Best 2 Southern Hoppin John Recipes

In the realm of Southern cuisine, Hoppin' John stands as a beacon of tradition, a dish steeped in history and brimming with flavor. This iconic dish, often served on New Year's Day for good luck, is a harmonious blend of black-eyed peas, rice, and savory ingredients like bacon, smoked turkey, andouille sausage, and aromatic vegetables. Join us on a culinary journey as we unveil the secrets behind this beloved Southern classic, exploring variations such as vegetarian Hoppin' John, a hearty Hoppin' John soup, and a refreshing Hoppin' John salad. Whether you're a seasoned cook or a novice in the kitchen, these recipes will guide you towards creating a delectable Hoppin' John that will delight your taste buds and warm your soul.

Check out the recipes below so you can choose the best recipe for yourself!

SOUTHERN HOPPIN' JOHN

Southern Hoppin' John image

This is a quick and easy side dish that will become a favorite of your family.-Anne Creech, Kinston, North Carolina

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories Side Dishes

Time 40m

Yield 6 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 13

Ingredients

1/2 pound sliced bacon, cut into 1-inch pieces
1 small green or sweet red pepper, chopped
2 celery ribs, chopped
6 green onions, sliced
1 cup uncooked long-grain rice
2 cups water
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 to 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1/2 teaspoon dried basil
1/4 teaspoon dried thyme
1/4 teaspoon dried oregano
1 bay leaf
1 can (15 ounces) black-eyed peas, rinsed and drained

Steps:

In a large skillet, cook bacon over medium heat until crisp. Drain on paper towels; discard all but 2 tablespoons drippings. Saute pepper, celery and onions in drippings until almost tender. Add rice, water and seasonings. Cover and simmer 10 minutes. Add peas and bacon; simmer 10 minutes longer. Discard bay leaf.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 343 calories, Fat 15g fat (5g saturated fat), Cholesterol 25mg cholesterol, Sodium 448mg sodium, Carbohydrate 39g carbohydrate (2g sugars, Fiber 3g fiber), Protein 11g protein.

HOPPIN' JOHN'S SOUTHERN POTATO SALAD

Hoppin' John's Southern Potato Salad image

Along with burgers and hot dogs, a good potato salad is a quintessential part of a cookout, and this one is a classic. It's dressed with mayonnaise, mustard and juice from the sweet pickle jar and incorporates fresh herbs for taste and greenery.

Provided by Suzanne Hamlin

Categories salads and dressings, side dish

Time 40m

Yield 6 servings

Number Of Ingredients 10

Ingredients

2 pounds boiling potatoes or new potatoes, scrubbed and unpeeled
1 1/2 cups minced celery
1 cup scallions, cut in thin slices, including some of the green
3 hard-cooked eggs, peeled and chopped
1/2 cup mayonnaise
1 heaping tablespoon prepared mustard
1/2 cup sweet pickles, diced with some juice from the jar
Salt and freshly ground black pepper and cayenne pepper to taste
1 to 2 tablespoons chopped fresh herbs, like parsley and chives
Paprika to taste

Steps:

Cut potatoes in half if large, put in a pot and add enough lightly salted water to cover them by 2 inches. Bring to a boil, and cook, uncovered, for about 15 minutes, until tender. Drain. Peel if desired, and cut into 1 1/2-inch wedges.
In a large serving bowl, mix the potato pieces with the celery, scallions and eggs.
In a small bowl, mix the mayonnaise, mustard, pickle cubes and juice; toss with the potatoes. Season to taste with salt and peppers. Sprinkle with chopped herbs and dust with paprika. Serve slightly chilled.

Nutrition Facts : @context http, Calories 311, UnsaturatedFat 14 grams, Carbohydrate 34 grams, Fat 17 grams, Fiber 5 grams, Protein 6 grams, SaturatedFat 3 grams, Sodium 583 milligrams, Sugar 6 grams, TransFat 0 grams

Tips:

Use fresh, high-quality ingredients: Fresh vegetables, herbs, and spices will give your Hoppin' John the best flavor. Look for fresh, in-season produce and use whole spices whenever possible.
Soak your black-eyed peas overnight: This will help to soften the peas and reduce their cooking time. If you don't have time to soak the peas overnight, you can boil them for 1 hour before adding them to the pot.
Cook the Hoppin' John low and slow: This will allow the flavors to meld and develop. Simmer the Hoppin' John for at least 1 hour, or until the peas are tender and the rice is cooked through.
Season the Hoppin' John to taste: Add salt, pepper, and other seasonings to taste. You may also want to add a splash of hot sauce or vinegar for a little extra flavor.
Serve the Hoppin' John hot: Hoppin' John is best served hot, with a side of cornbread or hush puppies.

Conclusion:

Hoppin' John is a delicious and easy-to-make dish that is perfect for a New Year's Day meal. With its combination of black-eyed peas, rice, and flavorful broth, Hoppin' John is a symbol of good luck and prosperity. So next time you're looking for a hearty and flavorful dish to enjoy, give Hoppin' John a try. You won't be disappointed!