CROOK'S CORNER HOPPIN' JOHN

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Crook's Corner Hoppin' John image

"Everything I do is as authentic as possible, but with my own refinements," the chef Bill Neal of Crook's Corner in Chapel Hill, N.C., told Craig Claiborne in 1985. "I try to make a personal statement." An example was his hoppin' John. A typical version of the time consisted basically of cooked peas - black-eyed or crowder - served on a bed of rice; the usual seasonings were only salt, pepper and perhaps a little salt pork. Mr. Neal seasoned his peas with garlic, thyme and bay leaf, and added a garnish of cubed tomatoes, chopped scallions and grated cheese.

Provided by Craig Claiborne

Time 1h15m

Yield 4 to 6 servings

Number Of Ingredients 16

1/8 pound streaky bacon or salt pork, cut into small cubes, about 1/2 cup
1/3 cup carrots cut into very small cubes
1/2 cup finely diced celery
2/3 cup finely diced onions
10 ounces fresh or frozen black-eyed peas
1 whole clove garlic
2 3/4 cups water, approximately
6 sprigs fresh thyme
1 bay leaf
Salt to taste, if desired
1/4 teaspoon dried hot red pepper flakes
1 cup rice
2 tablespoons butter
1 red ripe tomato, about 1/4 pound, cored
1/4 pound sharp Cheddar cheese, finely grated
1 cup finely chopped scallions, including green part

Steps:

  • Put the bacon or salt pork in a saucepan and cook, stirring often, until all the cubes are crisp. Add the carrots, celery and onions and cook, stirring, about 1 minute.
  • Add peas, garlic, about 1 1/4 cups water or to barely cover, thyme, bay leaf, salt and pepper flakes. Bring to boil and let simmer, uncovered, 30 to 40 minutes, until tender but not mushy. Remove from heat.
  • Put the rice in a saucepan and add 1 1/2 cups water and salt to taste. Bring to boil and let simmer 17 minutes. Stir in the butter.
  • Cut unpeeled tomato into 1/4-inch cubes; there should be about 1 cup.
  • Arrange the hot rice in the center of a platter. Spoon the hot pea mixture, including liquid, over the rice. Scatter the cheese over the peas. Place tomato cubes around the rice. Scatter the scallions over the tomatoes. Serve immediately.

Misbah Israr
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I'm not a fan of black-eyed peas, but this recipe changed my mind.


Brandon Brown
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This recipe is a keeper!


Ali Chalklen
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This is the best Hoppin' John I've ever had!


Rajab Khokhar
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This Hoppin' John is delicious! It's the perfect comfort food for a cold winter day.


Lubega Sacko
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I'm not a fan of black-eyed peas, but this recipe changed my mind. The flavors are incredible and the dish is so comforting.


Yamin Yamin
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This recipe is a keeper! It's easy to make and it's packed with flavor. I love the combination of black-eyed peas, rice, and bacon. I will definitely be making this again.


EditingKay
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This is the best Hoppin' John I've ever had! It's so flavorful and comforting. I love the addition of collard greens. I will definitely be making this again.


Moses Mhlanga
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This Hoppin' John is delicious! It's the perfect comfort food for a cold winter day. I love the smoky flavor from the bacon and the creaminess of the black-eyed peas. I will definitely be making this again.


Comilla Bantan
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I'm not a huge fan of black-eyed peas, but this recipe changed my mind. The combination of flavors is amazing and the dish is so comforting. I will definitely be making this again.


lovey baby
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This recipe is a winner! The flavors are incredible and the dish is so easy to make. I love that it's a one-pot meal, which makes cleanup a breeze. I will definitely be making this again soon.


Ery Powers
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I made this recipe for my family and they loved it! It's a great dish for a weeknight meal. It's easy to make and it's packed with flavor. I would definitely recommend this recipe to anyone looking for a delicious and easy Hoppin' John.


Arslan Shani
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This Hoppin' John is amazing! It's so flavorful and comforting. I love the combination of black-eyed peas, rice, and bacon. The collard greens also add a nice touch. I will definitely be making this again and again.


Mike Mike (Dlvisual002)
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This recipe is a keeper! I've tried many Hoppin' John recipes over the years, but this one is by far the best. The addition of collard greens gives it a unique and delicious flavor. I also love that it's a one-pot dish, which makes cleanup a breeze.


Ahsan Maitla
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This was my first time making Hoppin' John and I was really impressed. The instructions were clear and easy to follow, and the dish turned out beautifully. I loved the combination of textures and flavors. The black-eyed peas were creamy, the rice was


nupur halder
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I've made this recipe several times and it's always a hit. The flavors are so well-balanced and the dish is incredibly comforting. I especially love the crispy bits of bacon that add a nice crunch. I highly recommend this recipe to anyone looking for


LunarRoseWitch LRW
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This Hoppin' John recipe from Crook's Corner is a must-try! The combination of black-eyed peas, rice, and smoky bacon is simply divine. I love that the recipe also includes collard greens, which add a nice pop of color and nutrition. I followed the r