Go Back
–+ servings
bowl of black-eyed peas and rice, hoppin john recipe garnished with chopped cilantro and green onions. The dish looks colorful, with red peppers and the rice and beans mixture well-combined.

hoppin john recipe

A hearty Southern hoppin john recipe with black-eyed peas, rice, smoky pork, and a blend of spices. Traditionally served on New Year's Day for luck, but it's perfect any time you're craving comfort food.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 10 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Course: Main Dish, Side Dish
Cuisine: Southern, Soul Food
Calories: 300
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb Black-eyed peas - Rinse and soak if using dried peas.
  • 1 cup Long-grain white rice -Cook separately to prevent mushy texture.
  • 4 slices Thick-cut bacon - Adds flavor and smokiness.
  • 1 Smoked ham hock - Imparts smoky flavor into the beans.
  • 1 Yellow onion - Dice for sautéing.
  • 2 cloves Garlic cloves - Mince for added flavor.
  • 4 cups Chicken broth - Add flavor and moisture.
  • 2 Bay leaves - Adds a subtle earthy flavor.
  • 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning - Adds a flavorful spicy kick.
  • 1 teaspoon Black pepper - Adds heat and seasoning.
  • 1 teaspoon Salt - Season to taste.
  • 1 tablespoon Hot sauce - For added heat optional.
  • 1 bunch Chopped green onions To garnish.
  • 1 bunch Collard greens Served -on the side for a traditional pairing.
  • 1 Cornbread - Complements the dish perfectly.

Equipment

  • 1 Large Dutch oven or heavy pot (Ideal for slow cooking and even heat distribution. )
  • 1 Wooden Spoon (or stirring and adding flavor. )
  • 1 Sharp Knife (for chopping bacon, onion, and bell pepper. )
  • 1 Measuring cups (For accurate measurements of ingredients. )
  • 1 Colander for draining (To rinse the beans before cooking. )

Method
 

  1. Rinse black-eyed peas, chop bacon, onion, bell pepper, and garlic.
  2. Cook bacon until crispy, then sauté onion, bell pepper, and garlic in bacon fat.
  3. Add peas, chicken broth, ham hock, bay leaves, and seasoning. Bring to a boil and simmer.
  4. Cook dried peas for 45-60 minutes or canned peas for 20 minutes until tender.
  5. Cook rice in a separate pot to avoid overcooking and mushy texture.

Nutrition

Serving: 1cupCalories: 300kcalCarbohydrates: 45gProtein: 16gFat: 10gSaturated Fat: 3gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 4gCholesterol: 25mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 500mgFiber: 8gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 200IUVitamin C: 20mgCalcium: 60mgIron: 2mg

Notes

Nutrition information is automatically calculated and should be considered an approximation. Actual values may vary based on specific ingredients used and portion sizes 

Tried this recipe?

Let us know how it was!