16 Traditional Southern Hoppin John Recipe Dive Into Deliciousness!
Published on: Mar 11, 2024
Hoppin' John is a classic southern dish that is traditionally eaten on New Year's Day for good luck and prosperity in the upcoming year. This hearty and flavorful dish is made with black-eyed peas, rice, and pork, and has been a staple in southern cuisine for centuries. In this article, we will explore the history and origins of this beloved dish and provide a step-by-step guide to making a traditional southern Hoppin' John recipe.
Main Ingredients: Butter, Onion, Garlic, Green Bell Pepper, Celery
If you're looking for a hearty and flavorful dish to add to your dinner rotation, look no further than Hoppin' John. This classic Southern dish is made with black-eyed peas, rice, and a variety of spices and seasonings. Not only is it delicious, but it also has a rich history and is often served on New Year's Day for good luck and prosperity. Here are 16 different ways to make Hoppin' John that are sure to please your taste buds and impress your dinner guests.
The traditional Southern Hoppin' John recipe calls for black-eyed peas, rice, and pork, usually in the form of bacon or ham hock. The peas symbolize coins and the pork symbolizes wealth, making this dish a staple for New Year's Day meals. To make this dish, simply cook the peas and rice together with the pork and seasonings until everything is tender and flavorful.
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The Best Southern Hoppin' John
Main Ingredients: Rice, Peas, Bacon Fat, Tomato, Green Onions, Shredded
While the traditional recipe is always a crowd-pleaser, there are many variations that can make this dish even more delicious. One popular twist is to use smoked turkey instead of pork for a healthier option. Another is to add in some greens, such as collard greens or kale, for added nutrients and flavor. Some recipes also call for the addition of hot sauce or Cajun seasoning for a spicy kick.
If you're short on time but still want to enjoy the flavors of Hoppin' John, try making it in a pressure cooker or Instant Pot. This method allows you to cook the peas and rice in a fraction of the time, while still achieving the same tender and flavorful results. Plus, it's great for busy weeknights when you don't have time to spend in the kitchen.
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The Best Southern Hoppin’ John
Main Ingredients: Rice, Peas, Bacon Fat, Tomato, Green Onions, Shredded
For a vegetarian or vegan twist on this classic dish, try using vegetable broth instead of pork or turkey. You can also add in some extra protein, such as tofu or tempeh, for a heartier meal. Or, for a more traditional taste, you can use smoked tofu or vegetarian bacon to mimic the flavor of pork.
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Instant Pot Southern Hoppin’ John
Main Ingredients: Bacon, Green Bell Pepper, Celery Ribs, Green Onions
If you're looking for a hands-off approach to making Hoppin' John, try using a slow cooker or crock pot. This method allows you to simply add all the ingredients and let it cook on its own for several hours. This is a great option for busy days when you don't have time to stand over the stove.
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Crock Pot Hoppin John
Main Ingredients: Andouille Sausage, Chicken Broth, Black Eyed Peas, Rice
For a unique twist on Hoppin' John, try making it with quinoa instead of rice. This adds an extra boost of protein and makes the dish gluten-free. You can also swap out the black-eyed peas for other types of beans, such as kidney beans or black beans, for a different flavor and texture.
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New Year’s Hoppin’ John – Southern Black Eyed Peas
Main Ingredients: Bacon, Butter, Large Onion, Garlic, Black Eyed Peas
While Hoppin' John is traditionally served on New Year's Day, it's a delicious meal that can be enjoyed any time of year. And since there are so many variations, you can make it different ways throughout the year to keep things interesting. Plus, it's a great way to incorporate more legumes into your diet for added health benefits.
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Vegan Hoppin' John
Main Ingredients: Black Eyed Peas, Sliced Mushrooms, Olive Oil, Carrots
For a unique twist on Hoppin' John, try making it with sweet potatoes. This adds a touch of sweetness and a boost of nutrients to the dish. You can also add in some other vegetables, such as bell peppers or corn, for added flavor and texture.
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Southern Black-eyed Peas and Rice aka Hoppin John
Main Ingredients: Dried Black Eyed Peas, Olive Oil, Turkey Wings, Large
If you're a fan of spicy food, try making Hoppin' John with Andouille sausage. This adds a spicy kick and a smoky flavor to the dish. You can also use other types of sausage or even ground beef for a different taste and texture.
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Hoppin' John
Main Ingredients: Peas, Slab Bacon, Onion, Hot Sauce, Water, Long Grain
For a creamy and indulgent twist on Hoppin' John, try adding in some heavy cream or coconut milk. This creates a rich and satisfying dish that is perfect for cold winter nights. You can also add in some cheese, such as cheddar or Parmesan, for added flavor and creaminess.
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Nana's Hoppin John
Main Ingredients: Black Eyed Peas, Bacon, Ham Hock, Green Bell Pepper
To make Hoppin' John even more flavorful, try adding in some Cajun seasoning or other spices, such as cumin or paprika. You can also experiment with different types of rice, such as brown rice or wild rice, for added texture and nutrients.
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Hoppin' John
Main Ingredients: Black Eyed Peas, Bacon, Butter, Extra Virgin Olive Oil
If you're looking for a low-carb or gluten-free option, try making Hoppin' John with cauliflower rice. This swaps out the traditional rice for cauliflower that has been grated or processed into small pieces. This is a great way to enjoy this classic dish without the added carbs.
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Hoppin' John
Main Ingredients: Black Eyed Peas, Long Grain White Rice, Water, Unsalted
For a unique and delicious twist on Hoppin' John, try using it as a filling for stuffed peppers. Simply mix the cooked peas and rice with some ground beef, seasonings, and cheese, and stuff it into bell peppers. Then bake until the peppers are tender and the filling is hot and bubbly. This is a great way to enjoy all the flavors of Hoppin' John in a fun and creative way.
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Southern Hoppin John Using Pressure Cooker
Main Ingredients: Black Eyed Peas, Water, Coarse Salt, Hot Water, Smoked
If you're a fan of one-pot meals, try making Hoppin' John in a Dutch oven. This allows you to cook everything in one pot on the stovetop or in the oven. Plus, it's great for serving a crowd or for meal prepping for the week ahead. Simply mix all the ingredients in the pot and let it cook until everything is tender and flavorful.
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Black-Eyed Peas and Rice (Hoppin' John)
Main Ingredients: Dried Black Eyed Peas, Smoked Ham Hocks, Granulated
For a lighter and healthier version of Hoppin' John, try swapping out the rice for cauliflower rice and the pork for chicken or turkey. This creates a dish that is lower in carbs and fat, but still packed with flavor. Plus, it's a great way to use up leftover chicken or turkey from another meal.
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Hoppin' John
Main Ingredients: Butter, Onion, Garlic, Green Bell Pepper, Celery
Main Ingredients: Rice, Peas, Bacon Fat, Tomato, Green Onions, Shredded
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Instant Pot Southern Hoppin’ John
Main Ingredients: Bacon, Green Bell Pepper, Celery Ribs, Green Onions
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Crock Pot Hoppin John
Main Ingredients: Andouille Sausage, Chicken Broth, Black Eyed Peas, Rice
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New Year’s Hoppin’ John – Southern Black Eyed Peas
Main Ingredients: Bacon, Butter, Large Onion, Garlic, Black Eyed Peas
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Vegan Hoppin' John
Main Ingredients: Black Eyed Peas, Sliced Mushrooms, Olive Oil, Carrots
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Southern Black-eyed Peas and Rice aka Hoppin John
Main Ingredients: Dried Black Eyed Peas, Olive Oil, Turkey Wings, Large
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Hoppin' John
Main Ingredients: Peas, Slab Bacon, Onion, Hot Sauce, Water, Long Grain
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Nana's Hoppin John
Main Ingredients: Black Eyed Peas, Bacon, Ham Hock, Green Bell Pepper
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Hoppin' John
Main Ingredients: Black Eyed Peas, Bacon, Butter, Extra Virgin Olive Oil
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Hoppin' John
Main Ingredients: Black Eyed Peas, Long Grain White Rice, Water, Unsalted
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Hoppin��� John (Black-eyed peas)
Main Ingredients: Bacon Drippings, Onion, Green Bell Pepper, Garlic
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Southern Hoppin John Using Pressure Cooker
Main Ingredients: Black Eyed Peas, Water, Coarse Salt, Hot Water, Smoked
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Black-Eyed Peas and Rice (Hoppin' John)
Main Ingredients: Dried Black Eyed Peas, Smoked Ham Hocks, Granulated
The History of Hoppin' John
Hoppin' John is believed to have originated in West Africa and was brought to America by enslaved Africans. The dish was adapted and evolved over time, and eventually became a staple in southern cuisine. The name "Hoppin' John" is said to come from an old tradition where children would hop around the dinner table before sitting down to eat this dish. It is also believed that the black-eyed peas in Hoppin' John symbolize coins, representing wealth and prosperity.
The Ingredients
The key ingredients in a traditional Hoppin' John recipe are black-eyed peas, rice, and pork. Black-eyed peas are a type of legume that is high in protein and fiber, making them a nutritious addition to any meal. Rice is a staple in southern cooking and helps to make this dish more filling. Pork is often used in Hoppin' John, whether in the form of bacon, ham hock, or sausage, to add flavor and richness to the dish.
The Cooking Process
To make a traditional Hoppin' John dish, first, the black-eyed peas are soaked and then cooked with the pork until they are tender. The pork is then removed, and the rice is added to the pot, along with some seasonings and broth. The dish is then cooked until the rice is fully cooked and has absorbed all the flavors. The pork is shredded and added back to the pot before serving.
Serving and Variations
Hoppin' John is typically served as a main dish, but it can also be served as a side dish alongside other southern favorites like collard greens and cornbread. While the traditional recipe calls for black-eyed peas and pork, there are many variations that incorporate different types of beans and meats. Some popular variations include using field peas instead of black-eyed peas and adding smoked sausage for a smokier flavor.
In conclusion, Hoppin' John is a beloved and traditional southern dish that has stood the test of time. Its history and symbolism make it a staple on New Year's Day, but it can also be enjoyed throughout the year. With its simple yet flavorful ingredients and versatile variations, Hoppin' John is a dish that will continue to be passed down for generations to come.
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