Description
Hoppin’ John is a traditional Southern dish featuring black-eyed peas cooked with savory bacon, aromatic vegetables, and herbs. This hearty and flavorful recipe is perfect for a comforting meal served over white rice and garnished with fresh cilantro and green onions.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 2 cans Black Eyed Peas (undrained)
- 6 slices Bacon, diced
- 1 White Onion, diced
- 5 cloves Garlic, coarsely chopped
- 2 stalks Celery, chopped
- 1 cup Water
- 1 Chicken Bouillon Cube
Herbs and Spices
- 1/2 tsp Oregano
- 1/2 tsp Basil
- 1/2 tsp Coarse Black Pepper
Garnish
- 2 tbsp Fresh Cilantro, chopped
- Green Onions, thinly chopped (amount to taste)
Instructions
- Cook Bacon: In a heavy stock pot over medium heat, sauté the diced bacon until browned and crispy, releasing flavorful fat.
- Sauté Vegetables: Add the diced onion and chopped celery to the pot with the bacon. Cook, stirring occasionally, for about 5 minutes until the vegetables are softened and translucent.
- Add Garlic: Stir in the coarsely chopped garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
- Add Peas and Water: Pour in both cans of black-eyed peas, including the liquid, along with 1 cup of water to provide additional moisture for simmering.
- Season: Stir in oregano, basil, coarse black pepper, and crumble the chicken bouillon cube into the mixture. Continue stirring until the bouillon cube completely dissolves, infusing the dish with savory flavor.
- Simmer: Reduce heat to low and let the mixture simmer gently for 15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the liquid to thicken slightly.
- Serve: Spoon the hot hoppin’ John over cooked white rice and garnish with fresh cilantro and thinly chopped green onions for a vibrant finish.
Notes
- You can substitute smoked ham or turkey bacon for a different flavor profile.
- For a spicier version, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or hot sauce when seasoning.
- If you prefer a vegetarian version, omit the bacon and use vegetable broth instead of chicken bouillon.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheat well.
- Traditionally served on New Year’s Day for good luck.
