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Easy Hoppin' John

Easy Hoppin' John

Easy Hoppin' John offers a delicious and meaningful way to celebrate tradition and flavor. This hearty, one-pot dish, central to Southern American cuisine, promises good luck and prosperity for the New Year, making it a valuable addition to your culinary repertoire.
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Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 30 minutes
Course: Main Dish
Cuisine: Southern American
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 pound dried black-eyed peas Soaked overnight, or quick-soaked according to package directions, then drained.
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil or bacon grease
  • 1 large yellow onion Finely chopped.
  • 2 cloves garlic Minced.
  • 1 green bell pepper Diced.
  • 1 stalk celery Diced.
  • 4 ounces smoked ham hock or 2 slices thick-cut bacon diced.
  • 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
  • 1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes Undrained.
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • Salt to taste.
  • freshly ground black pepper to taste.
  • 2 cups cooked long-grain white rice For serving.
  • Fresh parsley or green onions Chopped, for garnish.
  • Hot sauce (optional): For serving, if you enjoy a little heat.

Equipment

  • Large Dutch oven
  • Heavy-bottomed pot

Method
 

  1. Prepare the Black-Eyed Peas: If using dried black-eyed peas, ensure they are soaked overnight or quick-soaked according to package directions. Drain them thoroughly before proceeding. This step is crucial for proper cooking and digestibility.
    1 pound dried black-eyed peas
  2. Sauté Aromatics: Heat the olive oil or bacon grease in a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat. If using bacon, add the diced bacon and cook until crisp. Remove the bacon with a slotted spoon, leaving the rendered fat in the pot. Add the chopped onion, diced celery, and diced bell pepper to the pot. Sauté for 5-7 minutes, or until the vegetables are softened and translucent, stirring occasionally.
    1 tablespoon olive oil or bacon grease, 4 ounces smoked ham hock or 2 slices thick-cut bacon, 1 large yellow onion, 1 stalk celery, 1 green bell pepper
  3. Add Garlic and Spices: Stir in the minced garlic, dried thyme, and smoked paprika. Cook for another minute, stirring constantly, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
    2 cloves garlic, 1 teaspoon dried thyme, 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
  4. Combine Ingredients: Add the drained black-eyed peas, smoked ham hock (if using, otherwise the cooked diced bacon), diced tomatoes (undrained), bay leaf, and chicken or vegetable broth to the pot. Stir everything together gently.
    1 pound dried black-eyed peas, 4 ounces smoked ham hock or 2 slices thick-cut bacon, 1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes, 1 bay leaf, 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
  5. Simmer: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for 45-60 minutes, or until the black-eyed peas are tender. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. If using a ham hock, remove it from the pot once the peas are tender, shred the meat from the bone, and return the shredded ham to the pot.
  6. Season: Season the Hoppin' John with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Start with a small amount and adjust as needed, keeping in mind the saltiness of the broth and ham.
    Salt, freshly ground black pepper
  7. Serve: Ladle the Easy Hoppin' John over or alongside warm, cooked long-grain white rice. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley or green onions, and offer hot sauce on the side for those who enjoy extra spice.
    2 cups cooked long-grain white rice, Fresh parsley or green onions, Hot sauce

Notes

Hoppin' John freezes exceptionally well, making it a great meal prep option. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
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