The Pioneer Woman Hoppin John Recipe isn’t just a meal; it’s a culinary embrace of tradition and good fortune. This classic Southern dish, celebrated for its delicious flavors and symbolic significance, offers a hearty and satisfying experience that will bring warmth to your table and promise for the year ahead. It’s a fundamental recipe for anyone looking to bring a taste of the South and a dash of history into their home cooking.
Key Ingredients for Pioneer Woman Hoppin John Recipe
To create this comforting and flavorful Pioneer Woman Hoppin John Recipe, gather the following ingredients, ensuring you have fresh, high-quality components for the best results:
- 1 pound dried black-eyed peas: Soaked overnight (or using a quick-soak method), then rinsed thoroughly.
- 6-8 cups chicken or vegetable broth: For a rich and savory base. Adjust quantity based on desired consistency.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or bacon fat: For sautéing; bacon fat adds an authentic Southern flavor.
- 1 large onion: Diced finely for a sweet and pungent base.
- 2 celery stalks: Diced to add aromatic depth and texture.
- 1 large green bell pepper: Diced, contributing a fresh, slightly bitter note.
- 2-3 cloves garlic: Minced, for a pungent and aromatic kick.
- 1/2 pound bacon, ham hock, or smoked pork shoulder: Diced (if using bacon or ham), or a whole ham hock for slow-cooked flavor. This is crucial for characteristic smokiness.
- 1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes: Undrained, for a touch of acidity and sweetness.
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme: Earthy and aromatic, a staple herb.
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika: Enhances the smoky flavor profile.
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional): For a subtle heat. Adjust to your preference.
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste: Essential for seasoning throughout the cooking process.
- 4-5 cups cooked white rice: Served on the side or mixed in, it’s a cornerstone of the dish.
- Fresh parsley or green onions: Chopped, for garnish and a fresh finish.
- Hot sauce (optional): For serving, adding a customizable spicy kick.
How to Make Pioneer Woman Hoppin John Recipe
This delightful Pioneer Woman Hoppin John Recipe is incredibly easy to make, delivering a rich and satisfying meal with minimal fuss. Its hearty combination of tender black-eyed peas, smoky ham, and aromatic vegetables creates a depth of flavor that’s both comforting and exciting. Prepare to be amazed by its rich texture and how quickly this traditional dish comes together. In just about 1 hour and 30 minutes of active cooking time (plus soaking for the peas), you’ll have a soul-warming supper ready to enjoy.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare the Peas: If using dried black-eyed peas, ensure they have been soaked overnight or quick-soaked according to package directions. Rinse them thoroughly and set aside.
- Render the Pork (if using bacon or ham): In a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot, heat the olive oil or bacon fat over medium heat. If using bacon, add the diced bacon and cook until crispy. Remove the bacon with a slotted spoon, leaving the rendered fat in the pot. If using a ham hock or smoked pork shoulder, add it to the pot now.
- Sauté the Aromatics: Add the diced onion, celery, and green bell pepper to the pot with the rendered fat (or olive oil). Cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables have softened, about 8-10 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Combine and Simmer: Stir in the rinsed black-eyed peas, chicken or vegetable broth, diced tomatoes (undrained), dried thyme, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper (if using). Add the cooked bacon back to the pot, or if using a ham hock, ensure it’s fully submerged.
- Cook the Peas: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and simmer for 1 to 1.5 hours, or until the black-eyed peas are tender. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and add more broth if the mixture becomes too dry.
- Season and Finish: Once the peas are tender, remove the ham hock (if used), shred the meat from the bone, and return it to the pot. Taste and season generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Adjust seasonings as needed.
- Serve: Ladle the Pioneer Woman Hoppin John Recipe over or alongside fluffy white rice. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley or green onions, and offer hot sauce on the side for those who like extra heat.
Why You’ll Love This Pioneer Woman Hoppin John Recipe
You’ll truly fall in love with this Pioneer Woman Hoppin John Recipe because its main feature is the incredible depth of flavor born from a comforting blend of tender black-eyed peas and smoky ham, all simmered with aromatic vegetables. Crafting this traditional Southern dish at home isn’t just about the taste; it’s also a fantastic way to save money. By preparing it yourself, you get a generous, wholesome meal that far surpasses takeout in both quality and value, proving that homemade goodness is always worth the effort.
What truly elevates this Hoppin’ John is the incredible savory, smoky flavor that permeates every bite, enhanced by the rich broth and vibrant vegetables. It’s a delightful departure from a simple bean soup, offering a heartier, more complex profile that’s incredibly satisfying. Imagine the perfect balance of richness and earthiness, with a hint of spice, all culminating in a dish that nourishes both body and soul. Don’t just take our word for it—we invite you to try this amazing Pioneer Woman Hoppin John Recipe in your own kitchen; your family will thank you!
Storing and Reheating Tips
To ensure your Pioneer Woman Hoppin John Recipe stays delicious, proper storage is key. Once cooled to room temperature, transfer any leftovers into an airtight container. It will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. For longer storage, Hoppin’ John freezes beautifully. Portion it into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags, leaving a little headspace, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw frozen portions in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
When reheating, for refrigerated portions, gently warm on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of broth or water if it seems too thick. If reheating from frozen, you can gently warm it on the stovetop directly from frozen, or microwave in intervals, stirring between each. Ensure it’s heated through to a safe internal temperature. Freezing can sometimes alter the texture of the peas slightly, but the flavors will remain robust and comforting, making it a fantastic make-ahead meal option.
Final Thoughts
This Pioneer Woman Hoppin John Recipe is more than just a meal; it’s a celebration of flavor, tradition, and good fortune, offering a deeply satisfying and budget-friendly dish. Its heartwarming blend of tender black-eyed peas and smoky goodness is sure to become a beloved staple in your home. Don’t hesitate to give this classic Southern comfort food a try – you’ll be delighted by its simplicity and delicious rewards!
try also :
- Lentil and Sweet Potato Salad
- Cranberry Brie Bites
- Crispy Sweet Potato Bites
- Matcha Cake Recipe
- find more in Pinterest
Pioneer Woman Hoppin John Recipe
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Prepare the Peas: If using dried black-eyed peas, ensure they have been soaked overnight or quick-soaked according to package directions. Rinse them thoroughly and set aside.1 pound dried black-eyed peas
- Render the Pork (if using bacon or ham): In a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot, heat the olive oil or bacon fat over medium heat. If using bacon, add the diced bacon and cook until crispy. Remove the bacon with a slotted spoon, leaving the rendered fat in the pot. If using a ham hock or smoked pork shoulder, add it to the pot now.1 tablespoon olive oil or bacon fat, 1/2 pound bacon, ham hock, or smoked pork shoulder
- Sauté the Aromatics: Add the diced onion, celery, and green bell pepper to the pot with the rendered fat (or olive oil). Cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables have softened, about 8-10 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.1 large onion, 2 celery stalks, 1 large green bell pepper, 2-3 cloves garlic
- Combine and Simmer: Stir in the rinsed black-eyed peas, chicken or vegetable broth, diced tomatoes (undrained), dried thyme, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper (if using). Add the cooked bacon back to the pot, or if using a ham hock, ensure it’s fully submerged.1 pound dried black-eyed peas, 6-8 cups chicken or vegetable broth, 1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes, 1 teaspoon dried thyme, 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika, 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- Cook the Peas: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and simmer for 1 to 1.5 hours, or until the black-eyed peas are tender. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and add more broth if the mixture becomes too dry.
- Season and Finish: Once the peas are tender, remove the ham hock (if used), shred the meat from the bone, and return it to the pot. Taste and season generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Adjust seasonings as needed.Salt and freshly ground black pepper
- Serve: Ladle the Pioneer Woman Hoppin John Recipe over or alongside fluffy white rice. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley or green onions, and offer hot sauce on the side for those who like extra heat.4-5 cups cooked white rice, Fresh parsley or green onions, Hot sauce