Recipe: New Year’s Hopping John
Cook Time: 50 minutes
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
Servings: 6
Yield: 12 side dish servings
Description: Start your New Year right with this hearty and flavorful New Year’s Hopping John recipe. This traditional Southern dish combines black-eyed peas, rice, and savory seasonings to bring good luck and prosperity for the year ahead. Perfect for a weeknight meal, this dish can be prepared on the stovetop or in a pressure cooker, making it both convenient and delicious. Share this wholesome dish with your loved ones and embrace the spirit of the season!
Keywords: Long Grain Rice, Rice, Beans, Low Cholesterol, Healthy, Weeknight, Pressure Cooker, Stove Top, < 4 Hours, Easy
Nutritional Information (per serving):
- Calories: 312.9
- Fat Content: 10.2g
- Saturated Fat Content: 3.1g
- Cholesterol Content: 35.5mg
- Sodium Content: 595.3mg
- Carbohydrate Content: 35.5g
- Fiber Content: 3.4g
- Sugar Content: 1.5g
- Protein Content: 18.4g
Ingredients:
- 1 cup celery, diced
- 1 cup onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 4 cups water
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 16 ounces black-eyed peas, dried
- 1/2 cup cooked ham, diced
- 1/4 teaspoon dry crushed red pepper
- 3 bay leaves
- 3 cups cooked long-grain rice
Instructions:
-
Begin by sautéing the diced celery, chopped onion, and minced garlic in a large Dutch oven over medium heat. You can use hot oil, bacon drippings, or butter for added flavor. Cook until the vegetables are tender and fragrant.
-
Once the vegetables are cooked, add in the water, chicken broth, dried black-eyed peas, diced cooked ham, dry crushed red pepper, and bay leaves. Stir well to combine all the ingredients.
-
Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot with a lid, and let it simmer gently for about 40 minutes, or until the black-eyed peas are tender. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
-
After simmering, carefully remove and discard the bay leaves from the pot. They have imparted their aromatic flavor to the dish.
-
To serve, spoon the Hopping John mixture over cooked long-grain rice in individual bowls. The combination of flavors and textures is sure to delight your taste buds and bring a taste of Southern comfort to your table.
Cook’s Tips:
- For a quicker cooking time, you can use canned black-eyed peas instead of dried ones. Simply rinse and drain them before adding to the pot.
- Customize this recipe by adding in additional vegetables such as bell peppers or tomatoes for extra color and nutrition.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave before serving.
Reviews (15):
- “Absolutely delicious! This recipe is now a staple in our household.”
- “So easy to make and packed with flavor. Perfect for busy weeknights.”
- “I love how versatile this dish is. You can add in whatever ingredients you have on hand.”
- “Great way to use up leftover ham. The whole family enjoyed it.”
- “A comforting and satisfying meal. Will definitely be making this again.”
Embrace the tradition of New Year’s Hopping John with this delightful recipe. Wishing you a year filled with health, happiness, and good food!
