Flavored Hoppin' John: Southern Black-Eyed Peas & Rice Delight
Hoppin' John is a classic Southern dish steeped in tradition, particularly enjoyed on New Year's Day for the promise of good luck in the coming year. This recipe is a cherished family favorite, handed down through generations. Instead of cooking the black-eyed peas and rice separately, we infuse the rice with the robust flavors of the peas and seasonings, creating a dish that's deeply satisfying and bursting with flavor. Whether you're making this dish as a New Year's ritual or enjoying it as a hearty meal at any time, it's sure to warm your heart and home. Plus, it offers a wonderful foundation for culinary experimentation, allowing you to adjust the ingredients to match your dietary preferences. Perfect for sharing and accompanied by your favorite bread or a side of sautéed greens, Hoppin' John is more than just a meal—it's a celebration!
4
Servings
250
Calories
7
Ingredients
Ingredients
Bacon
1/2 lb (Cut into 1/2 inch pieces)
Onion
1 medium (Diced)
Black-Eyed Peas
2 (15 ounce) cans (With juice (or 1 quart if cooked from scratch))
Uncooked Rice
2 cups (Uncooked)
Water
3 cups (N/A)
Vegetable Oil
1/4 cup (For vegan option)
Liquid Smoke
2 teaspoons (For vegan option)
Instructions
1
In a large 4-quart pot, begin by cooking the bacon over medium heat until it is nicely browned and crispy. This will render flavorful bacon grease.
2
Add the diced onion to the pot with the bacon and sauté until the onions are soft and translucent, stirring occasionally to prevent burning.
3
For a vegan version, skip the bacon and heat 1/4 cup of vegetable oil in the pot before adding in the onions. Sauté until the onions are translucent.
4
Once the onions are ready, incorporate the uncooked rice, black-eyed peas with their juice, and the water into the pot. Mix everything together well.
5
If preparing the vegan option, add the 2 teaspoons of liquid smoke at this point to impart a smoky flavor.
6
Increase the heat and bring the mixture to a rolling boil, then reduce the heat to medium.
7
When you see that the bubbles from boiling are completely bursting above the rice, remove the pot from the heat and cover it with a tight-fitting lid.
8
Allow it to sit undisturbed for at least 20 minutes—do not lift the lid during this time, as the steam is crucial for cooking the rice properly.
9
After the resting period, uncover and fluff the rice gently with a fork before serving.
10
This dish can be served with your choice of bread or paired alongside sautéed greens, and it invites a good dose of your favorite hot sauce according to your heat preference.
Nutrition Information
9g
Fat
32g
Carbs
12g
Protein
5g
Fiber
1g
Sugar
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Flavored Hoppin' John?
Flavored Hoppin' John is a classic Southern dish made with black-eyed peas and rice, traditionally eaten on New Year's Day for good luck. This version infuses the rice with the flavors of the peas and seasonings for a more robust taste.
What are the main ingredients for this recipe?
The primary ingredients include bacon, a medium onion, two cans of black-eyed peas, uncooked rice, and water. For a vegan version, you can use vegetable oil and liquid smoke instead of bacon.
How many servings does this Hoppin' John recipe make?
This recipe yields 4 servings.
Can I make this recipe vegan?
Yes, you can make a vegan version by skipping the bacon and using 1/4 cup of vegetable oil to sauté the onions, then adding 2 teaspoons of liquid smoke for flavor.
How many calories are in one serving?
Each serving of this Hoppin' John contains approximately 250 calories.
What is the fat content per serving?
There are 9 grams of fat per serving.
How much protein is in this dish?
Each serving provides 12 grams of protein.
What is the carbohydrate and fiber content?
There are 32 grams of carbohydrates and 5 grams of fiber per serving.
Should I drain the black-eyed peas before adding them?
No, you should use the black-eyed peas with their juice to help flavor the rice.
Can I use fresh black-eyed peas instead of canned?
Yes, you can use 1 quart of black-eyed peas if they are cooked from scratch instead of using two 15-ounce cans.
How much rice is needed for this recipe?
You will need 2 cups of uncooked rice.
What is the purpose of the liquid smoke in the vegan option?
The liquid smoke is used to replicate the smoky flavor that bacon traditionally provides to the dish.
How long should I let the rice sit after cooking?
The rice should sit undisturbed with a tight-fitting lid for at least 20 minutes after being removed from the heat.
Why is it important not to lift the lid during the resting period?
Lifting the lid releases the steam, which is crucial for cooking the rice properly through to the center.
What size pot is recommended for this recipe?
A large 4-quart pot is recommended for cooking this dish.
How do I prepare the onion?
One medium onion should be diced before being sautéed.
How do I prepare the bacon?
The 1/2 lb of bacon should be cut into 1/2 inch pieces and cooked until browned and crispy.
What is the traditional significance of Hoppin' John?
It is a cherished family favorite traditionally enjoyed on New Year's Day to bring good luck for the upcoming year.
At what point do I add the water and rice?
Add the uncooked rice, black-eyed peas with juice, and water once the onions are soft and translucent.
When do I cover the pot?
Cover the pot once the mixture has reached a rolling boil and the bubbles are completely bursting above the rice level, then remove it from the heat.
What should I do after the 20-minute resting period?
After 20 minutes, uncover the pot and gently fluff the rice with a fork before serving.
What are some recommended side dishes for Hoppin' John?
It pairs well with your favorite bread or a side of sautéed greens.
Can I add spice to this recipe?
Yes, it is common to serve this dish with a good dose of your favorite hot sauce to match your heat preference.
How much sugar is in a serving of this dish?
There is approximately 1 gram of sugar per serving.
Is this a one-pot meal?
Yes, this recipe is designed as a one-dish meal where the rice and peas are cooked together in the same pot.
How much water is needed for the recipe?
The recipe calls for 3 cups of water.
What type of cuisine is this?
This is a classic Southern United States cuisine dish.
What is the preparation for the rice?
The rice should be used uncooked and added directly to the pot with the other ingredients.
Can I adjust the seasonings?
Yes, the dish offers a foundation for culinary experimentation, allowing you to adjust ingredients to match your dietary preferences.
How much vegetable oil is used for the vegan version?
Use 1/4 cup of vegetable oil to sauté the onions if you are not using bacon.