Introduction
Kardea Brown’s Hoppin’ John Recipe offers a soulful and traditional start to the New Year, packed with flavor and cultural significance. This classic Southern dish, celebrated for bringing good luck and prosperity, transforms simple ingredients into a comforting and deeply satisfying meal, perfect for any gathering.
Key Ingredients for Kardea Brown’s Hoppin’ John Recipe:
- 1 pound dried black-eyed peas, soaked overnight and drained
- 6 cups chicken broth (or vegetable broth for a vegetarian option)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
- 2 celery stalks, finely chopped
- 1 green bell pepper, finely chopped
- 4 ounces smoked ham hock, or 4 slices thick-cut bacon, diced (for a richer flavor)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for a little kick)
- 2 bay leaves
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- ½ cup long-grain white rice, rinsed
- Fresh chopped green onions and hot sauce, for serving
How to Make Kardea Brown’s Hoppin’ John Recipe
This comforting Southern staple is incredibly easy to prepare, delivering a hearty and satisfying experience with every spoonful. Its simplicity lies in a gentle simmer, allowing the flavors of savory ham, tender black-eyed peas, and aromatic vegetables to meld beautifully. You’ll be delighted by the rich, smoky depth and perfectly cooked texture. Plan on approximately 15 minutes of active preparation time, followed by around 1 hour and 30 minutes of hands-off simmering.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare the Black-Eyed Peas: If you haven’t already, soak your dried black-eyed peas overnight in plenty of water. Drain them thoroughly and rinse under cold water. This step significantly reduces cooking time and helps create a more tender pea.
- Sauté Aromatics: Heat the olive oil in a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat. Add the chopped yellow onion, celery, and green bell pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables soften and become fragrant, about 5-7 minutes.
- Add Smoked Meat and Garlic: If using ham hock, add it to the pot now. If using diced bacon, add it and cook until crispy. Remove the bacon and set aside, leaving about 1 tablespoon of rendered fat in the pot. Then, add the minced garlic to the pot and cook for another minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it. If using ham hock, continue to the next step with the ham hock in the pot.
- Introduce Spices and Peas: Stir in the dried thyme, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper (if using) into the pot. Cook for 30 seconds until fragrant. Add the drained black-eyed peas and bay leaves to the pot, stirring to combine them with the aromatic base.
- Simmer the Hoppin’ John: Pour in the chicken broth, making sure the peas are fully submerged. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for 60-90 minutes, or until the black-eyed peas are tender. Check periodically and add more broth or water if the mixture becomes too dry.
- Cook the Rice: With about 20 minutes left on the peas’ cooking time, add the rinsed long-grain white rice directly into the pot with the peas. Stir gently to incorporate.
- Finish and Season: Continue to simmer, covered, until the rice is cooked through and has absorbed most of the liquid, about 15-20 minutes. Remove the ham hock (if used) from the pot, shred the meat, and return it to the pot. Discard the bay leaves. Season generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
- Serve: Ladle the Kardea Brown’s Hoppin’ John Recipe into bowls. Garnish with fresh chopped green onions and a dash of your favorite hot sauce. If you used bacon, crumble the reserved crispy bacon over the top before serving.
Why You’ll Love This Kardea Brown’s Hoppin’ John Recipe
You’ll adore this Kardea Brown’s Hoppin’ John Recipe because its main feature is the incredible depth of flavor achieved through slow simmering, allowing the smoky ham, earthy black-eyed peas, and aromatic vegetables to meld into a truly comforting dish. Making this traditional Southern meal at home is a fantastic way to save money compared to dining out, providing a satisfying and wholesome meal for the whole family without breaking the bank.
Beyond its deliciousness, this recipe truly shines with humble, cost-effective ingredients that deliver huge flavor. The richness from the optional ham hock or bacon, combined with fresh green onions and a splash of hot sauce for a kick at the end, makes it truly special. It’s far more flavorful and homey than a simple pot of plain peas, offering a complete and nourishing meal. Give this authentic recipe a try; your taste buds (and your wallet) will thank you!
Storing and Reheating Tips
To store leftover Kardea Brown’s Hoppin’ John Recipe, allow it to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. For optimal freshness, ensure the container is tightly sealed to prevent discoloration and absorption of other food odors.
For longer storage, Hoppin’ John freezes beautifully. Portion cooled leftovers into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags, leaving a little headspace. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw frozen Hoppin’ John overnight in the refrigerator. Reheat gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, adding a splash of broth or water if it seems too thick. You can also reheat individual portions in the microwave, ensuring it’s heated through evenly.
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