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Soul Food Hoppin John Recipe

Soul Food Hoppin John Recipe

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.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 20 minutes
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Soul Food, Southern
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

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 to taste
  • 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)

Equipment

  • Large Dutch oven
  • Heavy-bottomed pot

Method
 

  1. 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
  2. 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
  3. 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
  4. 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.
  5. 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.
  6. 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
  7. 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

Notes

Proper storage and reheating are crucial for enjoying leftovers. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days or frozen for up to 3 months.
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