Let me tell you about my absolute favorite comfort food: the authentic southern hoppin’ john recipe! This classic dish has been a staple in Southern kitchens for generations, celebrated for its hearty flavors and soul-warming qualities. It’s made with simple ingredients like black-eyed peas and rice, but trust me, it packs a punch of flavor that will make your taste buds dance! Traditionally enjoyed on New Year’s Day for good luck, hoppin’ john is more than just a meal—it’s a delicious slice of Southern culture that brings family and friends together. You’re going to love how easy it is to make!

Ingredients List

Here’s what you’ll need to whip up this delicious authentic southern hoppin’ john recipe. Gather these simple ingredients:

• 1 cup black-eyed peas (you can use fresh or dried; if using dried, soak them overnight)
• 1 cup long-grain rice (white or brown works well)
• 4 cups chicken broth (homemade or store-bought for convenience)
• 1 onion, chopped (a sweet onion adds a nice touch)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced (garlic powder is a good substitute in a pinch)
• 1 green bell pepper, chopped (feel free to swap with red or yellow for sweetness)
• 1 smoked ham hock (this adds that irresistible smoky flavor)
• 1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (for a kick, but you can reduce this if you prefer it milder)

How to Prepare the Authentic Southern Hoppin John Recipe

Now that you’ve got all your ingredients ready, let’s dive into making this delicious dish! Follow these easy steps, and you’ll have a pot of hoppin’ john bubbling away in no time.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

1. First things first, soak your black-eyed peas overnight in plenty of water. This will help them cook evenly and become tender.
2. Once they’re soaked, drain the peas and set them aside for later.
3. In a large pot, heat a splash of olive oil over medium heat. Sauté the chopped onion, minced garlic, and bell pepper until they’re soft and fragrant, about 5 minutes. Oh, the aroma is heavenly!
4. Next, add the smoked ham hock to the pot along with 4 cups of chicken broth. This is where the magic really begins!
5. Now, stir in the drained black-eyed peas, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper. Bring everything to a boil—trust me, it’s worth the wait!
6. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and add your rice. Give it a gentle stir, then cover the pot with a lid.
7. Let it simmer for about 20-25 minutes, or until the rice is fully cooked and the flavors are mingling beautifully.
8. Finally, take out the ham hock, shred the meat, and mix it back into the pot. Serve it hot and enjoy the comforting warmth of this Southern classic!

Nutritional Information

Let’s talk numbers! This authentic southern hoppin’ john recipe is not only delicious but also packed with nutrients. Each serving (about 1 cup) contains approximately 300 calories, making it a hearty meal without going overboard. You’ll get around 15 grams of protein to keep you satisfied, along with 54 grams of carbohydrates for that energy boost. It’s relatively low in fat at 5 grams, with just 1 gram of saturated fat. Plus, with 8 grams of fiber, it’s great for digestion! Please keep in mind that these values are estimates based on typical ingredients, so they may vary slightly depending on your choices. Enjoy every bite without worry!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Incredible Flavor: The combination of smoky ham hock, tender black-eyed peas, and fluffy rice creates a soulful dish that’s bursting with flavor!
• Simple Preparation: With just a handful of ingredients and straightforward steps, you’ll be amazed at how easily this dish comes together.
• Cultural Tradition: Eating hoppin’ john is a cherished Southern tradition, especially on New Year’s Day, symbolizing good luck and prosperity.
• Comfort Food: It’s the ultimate comfort food that brings warmth and satisfaction, perfect for family gatherings or cozy nights in.
• Versatile Dish: You can easily adjust the spices and ingredients to suit your taste, making it a flexible favorite!

Tips for Success

To make your authentic southern hoppin’ john recipe truly shine, here are some of my top tips! First, don’t rush the soaking process for the black-eyed peas; it really helps them cook evenly and absorb flavors. If you’re short on time, a quick soak in boiling water for an hour can work in a pinch. Also, taste as you go! Adjusting the spices to your liking can take this dish from good to outstanding. Remember, the smoked ham hock is key for that deep, rich flavor, so don’t skip it! Lastly, for an extra touch, add a splash of vinegar or hot sauce just before serving to brighten everything up.

Serving Suggestions

This authentic southern hoppin’ john recipe pairs beautifully with a slice of warm cornbread or fluffy buttermilk biscuits. For a refreshing touch, serve it alongside a simple coleslaw or some sautéed greens like collard or mustard greens. Trust me, these sides will elevate your meal to a whole new level!

Storage & Reheating Instructions

If you have any leftovers (which I doubt because it’s so good!), store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply reheat on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of broth to keep it moist and delicious. Enjoy every bite!

FAQ Section

Can I make this authentic southern hoppin’ john recipe vegetarian? Absolutely! You can substitute the smoked ham hock with a few tablespoons of olive oil and add some smoked paprika for that smoky flavor. Just make sure to use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.

How can I store and reheat leftovers? Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. To reheat, warm it gently on the stovetop, adding a splash of broth to keep it nice and moist.

What can I serve with hoppin’ john? Traditional pairings include cornbread, collard greens, or a side of coleslaw. These complement the dish perfectly!

Can I freeze hoppin’ john? Yes! This dish freezes well. Just let it cool completely, then store it in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge before reheating.

Authentic Southern Hoppin John Recipe: 7 Steps to Joy

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• Author: Julia marin
• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Diet: Gluten Free

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Description

A traditional Southern dish made with black-eyed peas and rice.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 cup black-eyed peas
• 1 cup long-grain rice
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 green bell pepper, chopped
• 1 smoked ham hock
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper

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Instructions

1. Soak black-eyed peas overnight in water.
2. Drain peas and set aside.
3. In a large pot, sauté onions, garlic, and bell pepper until soft.
4. Add ham hock and chicken broth to the pot.
5. Stir in black-eyed peas, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper.
6. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low.
7. Add rice and cover the pot.
8. Simmer for 20-25 minutes until rice is cooked.
9. Remove ham hock, shred meat, and return to pot.
10. Serve hot.

Notes

• Use fresh or dried black-eyed peas.
• Adjust spices to your taste.
• Serve with cornbread for a complete meal.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Category: Main Dish
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Southern

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cup
• Calories: 300
• Sugar: 1g
• Sodium: 800mg
• Fat: 5g
• Saturated Fat: 1g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 54g
• Fiber: 8g
• Protein: 15g
• Cholesterol: 30mg

Keywords: authentic southern hoppin john recipe