Hoppin John Recipe
When I'm craving a comforting home-cooked meal, this classic Hoppin John recipe is always my go-to. It's rich, hearty and packed with flavor from those tender black eyed peas, smoky bacon, sausage and fresh veggies, all served over warm, fluffy rice.
Servings: 8
Calories: 581kcal
Ingredients
- ¼ pound thick-cut bacon, chopped
- 2 andouille sausage links, halved and slice thin
- 1 small sweet onion, peeled and chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 1 bell pepper, seeded and chopped (any color)
- 1 jalapeno or serrano pepper, seeded and diced
- 2-3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 ½ - 2 pounds frozen black eyed peas, or field peas
- 32 ounce chicken stock
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves
- 1 tablespoon cajun seasoning
- ½ cup chopped green onions
- 2 cups long grain rice, rinsed well (or Carolina Gold rice)
Instructions
- Set a medium sauce pot over high heat. Add the rice and 3 ½ cups water. Cover and bring to a boil. Then lower the heat and cook for 15-20 minutes, until light and fluffy. *See package instructions.
- Set a large sauté pan over medium heat. Add the bacon. Cook and stir for 3 minutes, then add in the sliced sausage. Brown until the sausage looks crispy around the edges. Stir regularly.
- Push the bacon and sausage to the sides of the pan and add in the onions, celery, bell pepper, jalapeno, and garlic. Sauté for 3-5 minutes to soften the vegetables.
- Pour in the black eyed peas, chicken stock, thyme, and Cajun seasoning. Cover with a tight lid and simmer for 30-40 minutes, or until the black eyed peas are soft and tender. (If the broth absorbs before the black eyed peas are soft, add a little water to finish them off.)
- Taste, then season with salt and pepper if needed.
- Serve warm over rice with a sprinkling of green onions, and hot sauce on the side.
Video
Notes
Hoppin’ John can be served over the rice, or mixed into the rice. I prefer to pile it on the rice and let each person mix it.
Store leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. You can also freeze leftovers in an airtight container and store in the freezer for up to 3 months. Reheat any leftovers over medium heat whilst stirring frequently, or you can microwave in short bursts.
Nutrition
Serving: 1.25cups | Calories: 581kcal | Carbohydrates: 88g | Protein: 27g | Fat: 13g | Saturated Fat: 4g | Cholesterol: 27mg | Sodium: 428mg | Potassium: 950mg | Fiber: 15g | Sugar: 12g | Vitamin A: 1101IU | Vitamin C: 27mg | Calcium: 90mg | Iron: 6mg