Hoppin John

This savory, smokey, a bit spicy, and hearty black-eyed pea stew will warm your soul any day of the year. Southern classic soul food is super easy and richly flavored with Creole Seasoning and herbs. Pair it with rice, collard greens, and cornbread for a traditional New Year's menu!

Course Main

Cuisine soul, Southern

Diet Gluten Free

Prep Time 5

Cook Time 1

Soaking Time 2

Total Time 3 5

Servings

Calories 457kcal

Author Imma

Ingredients

1 pound (450g) black-eyed peas
4 -5 thick slices bacon, chopped
2 cups chopped smoked turkey or smoked ham hock
1 large onion, diced (about 1½ cups )
1 stalk celery, diced (about ½ cup)
1 tablespoon minced garlic
2 teaspoons (2g) fresh thyme, minced
1-2 bay Leaves
6-7 cups (1.5-1.7l) chicken broth or water
2 teaspoons (8g) Creole seasoning
salt and pepper to taste
4 cups (200g) cooked rice for serving
1 green onions for garnishing

Instructions

Rinse dried black-eyed pea beans and add them to a large pot. Cover with 3-4 inches of cold water and let soak for 2-3 hours.
In a large, heavy sauté pan, saute chopped bacon until brown and crispy, 5-6 minutes. Then add smoked ham and saute for 2-3 more minutes.
Toss in the onions, celery, garlic, thyme, and bay leaf and saute for 3-5 minutes until onions are wilted and aromatic.
Then pour in the chicken broth or water.
Drain the soaked beans, rinse them, and place them in the pot. Season them with Creole seasoning and salt to taste. Mix and bring to a boil.
Reduce heat to a simmer and cook, uncovered, for 45 minutes or more, stirring occasionally, until beans are tender and slightly thickened to the desired consistency.
Add more stock or water if the mixture gets too dry and thick. The texture of the beans should be slightly thick and creamy but not watery.
Remove the bay leaves.
Taste and adjust for seasonings with salt, pepper, and Creole seasoning if needed. Serve over cooked rice and garnish with green onions.

Notes

Soak the beans in cold water with about 3 tablespoons of salt for at least 3-4 hours before cooking to soften the beans quickly and add more flavor.
Make it vegan by omitting the bacon, ham, or turkey and using vegetable broth instead of chicken.
Spice it up with cayenne, chili flakes, chili powder, or more intense fiery peppers like habanero, scotch bonnet, and serrano.
Simmer the beans uncovered for a more flavorful and thick Hoppin' John stew.
Turn it into Hoppin' John soup by adding more broth or water. A perfect comforting soup for cold weather.
Please keep in mind that nutritional information is a rough estimate and can vary greatly based on the products used.

Nutrition