bell peppers, and tomatoes for a nutritious and flavorful side dish. For some added heat, sprinkle some chili powder on top before serving.
For a sweeter and creamier alternative to black-eyed peas, try making this Southern Pink Lady Peas recipe. The peas are cooked in a rich and creamy sauce made with cream cheese, butter, and a variety of spices. For an extra pop of flavor, add some crumbled bacon on top before serving.
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Southern Field Peas and Okra
Main Ingredients: Peas, Bacon Drippings, Salt, Pepper, Okra Pods
If you want to add some Southern charm to your Beer Can Chicken meal, try making this Southern Field Peas and Okra dish. The peas are cooked with bacon, onions, and a touch of sugar, while the okra adds a unique texture to the dish. For a vegetarian option, omit the bacon and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
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Southern Fresh White Acre Peas
Main Ingredients: Peas, Water, Smoked Ham Hock, Salt Pork, Minced Onion
This simple and fresh recipe for Southern Fresh White Acre Peas is a great way to enjoy the flavor of white acre peas. The peas are cooked with onions, garlic, and a touch of lemon juice for a light and refreshing side dish for your Beer Can Chicken. For some added protein, top it off with a sprinkle of toasted almonds.
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Veg Fried Rice
Main Ingredients: Rice, Spring Onion, Carrots, Cabbage, Capsicum, Peas
If you're looking for a vegetarian side dish to pair with your Beer Can Chicken, try making this Veg Fried Rice recipe. This dish is packed with vegetables like carrots, peas, and bell peppers, and can be customized with your favorite seasonings. For some added protein, add some tofu or edamame to the rice.
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Shrimp Fried Rice
Main Ingredients: Shrimp, Cornstarch, Salt, Oil, Eggs, Peas, Scallions
For a seafood twist on a classic side dish, try making this Shrimp Fried Rice to pair with your Beer Can Chicken. This recipe uses shrimp as the protein, along with vegetables like carrots, peas, and onions, for a flavorful and filling side dish. For some added heat, add a sprinkle of red pepper flakes to the rice.
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Gluten-Free Vegan Instant Pot Black-Eyed Peas
Main Ingredients: Jalapenos, Carrots, Cabbage, Celery, Red Bell Pepper
If you have dietary restrictions, this Gluten-Free Vegan Instant Pot Black-Eyed Peas recipe is a great option for a Beer Can Chicken side dish. This recipe uses an Instant Pot to quickly cook the peas, making them tender and flavorful. For an extra burst of flavor, add some crushed garlic to the dish before cooking.
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Chicken and Rice Casserole
Main Ingredients: Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts, Oil, Onion, Garlic
If you're looking for a one-dish meal to serve with your Beer Can Chicken, try making this Chicken and Rice Casserole. This creamy and comforting casserole is made with chicken, rice, and a variety of vegetables, making it a well-rounded and tasty meal. For some added texture, top it off with some French fried onions before baking.
The History of Southern Peas and Rice
The Origins of Hoppin' John
The origins of Hoppin' John can be traced back to West African cuisine, where black-eyed peas were a staple ingredient in many dishes. This hearty legume was brought to America by African slaves and quickly became a popular crop in the southern states. It wasn't long before the peas were combined with rice, creating a delicious and nutritious dish that has stood the test of time.
A Lucky New Year's Tradition
In the American South, it is believed that eating Hoppin' John on New Year's Day brings good luck and prosperity for the year ahead. This tradition dates back to the Civil War era, when Union troops would often leave black-eyed peas behind as they marched through the South. The peas were seen as a symbol of good luck and resilience in the face of hardship, and this tradition continues to this day.
The Key Ingredients
Black-Eyed Peas
Black-eyed peas are the star ingredient in this dish. They are high in protein, fiber, and essential vitamins and minerals, making them a nutritious addition to any meal. When cooked, they have a creamy texture and a slightly nutty flavor that pairs perfectly with the other ingredients in this recipe.
Rice
Rice is the perfect accompaniment to black-eyed peas, providing a neutral base for all the delicious flavors to come together. When cooked with the peas, the rice absorbs all the flavorful juices, creating a delicious and fragrant dish.
Seasonings
The seasonings used in this recipe are what give it its distinct flavor. Traditional southern seasonings such as smoked ham hocks, onions, garlic, and bay leaves add a depth of flavor that is hard to beat. Cajun seasoning or hot sauce can also be added for a spicy kick.
How to Make Southern Peas and Rice
Making this dish is a breeze and can be done in just a few simple steps:
Step 1: Soak the Peas
Start by soaking the black-eyed peas in water overnight. This will help to soften them and reduce the cooking time.
Step 2: Cook the Ham Hocks
In a large pot, cook the smoked ham hocks until they are tender. This will take about an hour. Once cooked, remove the hocks from the pot and set them aside.
Step 3: Saute the Vegetables
In the same pot, saute the onions and garlic until they are soft and fragrant. This will take about 5 minutes.
Step 4: Add the Peas and Rice
Drain the soaked peas and add them to the pot along with the cooked ham hocks, bay leaves, and enough water to cover the peas. Let the mixture simmer for about 30 minutes, then add the rice and continue to simmer until the rice is cooked and the peas are tender.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Once the rice and peas are cooked, remove the bay leaves and serve the dish hot. For an extra kick, add a dash of hot sauce or Cajun seasoning on top.
In conclusion, southern peas and rice, or Hoppin' John, is a delicious and traditional dish that is not only packed with flavor but also has a rich history behind it. So the next time you're looking for a comforting and flavorful meal, give this recipe a try and see why it has stood the test of time.
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