Hoppin' John

Name: Hoppin' John
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 55 min
Total time: 70 min
Yield: 6 servings
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 large smoked ham hock (or smoked turkey wing); 1 lb dried black-eyed peas, rinsed, sorted; 1 yellow onion, diced; 2 celery stalks, diced; 4 garlic cloves, minced; 6 cups low-sodium chicken broth; 2 bay leaves; 1/2 tsp dried thyme; 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper; 1 tsp salt; 1/2 tsp black pepper; 2 cups long-grain white rice; 4 scallions, sliced

A Southern staple of black-eyed peas simmered with smoked pork, onion, and spices, served over white rice. Traditionally eaten on New Year's Day for good luck.

70 minEasyServes 6320 cal/serving

AmericanSideStovetopStandardHigh FiberDairy-FreeGluten-FreeAlcohol-FreeCorn-Free

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Ingredients

1 large smoked ham hock (or smoked turkey wing)
1 lb dried black-eyed peas, rinsed, sorted
1 yellow onion, diced
2 celery stalks, diced
4 garlic cloves, minced
6 cups low-sodium chicken broth
2 bay leaves
1/2 tsp dried thyme
1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
2 cups long-grain white rice
4 scallions, sliced

Instructions

1

In a large pot, combine 1 large smoked ham hock (or smoked turkey wing), 1 lb rinsed, sorted dried black-eyed peas, 1 diced yellow onion, 2 diced celery stalks, 4 minced garlic cloves, 2 bay leaves, 1/2 tsp dried thyme, 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper, and 6 cups low-sodium chicken broth. Bring to a boil over high heat.
2

Reduce heat to low, partially cover, and simmer for 45-55 minutes until the black-eyed peas are tender but not mushy. Stir occasionally and add a splash of water if the pot looks dry.
3

Remove the ham hock and bay leaves. When cool enough to handle, pull the meat from the ham hock, shred it, and stir it back into the pot. Season with 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper.
4

While the peas simmer, cook 2 cups long-grain white rice according to package instructions.
5

Serve the peas and their broth over the rice, garnished with 4 sliced scallions.

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Questions

What is Hoppin' John?

A Southern staple of black-eyed peas simmered with smoked pork, onion, and spices, served over white rice. Traditionally eaten on New Year's Day for good luck. This reference files it under American side: made on the stovetop, rated easy and about 70 minutes start to finish.

How much time should I plan for Hoppin' John?

As written, 70 minutes: 15 of prep and 55 of cooking. The longest single stretch is step 2 (55 minutes): "Reduce heat to low, partially cover, and simmer for 45-55 minutes until the black-eyed peas are tender but not mushy."

How do I know when Hoppin' John is done?

Go by the cues in the method rather than the clock. Step 2: cook until the black-eyed peas are tender but not mushy.

Can I make Hoppin' John less spicy?

Yes. The heat in Hoppin' John comes from 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper. For a milder plate, halve the cayenne; nothing else in the method changes.

Is Hoppin' John gluten-free?

Yes. As written, nothing in the ingredient list for Hoppin' John is wheat, barley or rye. Gluten hides in packaged goods, so read the label on the broth.

How many calories are in Hoppin' John?

One serving (the recipe makes 6) is about 320 calories, with 18 g protein, 48 g carbohydrate and 3 g fat, plus 8 g fiber and 480 mg sodium. The figures are estimates computed from the ingredient list.

How long does Hoppin' John keep?

Refrigerate what is left of Hoppin' John within two hours and eat it within three days. Reheat gently on the stovetop. The grain firms up as it chills; add a spoonful of water before reheating.

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