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Hoppin' John Carolina Peas and Rice

Hoppin' John Carolina Peas and Rice

Hoppin' John Carolina Peas and Rice is a delicious and traditional Southern dish, offering a comforting and hearty meal that’s perfect for weeknight dinners or festive gatherings. This recipe brings together smoky flavors and tender peas with fluffy rice, creating a satisfying and affordable culinary experience.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Resting Time 5 minutes
Course: Main Dish
Cuisine: Southern
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil For sautéing.
  • ½ pound smoked sausage (andouille or kielbasa) diced
  • 1 medium yellow onion chopped
  • 1 green bell pepper chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 (15-ounce) can black-eyed peas rinsed and drained
  • 1 cup long-grain white rice uncooked
  • 2 cups chicken broth (low sodium preferred)
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
  • ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • Fresh parsley chopped, for garnish
  • Hot sauce for serving (optional)

Equipment

  • Large pot or Dutch oven

Method
 

  1. Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the diced smoked sausage and cook until browned and slightly crispy, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the sausage with a slotted spoon and set aside, leaving the drippings in the pot.
    1 tablespoon olive oil, ½ pound smoked sausage (andouille or kielbasa)
  2. Add the chopped onion and green bell pepper to the pot. Sauté for 5-7 minutes, or until softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
    1 medium yellow onion, 1 green bell pepper, 2 cloves garlic
  3. Stir in the rinsed and drained black-eyed peas, uncooked rice, chicken broth, dried thyme, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper (if using). Return the cooked sausage to the pot.
    1 (15-ounce) can black-eyed peas, 1 cup long-grain white rice, 2 cups chicken broth, 1 teaspoon dried thyme, ½ teaspoon smoked paprika, ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper, ½ pound smoked sausage (andouille or kielbasa)
  4. Bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot tightly, and simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the liquid has been absorbed. Avoid lifting the lid during this time to ensure proper cooking.
  5. Once cooked, remove the pot from the heat and let it sit, covered, for 5 minutes. This allows the steam to finish cooking the rice and peas. Fluff the Hoppin' John Carolina Peas and Rice with a fork, then taste and season with salt and freshly ground black pepper as needed.
    Salt and freshly ground black pepper
  6. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley before serving. Offer hot sauce on the side for those who enjoy a bit of extra spice.
    Fresh parsley, Hot sauce

Notes

You'll adore this Hoppin' John Carolina Peas and Rice because it's the epitome of comfort food – hearty, soulful, and bursting with incredible flavor that instantly transports you to the Southern kitchen. Not only is it unbelievably delicious, but making it at home is also incredibly cost-effective, easily outshining the price of a takeout meal while delivering far superior quality and taste.
The smoky sausage, tender black-eyed peas, and fluffy rice create a symphony of textures and tastes, further elevated by fresh parsley and a dash of hot sauce. It's truly a revelation compared to a simple rice pilaf. So gather your ingredients and prepare for a meal that will warm your soul and impress your taste buds.
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