This Soul Food Hoppin John Recipe is more than just a meal; it’s a delicious journey into a cherished culinary tradition, offering a hearty and flavorful dish that’s perfect for bringing good luck and satisfying appetites. This classic Southern staple is incredibly easy to prepare and a fantastic way to enjoy a comforting, budget-friendly meal any time of year.
Key Ingredients for Soul Food Hoppin John Recipe
To create this authentic and flavorful Soul Food Hoppin John Recipe, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 large yellow onion, chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 1 green bell pepper, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 pound dried black-eyed peas, soaked overnight and drained (or 3 (15-ounce) cans black-eyed peas, rinsed and drained)
- 6 cups chicken broth (or vegetable broth for a vegetarian option)
- 1/2 pound smoked ham hock, smoked turkey leg, or 4-6 slices bacon, chopped (if using bacon, cook until crispy, remove, and reserve drippings)
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for a kick)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 2 cups cooked long-grain white rice, for serving
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish (optional)
- Hot sauce, for serving (optional)
How to Make Soul Food Hoppin John Recipe
This Soul Food Hoppin John Recipe is incredibly easy to make, delivering a delicious, satisfying, and deeply comforting meal that comes together quickly. Its rich, savory flavors, combined with a hearty texture, make it a true standout. With a preparation time of just 20 minutes (plus soaking time for dried peas) and cooking time of about 45-60 minutes, you’ll have a fantastic dish ready in no time.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare the Aromatics: In a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. If using bacon, cook the chopped bacon until crispy. Remove the bacon with a slotted spoon and set aside, reserving the drippings in the pot. Add the chopped onion, celery, and green bell pepper to the pot and sauté for 5-7 minutes, until softened and translucent.
- Add Garlic and Spices: Add the minced garlic, dried thyme, smoked paprika, and optional cayenne pepper to the pot. Cook for another 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
- Combine with Black-Eyed Peas and Broth: Add the soaked and drained black-eyed peas (or rinsed canned black-eyed peas) to the pot. Pour in the chicken or vegetable broth and add the smoked ham hock, smoked turkey leg, or bay leaf.
- Simmer and Cook: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 45-60 minutes, or until the black-eyed peas are tender. If using dried peas, they may take slightly longer. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. If the liquid reduces too much, add a little more broth or water.
- Remove Ham Hock/Turkey Leg (if using): Once the peas are tender, carefully remove the ham hock or turkey leg. Shred the meat from the bone, discard the bone and skin, and return the shredded meat to the pot.
- Season and Finish: Season the Hoppin’ John generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. If you cooked bacon earlier, stir in the crispy bacon bits now if desired (or save some for garnish).
- Serve: Ladle the Soul Food Hoppin John Recipe over warm, cooked long-grain white rice. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley and a dash of hot sauce, if desired.
Why You’ll Love This Soul Food Hoppin John Recipe
You are truly going to adore this Soul Food Hoppin John Recipe for its incredible depth of flavor and heartwarming satisfaction. The main feature of this dish is its rich, savory broth infused with smoky ham (or turkey/bacon) and tender black-eyed peas, creating a symphony of comfort in every bite. It’s absolutely essential for New Year’s Day, symbolizing good luck and prosperity, but frankly, it’s too delicious to enjoy only once a year!
Making this dish at home isn’t just about taste; it’s also a fantastic way to save money compared to dining out, offering a hearty, wholesome meal for the whole family without breaking the bank. The smoky essence from the ham hock, coupled with the earthy sweetness of the bell peppers and onions, elevates this dish far beyond a simple pea stew. It’s significantly more robust and satisfying than a basic bean soup, with a complex flavor profile that will leave you craving more. Don’t wait – dive into the delicious world of homemade Southern comfort with this Soul Food Hoppin John Recipe today!
Storing and Reheating Tips
Proper storage and reheating are crucial for enjoying leftovers of your Soul Food Hoppin John Recipe. Once cooled to room temperature, transfer the Hoppin’ John to an airtight container. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. For optimal freshness, ensure the container is sealed tightly to prevent air exposure, which can dry out the peas and rice.
To reheat, gently warm the Hoppin’ John on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. You may need to add a splash of chicken broth or water to restore moisture, as the rice and peas tend to absorb liquid as they sit. Avoid high heat during reheating to prevent scorching. Alternatively, you can microwave individual portions in a microwave-safe dish, heating in 1-minute increments, stirring in between, until hot. For longer storage, this Hoppin’ John freezes beautifully. Transfer cooled Hoppin’ John to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags, leaving some headspace. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating as described above.
Final Thoughts
This Soul Food Hoppin John Recipe truly embodies comfort and tradition, delivering a deeply satisfying and flavor-packed experience. Don’t hesitate to bring this classic Southern dish into your kitchen; it’s a simple, delicious way to nourish your body and soul. Give it a try, and taste the timeless appeal of this beloved recipe!
try also :
- Lentil and Sweet Potato Salad
- Cranberry Brie Bites
- Crispy Sweet Potato Bites
- Matcha Cake Recipe
- find more in Pinterest
Soul Food Hoppin John Recipe
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Prepare the Aromatics: In a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. If using bacon, cook the chopped bacon until crispy. Remove the bacon with a slotted spoon and set aside, reserving the drippings in the pot. Add the chopped onion, celery, and green bell pepper to the pot and sauté for 5-7 minutes, until softened and translucent.2 tablespoons olive oil, 1/2 pound smoked ham hock, smoked turkey leg, or 4-6 slices bacon, 1 large yellow onion, 2 celery stalks, 1 green bell pepper
- Add Garlic and Spices: Add the minced garlic, dried thyme, smoked paprika, and optional cayenne pepper to the pot. Cook for another 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.3 cloves garlic, 1 teaspoon dried thyme, 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika, 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- Combine with Black-Eyed Peas and Broth: Add the soaked and drained black-eyed peas (or rinsed canned black-eyed peas) to the pot. Pour in the chicken or vegetable broth and add the smoked ham hock, smoked turkey leg, or bay leaf.1 pound dried black-eyed peas, 6 cups chicken broth, 1/2 pound smoked ham hock, smoked turkey leg, or 4-6 slices bacon, 1 bay leaf
- Simmer and Cook: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 45-60 minutes, or until the black-eyed peas are tender. If using dried peas, they may take slightly longer. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. If the liquid reduces too much, add a little more broth or water.
- Remove Ham Hock/Turkey Leg (if using): Once the peas are tender, carefully remove the ham hock or turkey leg. Shred the meat from the bone, discard the bone and skin, and return the shredded meat to the pot.
- Season and Finish: Season the Hoppin’ John generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. If you cooked bacon earlier, stir in the crispy bacon bits now if desired (or save some for garnish).Salt, freshly ground black pepper, 1/2 pound smoked ham hock, smoked turkey leg, or 4-6 slices bacon
- Serve: Ladle the Soul Food Hoppin John Recipe over warm, cooked long-grain white rice. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley and a dash of hot sauce, if desired.2 cups cooked long-grain white rice, Fresh parsley, Hot sauce