Hoppin John Southern Comfort Good Luck

Recipe Introduction

Quick Hook

Ever wonder how to kick off the New Year right? Honestly, I always thought it was just about the bubbly! Let's make some hoppin' john .

This dish promises a flavorful start. It's got a smoky, earthy vibe that's pure comfort.

Brief Overview

Hoppin' John , a Southern staple, means good luck for the New Year! It's a delicious mix of black eyed peas and rice , and traditionally, pork.

This comfort food recipe is pretty straightforward. It takes about two and a half hours with soaking. This recipe serves about 6-8 hungry folks.

Main Benefits

The black eyed peas are packed with fiber. This makes it good for your gut and keeps you feeling full! This dish is a must have for New Year's Day food traditions .

It's special because it's more than just a meal. It's a tradition and a taste of Southern hospitality.

Get Ready to Hop into Flavor

This Southern black eyed peas recipe isn’t just food. It’s a hug in a bowl. It's my go-to for chasing away the winter blues.

Now, before we dive in, let’s talk ingredients. I always make sure to get good quality ingredients. You know, the kind that makes your grandma proud!

Hoppin' John: Your New Lucky Charm

We're talking Hop and John Recipe that's easy to follow. Also delicious. You can even call it Hop N John Recipe if you like.

Don't worry, there's no need to master hopping john recipe for good luck! Now, are you ready to get started? It's really just a matter of soaking the peas overnight.

Time to Gather Your Ingredients

So, here's what you need for Hoppin' John . We start with 1 pound (450g) of dried black eyed peas . You'll need olive oil, ham hock or bacon for that smoky flavor.

Don’t forget your veggies. Chop up some onion, garlic, and green bell pepper. It is important that you find a balance between all the ingredients.

Ingredients & Equipment

Alright, let's talk about what you'll need to make some seriously good Hoppin' John . This Southern Black Eyed Peas Recipe is all about simple ingredients.

But quality matters, you know? Think of it like this, the better the ingredients, the better the Hop And John Recipe tastes.

Main Ingredients for Your Lucky Dish

• Black eyed Peas : 1 pound (450g) dried, rinsed. Honestly, don't skip the rinsing. Look for peas that are uniform in color. Avoid any that look shriveled or broken.
• Water (for soaking): 8 cups (1.9 Liters) .
• Olive oil: 2 tablespoons .
• Smoked ham hock or bacon: 1 pound (450g) ham hock or 1/2 pound (225g) diced bacon. If using ham hock, make sure it smells smoky and looks meaty.
• Yellow onion: 1 medium , chopped.
• Garlic: 2 cloves , minced. Fresh is best!
• Green bell pepper: 1 medium , chopped.
• Dried thyme: 1 teaspoon .
• Smoked paprika: 1/2 teaspoon . This adds a wonderful depth of flavor.
• Cayenne pepper: 1/4 teaspoon (optional). Only if you like a little kick!
• Chicken broth: 6 cups (1.4 Liters) .
• Long grain white rice: 1 1/2 cups (300g) , rinsed. Rinsing gets rid of excess starch.
• Salt: 1 teaspoon (or to taste).
• Black pepper: 1/2 teaspoon (or to taste).
• Green onions: 2 , sliced (for garnish).
• Hot sauce: For serving (optional).

Seasoning Notes for a Real Southern Hopping John Recipe

Okay, so here's the deal. Thyme and smoked paprika are your best friends here. They create that classic Southern flavor profile for Black Eyed Peas and Rice .

A little cayenne can wake things up. If you don't have smoked paprika, regular paprika will do in a pinch.

But the smokiness really adds something special to this Hop N John Recipe . Salt and pepper are key. Start with the amounts listed.

But adjust to your taste! That smoky pork will really bring this Southern Black Eyed Peas Recipe to life.

Equipment Needed for Comfort Food Recipes

You don't need fancy gadgets for this Hopping John Recipe . Just the basics.

• Large pot or Dutch oven. This is where the magic happens.
• Measuring cups and spoons.
• Cutting board.
• Chef's knife. A good knife makes all the difference.

Honestly, if you don't have a Dutch oven, a large pot will do just fine. Just make sure it has a lid! I once tried making hoppin john in a small saucepan.

It was a disaster. The rice stuck to the bottom and everything burned. Learn from my mistakes, folks. And get a big pot!.

And honestly, these Good Luck Foods New Years can be cooked with the basics. Now, let's get cooking!

Hoppin' John: Southern Comfort & Good Luck

Hey, y'all! Let's talk about Hoppin' John . It's more than just Black Eyed Peas and Rice . This dish is New Year's Day Food Traditions down South.

Some folks say eating it on January 1st brings good luck all year! Honestly, it is just plain delicious comfort food recipes .

My grandma always made it. This Southern Black Eyed Peas Recipe always makes me feel right at home.

Prep Like a Pro: Mise en Place Magic

First, get your ingredients together. It's called mise en place in fancy cooking terms. This is the essential first step.

Chop your veggies: one medium yellow onion, two cloves of garlic, and one green bell pepper. Rinse one pound (450g) of Black eyed Peas Hoppin John .

And measure out your spices. Having everything prepped saves so much time. I'm telling you, it's a game changer!

Hop To It: step-by-step Goodness

1. Soak those peas! Combine the rinsed black eyed peas with 8 cups (1.9 Liters) of water. Let them sit for at least one hour. Overnight is even better! Then drain and rinse them again .
2. Sizzle the good stuff. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add your Ham Hock Black Eyed Peas or ½ pound (225g) of diced bacon. Cook until browned and crispy.
3. Flavor Bomb. Add the chopped onion, garlic, and bell pepper. Sauté for about 5 minutes. You want them softened and fragrant. Now, stir in 1 teaspoon of dried thyme, ½ teaspoon of smoked paprika, and ¼ teaspoon of cayenne pepper. Cook for one minute.
4. Simmer Time. Pour in 6 cups (1.4 Liters) of chicken broth. Bring to a boil. Then add the drained peas, 1 ½ cups (300g) of long grain rice, 1 teaspoon of salt, and ½ teaspoon of black pepper.
5. Low and Slow. Reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot. Simmer for 45- 50 minutes. The rice should be tender. The peas should be cooked through. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
6. Rest and Serve. Remove the pot from the heat. Let it stand, covered, for 10 minutes. Garnish with sliced green onions. Serve hot! Don't forget the hot sauce!

Insider Secrets: Pro Tips

Want to take your Hop N John Recipe game up a notch? Don't skip the soaking! It really makes a difference.

Also, be careful with the salt. The pork already adds saltiness. Start with the 1 teaspoon and adjust to taste.

Hoppin John is best served with collard greens. I have learnt this after several tries.

This is how to make the ultimate Hoppin John recipe!

And there you have it! Hoppin' John , ready to bring good luck and good eats your way.

Alright, let's talk about making your hoppin john absolutely perfect . Honestly, it's all about the little things that take it from 'meh' to 'OMG'! So, here's the lowdown.

Recipe Notes To Level Up Your Hoppin John

Serving Suggestions: Gettin' Fancy With It

Presentation is key, you know? For plating, think rustic chic. A big bowl, a sprinkle of fresh green onions, and a drizzle of hot sauce is my go-to.

Feeling extra? A sprig of thyme looks lush. As for sides, black eyed peas hoppin john screams for Southern comfort food.

Collard greens are a must, and cornbread? Fuggedaboutit! It's a match made in heaven. A cold beer, or a crisp white wine? Perfect for washing it all down.

Storage Tips: Keepin' It Fresh

Leftover Southern Black Eyed Peas Recipe is a gift that keeps on giving! For refrigeration, stash it in an airtight container.

It’ll last about 3-4 days . Freezing hop n john recipe works too. Let it cool completely first. Then portion it into freezer bags.

Lay them flat to freeze. They can last up to 3 months . Reheating is a breeze! Microwave, stovetop, whatever floats your boat.

Add a splash of broth if it's dried out.

Variations: Gettin' Creative

Want to mix it up? A vegetarian Hopping John Recipe version is easy. Skip the ham hock and use veggie broth.

Boom! For a kick, add a jalapeño. Seasonal swaps? In summer, roasted corn kernels are awesome. Black Eyed Peas and Rice with a summery vibe? Yes, please!

Nutrition Basics: Good For You AND Good Luck

Okay, let's be real: this is comfort food recipes . But black eyed peas are packed with fiber and protein, the ham hock black eyed peas adds richness, and rice gives you energy.

The nutritional details will vary widely based on ingredient, brands, source, and even the day you calculate them.

So, there you have it! A few notes to make your Good Luck Foods New Years even better. Don't be scared to experiment.

Cooking should be fun! Go on, get your Hop And John Recipe on. You got this! I guarantee it will be the star of your New Year's Day Food Traditions .

You can do this!