Southern Recipes

Hoppin John Recipe

Hoppin John is an old Southern dish said to be popular in Georgia and the Carolinas. So...what is "Hoppin John", you ask? In it's simplest form, black eyed peas and rice. However, like many old recipes, there are a variety of ways to make hoppin john. Some like a Cajun flavor of spiciness, some prefer the more traditional peas and rice with a little onion and tomato.

Our recipe leans toward the Cajun variety with more spices. But, if you prefer, you can eliminate some of the spices for a milder blend. Warning...the smell of this dish cooking will drive you wild. It is heavenly.

Ingredients

* 1 pound package dry Black Eye Peas
* 3/4 cup ham, bacon or sausage, chopped and cooked (we prefer ham)
* 1 medium onion, diced (about 1 cup)
* 2 cloves garlic, minced
* 1 bell pepper, chopped (about 1 cup)
* 1 cup celery, diced
* 1 jalapeno pepper (diced with seeds removed)
* 1 cup tomatoes, diced
* 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning
* 1/2 teaspoon ground Thyme
* 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
* 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
* 6 cups vegetable or chicken stock (you can substitute water but will loss some flavor)
* 2 Tablespoons canola oil
* 2 cups long grain white rice, cooked

Directions

1. In a 6 quart pot, heat the canola oil on medium high heat. Saute the onion, bell pepper, garlic and celery until the onion is tender.
2. Add the vegetable or chicken stock. Add the tomatoes, seasonings, jalapeno, ham and black eye peas.
3. Bring to a boil. Lower heat to medium low and cover. Simmer for one and one half (1 1/2) hours stirring occasionally. Check frequently and add water if needed to keep covered in liquid.
4. During the last 1/2 hour, cook the rice according to package directions.
5. Spoon out some rice in a deep bowl. Cover liberally with the Hoppin John and serve hot with cornbread.