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Hoppin John Recipe

Hoppin John Recipe

This Hoppin John Recipe delivers comforting Southern black-eyed peas, smoky ham hock, and fluffy rice in every spoonful—perfect for a festive comfort food dinner or a cozy weeknight meal.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 1 minute
Course Main Course
Cuisine Southern
Servings 6 servings
Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb dried black-eyed peas rinsed and picked over (or 3 cans, drained)
  • 1 smoked ham hock about 1 lb; use a ham bone + ham hock for extra flavor
  • 2 tbsp olive oil or bacon drippings
  • 1 large yellow onion diced
  • 2 celery stalks chopped
  • 1 green bell pepper diced
  • 3 garlic cloves minced
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 1 tsp dried thyme or 1 Tbsp fresh, chopped
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 6 cups low-sodium chicken broth try Pacific Foods brand
  • 2 cups cooked long-grain white rice or brown rice for a nuttier bite
  • Salt and freshly ground pepper to taste
  • Optional garnish chopped scallions or fresh parsley

Instructions
 

  • Cover dried peas with water by 2 inches and soak 6–8 hours, or quick-soak by boiling 5 minutes, then covering off heat for 1 hour; drain well.
  • In a large Dutch oven, heat oil over medium. Add ham hock; brown lightly, then tuck vegetables around it. Sauté until onions turn translucent, about 5 minutes.
  • Stir in garlic, thyme, smoked paprika, and bay leaf; cook 1 minute until fragrant.
  • Pour in drained peas and chicken broth. Raise heat to bring to a gentle boil.
  • Lower heat to medium-low, partially cover, and let simmer 60 minutes—stir every 15 minutes to prevent sticking and check liquid levels.
  • Remove ham hock, shred tender meat (discard fat and bone), then return meat to pot.
  • Add cooked rice, stirring until grains are coated and heated through, about 5 minutes.
  • Taste, then season with salt and pepper. If broth tastes flat, a pinch of sugar can brighten it.
  • Spoon into bowls, top with scallions or parsley, and tuck a lucky penny into one serving if you dare!

Notes

Refrigerate leftovers in airtight containers for up to 4 days. Freeze individual portions in freezer-safe bags for up to 3 months. Cook the peas and broth base a day ahead for easy prep.

Nutrition

Calories: 350kcal
Keyword Black Eyed Peas, Comfort Food, Hoppin John, One-Pot Recipe, Soul Food
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