Go Back

James Madison's Hoppin' John

Hoppin' John is a traditional Southern dish made from black-eyed peas, rice, and pork, such as bacon or ham hock. This hearty and flavorful dish is often associated with New Year's Day in the Southern United States, where it is believed to bring good luck and prosperity for the coming year. It's typically garnished with fresh parsley and served with cornbread, making it a comforting and nourishing meal.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour 30 minutes

Jump To

IngredientsMethodVideoNotes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup dried black-eyed peas or 2 cans, drained and rinsed
  • 4 cups water or chicken broth
  • 1 large onion chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 bell pepper chopped
  • 1 celery stalk chopped
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 1 teaspoon thyme
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 ham hock or 6 slices of bacon chopped
  • 1 cup long-grain white rice
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 2 tablespoons chopped parsley for garnish

Instructions
 

Prepare the Black-Eyed Peas:

  1. If using dried black-eyed peas, place them in a large bowl and cover with water. Let them soak overnight or use the quick-soak method by boiling them for 2 minutes, then letting them sit for 1 hour. Drain and rinse before using.

Cook the Bacon/Ham Hock:

  1. In a large pot or Dutch oven, cook the chopped bacon over medium heat until crispy. If using a ham hock, add it directly to the pot and cook for about 5 minutes to render some fat.

Sauté the Vegetables:

  1. Add the chopped onion, garlic, bell pepper, and celery to the pot. Sauté until the vegetables are softened, about 5-7 minutes.

Add the Seasonings and Peas:

  1. Stir in the bay leaf, thyme, and smoked paprika. Add the soaked and drained black-eyed peas (or canned peas) to the pot. Pour in the water or chicken broth.

Simmer the Peas:

  1. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer, uncovered, until the peas are tender, about 1 hour if using dried peas, or 20-30 minutes if using canned peas. If needed, add more liquid to keep the peas covered.

Cook the Rice:

  1. While the peas are simmering, cook the rice according to the package instructions.

Combine and Serve:

  1. Once the peas are tender, remove the ham hock if used and shred any meat from it, returning the meat to the pot. Stir in the cooked rice and season with salt and pepper to taste. Let the mixture simmer for another 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.

Garnish and Enjoy:

  1. Ladle the Hoppin' John into bowls and garnish with chopped parsley. Serve hot and enjoy a taste of history.

Video

Notes

  • Historical Context: Hoppin' John is a dish that showcases the blending of African culinary traditions with American ingredients, making it a significant part of Southern cuisine and culture during James Madison’s time.
 
  • Variations: For a vegetarian version, omit the bacon or ham hock and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. You can also add other vegetables like tomatoes or greens for additional flavor and nutrition.
 
  • Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave before serving.
 
  • Serving Suggestion: Hoppin' John is traditionally served with collard greens and cornbread, making for a hearty and complete meal.