Name: Hoppin John: An Incredible Ultimate Recipe to Delight
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: PT-486696H28M58S
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: Southern
Ingredients: For the Dish:; 1 cup dried black-eyed peas (or 2 cups canned, drained, and rinsed); 1 cup long-grain rice; 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth; 1 medium onion, diced; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 green bell pepper, diced; 1-2 teaspoons salt (to taste); 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat); 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika; 1 bay leaf; 2 tablespoons olive oil or bacon fat; For Garnish:; 1-2 green onions, sliced (for garnish); Hot sauce (optional, for serving)

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Hoppin John is a one-pot meal that is both comforting and nutritious. The combination of black-eyed peas and rice makes for a filling dish, while the smoked paprika and cayenne pepper give it a nice kick. The recipe is simple to prepare, making it perfect for a busy weeknight or a casual gathering. Plus, it’s easy to adjust the seasonings to suit your personal taste.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

1 cup dried black-eyed peas (or 2 cups canned, drained, and rinsed)
1 cup long-grain rice
4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
1 medium onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 green bell pepper, diced
1-2 teaspoons salt (to taste)
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
1 bay leaf
2 tablespoons olive oil or bacon fat
1-2 green onions, sliced (for garnish)
Hot sauce (optional, for serving)

Directions

Step 1: Soak the Peas

If using dried black-eyed peas, rinse them well and soak them in water overnight. If you’re short on time, you can soak them for just a couple of hours. If you’re using canned black-eyed peas, there’s no need to soak them—just drain and rinse before using.

Step 2: Sauté Vegetables

In a large pot, heat the olive oil (or bacon fat) over medium heat. Add the diced onion, garlic, and green bell pepper. Cook for about 5-7 minutes until the vegetables are softened and fragrant.

Step 3: Add the Peas

If you’re using soaked dried peas, drain and rinse them before adding them to the pot. If you’re using canned peas, just add them directly to the pot.

Step 4: Stir in the Rice and Spices

Add the long-grain rice, salt, black pepper, cayenne pepper (if using), smoked paprika, and bay leaf. Stir everything well to combine.

Step 5: Pour in the Broth

Add the chicken or vegetable broth to the pot. Bring the mixture to a boil. Once it starts boiling, reduce the heat to low and cover the pot.

Step 6: Simmer

Let the dish simmer for about 30-35 minutes, or until the rice and peas are tender. Avoid lifting the lid too often, as this will release steam and affect the cooking process.

Step 7: Check for Doneness

After the cooking time, check that both the rice and black-eyed peas are fully cooked. If needed, adjust the seasoning to taste before removing the pot from the heat.

Step 8: Let Rest

Remove the bay leaf and let the pot sit, covered, for about 5-10 minutes. This helps the flavors meld together and makes the dish even more flavorful.

Step 9: Garnish

Once you’re ready to serve, fluff the rice with a fork, then garnish with sliced green onions for a fresh, vibrant touch.

Servings and Timing

This recipe makes 4 servings.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 30-35 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes

Variations

For extra flavor: Add a few dashes of hot sauce or a splash of apple cider vinegar for a tangy twist.
For a meatier version: Use bacon fat for sautéing or add some cooked sausage or ham.
Vegetarian: This recipe is already vegetarian, but you can swap in vegetable broth to keep it fully plant-based.

Storage/Reheating

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply microwave or heat on the stove with a little extra broth to restore moisture.

FAQs

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes, this dish tastes even better the next day! You can make it in advance and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Can I use frozen black-eyed peas?

Yes, you can use frozen black-eyed peas instead of dried. Just add them directly to the pot without soaking.

Can I make this recipe in a slow cooker?

Yes, you can! Brown the vegetables and cook everything in a slow cooker on low for 6-8 hours. Add the rice and broth in the final hour of cooking.

Can I add other vegetables?

Absolutely! You can add in other vegetables like carrots, celery, or spinach for added texture and flavor.

How do I adjust the heat level?

To adjust the heat level, you can add more cayenne pepper or a chopped jalapeño pepper for extra spice.

Can I make this recipe without rice?

Yes, if you prefer, you can make a pea-only version of this dish by skipping the rice. You may need to adjust the cooking time and liquid accordingly.

What can I serve with Hoppin’ John?

Serve it with cornbread, fried chicken, or a simple green salad for a complete meal.

Is Hoppin’ John gluten-free?

Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free as it uses rice and no wheat-based ingredients.

Can I make this recipe in a pressure cooker?

Yes, you can use a pressure cooker to cook the peas and rice faster. Just sauté the vegetables and then pressure cook everything for about 10 minutes.

Can I freeze leftovers?

Yes, you can freeze leftover Hoppin’ John for up to 3 months. Be sure to cool it completely before freezing.

Conclusion

Hoppin’ John is a satisfying and flavorful dish that combines the richness of black-eyed peas and rice with the savory goodness of spices. Whether served for New Year’s Day or as a comforting weeknight dinner, this recipe is sure to be a hit! Make it your own with a variety of spices or toppings and enjoy a classic Southern dish with a modern twist.