This tried-and-true recipe will make anyone look forward to the New Year! Beans, rice, ham, tomatoes, and more are simmered in deep rich broth. This hearty meal is bound to make the New Year celebration just right, and with the beans prepped overnight, this recipe can be made in 3 simple steps!
What is Hoppin John?
Hoppin John is a southern dish served for the New Year and is thought to bring good luck and prosperity. This recipe is said to have first appeared in 1847 in Sarah Rutledge’s “The Carolina Housewife.” However, there is some debate as to how the name came about. Regardless of the name origin, it’s the perfect dish to enjoy on New Year’s Day with black-eyed peas, pork (such as bacon, hog jowl, ham hocks, or a ham bone), some seasoning, and rice.
Ingredients for Hoppin’ John
Beans – This recipe calls for dried black-eyed peas. If you’re short on time, use canned beans that are rinsed and drained. Ham – I make this recipe with a leftover ham bone (often from our Christmas ham) or ham hock as the bone adds lots of flavor to the broth. If the hock or bone is not available, a dash of liquid smoke or even smoked paprika can flavor the broth and then add some diced ham near the end of the cooking time. Smoked turkey can be used in place of pork. Rice – Use long grain rice which is cooked in the ham broth for extra flavor. Other varieties of rice can be used and cooked according to package directions; use the ham broth in place of water for more flavor. Broth – Chicken stock, broth, or low-sodium chicken broth can be used in this recipe. Bell peppers and celery stalks add flavor along with herbs. You can add a tablespoon of cajun seasoning for an extra kick if you’d like. Variations – Add a bit of extra broth to this recipe and use it to cook the rice at the end. The broth is flavored with the ham bone making the rice extra delicious! If you’re not going to cook the rice in the ham broth, reduce the cooking liquid by 2 cups in this recipe.
How to Make Hoppin’ John
Make Ahead and Leftovers
Treat Hoppin’ John just like any soup or stew-like entrée. Keep leftovers stored tightly covered in the refrigerator and simply pop into the microwave to reheat. To freeze, just scoop it into quart-sized freezer bags after it is cooled to room temperature, and don’t forget to label it with the date!
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