Southern-Style Hoppin' John Medley
Indulge in the rich flavors of the South with this Southern-Style Hoppin' John Medley, a delightful blend of black-eyed peas, rice, and your choice of savory meats or seafood. This one-dish meal is perfect for gatherings or cozy family dinners, showcasing the warmth of comfort food infused with the smokiness of bacon and the kick of barbecue sauce. Whether you opt for succulent chicken or zesty smoked sausage, this dish promises a heartwarming experience with every bite.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
rice
1 cup (uncooked)
chicken broth
2 cups (liquid)
bacon
5 slices (diced)
onion
1 medium (diced)
celery
1/2 cup (chopped)
black-eyed peas
1 (16 ounce) can (drained)
barbecue sauce
1/4 cup (liquid)
Tabasco sauce
1/4 teaspoon (liquid)
cooked chicken or smoked sausage
2 cups (chopped or sliced)
salt and pepper
to taste (seasoning)
Instructions
1
Begin by cooking the rice according to package directions, substituting the water with chicken broth for added flavor.
2
In a large saucepan, cook the diced bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove the bacon and set aside, leaving the rendered fat in the pan.
3
Add the diced onion and celery to the pan and sauté until softened and translucent, about 5 minutes.
4
Incorporate the cooked rice, drained black-eyed peas, barbecue sauce, and Tabasco sauce into the pan. Mix well to combine all ingredients.
5
Stir in your choice of cooked chicken, smoked sausage, or seafood, along with the reserved bacon. Season generously with salt and pepper to taste.
6
For an extra kick, feel free to add more Tabasco sauce according to your preference.
7
Serve the dish immediately for a hearty meal, or, if preparing ahead, transfer to a covered baking dish and bake at 325°F (165°C) for 45 minutes if the ingredients are at room temperature or 55-60 minutes if refrigerated.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Southern-Style Hoppin' John Medley?
It is a hearty one-dish meal featuring black-eyed peas, rice, and savory meats or seafood, infused with the smokiness of bacon and barbecue sauce.
What kind of proteins can be used in this recipe?
You can use succulent chicken, zesty smoked sausage, or seafood.
How much rice is required?
The recipe calls for 1 cup of uncooked rice.
What should I use to cook the rice instead of water?
Substitute water with 2 cups of chicken broth for added flavor.
How many slices of bacon are needed?
You will need 5 slices of diced bacon.
What vegetables are included in the medley?
The recipe includes one medium diced onion and 1/2 cup of chopped celery.
Should the black-eyed peas be drained?
Yes, use one 16-ounce can of black-eyed peas, drained.
What adds a smoky kick to the dish?
The combination of bacon and 1/4 cup of barbecue sauce provides a smoky, savory flavor.
How much Tabasco sauce is used?
The recipe suggests starting with 1/4 teaspoon of Tabasco sauce, though more can be added for extra heat.
How long should I sauté the onion and celery?
Sauté them in the rendered bacon fat for about 5 minutes until softened and translucent.
When do I add the cooked bacon back into the pan?
Stir in the reserved crispy bacon along with the proteins and seasoned rice.
Can I bake this dish if I am preparing it ahead of time?
Yes, transfer the mixture to a covered baking dish and bake at 325°F (165°C).
How long do I bake the dish if the ingredients are at room temperature?
Bake for 45 minutes if the ingredients are at room temperature.
How long do I bake the dish if it has been refrigerated?
Bake for 55 to 60 minutes if the dish is refrigerated.
Is this recipe considered a one-dish meal?
Yes, it is a complete and hearty one-dish meal perfect for family dinners.
How much meat or seafood should I add?
The recipe suggests adding 2 cups of chopped or sliced cooked chicken, smoked sausage, or seafood.
How do I prepare the bacon?
Dice the bacon and cook it over medium heat until crispy, then remove it and keep the fat for sautéing.
What is the first step of the recipe?
The first step is to cook the rice in chicken broth according to package directions.
Is this dish spicy?
It has a mild kick from the barbecue sauce and Tabasco, but you can adjust the spice level to your preference.
What seasoning is used?
Season generously with salt and pepper to taste.
Can I use frozen black-eyed peas?
The recipe specifies a 16-ounce can, but you can use cooked frozen peas if you adjust the quantity accordingly.
What is the preparation for the onion?
The onion should be diced before being sautéed with the celery.
What type of cuisine is this?
This is a Southern cuisine inspired dish, specifically a variation of Hoppin' John.
Can I use brown rice?
Yes, though you may need to adjust the liquid and cooking time according to the brown rice package directions.
Is the bacon fat removed?
The bacon is removed, but the rendered fat is kept in the pan to sauté the vegetables.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 10 main ingredients listed in the recipe.
What temperature should the oven be for reheating?
The oven should be set to 325°F (165°C).
Is this recipe family-friendly?
Yes, it is described as a heartwarming experience perfect for gatherings or cozy family dinners.
Can I serve this meal immediately?
Yes, it can be served immediately after all ingredients are mixed and heated through in the pan.
What kind of broth is recommended?
Chicken broth is recommended for the best flavor profile.