Black-Eyed Peas Hoppin John

This Black-Eyed Peas Hoppin John is a classic Southern dish known for bringing good luck and prosperity in the New Year, and this recipe delivers a hearty, flavorful, and budget-friendly meal perfect for any occasion. It’s a simple, comforting staple that you’ll want to make year-round for its wholesome goodness and delicious taste.

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Cook Time 2

Total Time 2

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: Southern

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

1 pound dried black-eyed peas rinsed and picked over
6 cups chicken or vegetable broth plus more as needed
1 tablespoon olive oil or bacon fat
1 cup diced yellow onion (about 1 medium onion)
1/2 cup diced celery (about 2 stalks)
1/2 cup diced green bell pepper (about 1 medium pepper)
2 cloves garlic minced
1/2 pound smoked ham hock, bacon, or smoked turkey leg diced (for flavor and richness)
1 heaping teaspoon dried thyme
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for a kick)
1 bay leaf
Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Cooked white rice for serving
Fresh chopped parsley or green onions for garnish

Equipment

Large pot,
Large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot

Method

Rinse the dried black-eyed peas thoroughly under cold water. Inspect them for any small stones or debris and discard.
1 pound dried black-eyed peas
**Quick Soak Method (Recommended):** Place the rinsed peas in a large pot and cover with 6-8 cups of cold water. Bring to a rolling boil over high heat, then boil for 2 minutes. Remove from heat, cover, and let stand for 1 hour. Drain the peas and set aside.
1 pound dried black-eyed peas
**Overnight Soak Method (Optional):** Place the rinsed peas in a large bowl, cover with at least 2 inches of cold water, and let soak overnight (8-12 hours). Drain the peas before cooking.
1 pound dried black-eyed peas
In a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot, heat the olive oil or bacon fat over medium heat.
1 tablespoon olive oil or bacon fat
Add the diced ham hock, bacon, or smoked turkey leg to the pot. Cook until rendered and slightly browned, about 5-7 minutes. If using bacon, remove excess fat, leaving about 1 tablespoon in the pot.
1/2 pound smoked ham hock, bacon, or smoked turkey leg
Add the diced onion, celery, and green bell pepper to the pot. Sauté until softened, about 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
1 cup diced yellow onion, 1/2 cup diced celery, 1/2 cup diced green bell pepper
Stir in the minced garlic, dried thyme, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper (if using). Cook for 1 minute more, until fragrant.
2 cloves garlic, 1 heaping teaspoon dried thyme, 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika, 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
Add the drained black-eyed peas to the pot, along with the chicken or vegetable broth and the bay leaf.
1 pound dried black-eyed peas, 6 cups chicken or vegetable broth, 1 bay leaf
Bring the mixture to a boil over high heat, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer.
Allow the Black-Eyed Peas Hoppin John to simmer for 1 to 1.5 hours, or until the peas are tender but not mushy. Stir occasionally and check liquid levels; if the mixture becomes too dry, add a bit more broth or water.
Once the peas are tender, remove the bay leaf. If you used a ham hock, you can remove it, pull off the meat, chop it, and return the meat to the pot for extra flavor.
1 bay leaf
Taste and season generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Black-eyed peas need a good amount of seasoning to truly shine.
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
Serve the Black-Eyed Peas Hoppin John hot over a bed of fluffy white rice. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley or green onions for a pop of color and extra freshness.
Cooked white rice, Fresh chopped parsley or green onions

Notes

You'll absolutely adore this Black-Eyed Peas Hoppin John for its incredible depth of flavor and comforting appeal. The star of the show is undeniably the tender, earthy black-eyed peas, slow-simmered with savory ham hock (or your chosen smoked meat) and a medley of aromatic vegetables, creating a deeply satisfying and wholesome dish that feels like a warm hug. It’s a soulful classic that outshines many restaurant versions, delivering an authentic taste of Southern tradition right in your kitchen.
Beyond its deliciousness, this recipe offers fantastic cost-saving benefits; making this hearty meal at home is far more economical than dining out, especially for a dish that feeds a crowd so generously. The rich, smoky undertones, combined with a subtle kick of cayenne and fresh herbs, make every spoonful irresistible. If you love a good lentil soup, this Hoppin' John offers a similar hearty feel but with its own unique, distinctly Southern charm. Go on, give this delicious Black-Eyed Peas Hoppin John a try – your taste buds and wallet will thank you!