Go Back
best hoppin john recipe

Best Hoppin' John Recipe

A quick, delicious, and traditional Southern Hoppin' John recipe, featuring black-eyed peas, rice, and savory spices, often eaten for good luck on New Year's Day.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Soak Time 1 minute
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings: 4 people
Course: Main Course, Side Dish
Cuisine: American, Southern
Calories: 350
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 1 cup dried black-eyed peas soaked overnight and drained
  • 1 cup uncooked white rice rinsed
  • 2 cups chicken broth or vegetable broth
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 large onion chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 large bell pepper diced (green or red)
Seasonings & Garnish
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley for garnish

Equipment

  • Large Saucepan or Dutch Oven

Method
 

  1. Heat the olive oil in a large saucepan or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes.
    2 tablespoons olive oil, 1 large onion
  2. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute, until fragrant.
    2 cloves garlic
  3. Stir in the diced bell pepper, ground cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook for 2-3 minutes, until the vegetables start to tenderize and the spices are fragrant.
    1 large bell pepper, 1 teaspoon ground cumin, 1 teaspoon smoked paprika, Salt and pepper
  4. Add the soaked and drained black-eyed peas, uncooked rice (rinsed), and chicken broth to the saucepan. Bring the mixture to a boil.
    1 cup dried black-eyed peas, 1 cup uncooked white rice, 2 cups chicken broth
  5. Reduce the heat to low, cover the saucepan, and simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until the rice and peas are tender and all the liquid has been absorbed.
  6. Fluff the Hoppin' John with a fork and gently stir in the chopped parsley. Serve hot.
    1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley

Notes

Soaking the black-eyed peas overnight and draining is crucial for this recipe's quick cooking time. For added authentic flavor, consider replacing some of the olive oil with rendered bacon or salt pork fat. Always serve with cornbread!