Ingredients
– 4 tablespoons butter For sautéing and adding richness
– 1 large diced onion Provides a sweet and aromatic base
– 4 minced garlic cloves Adds savory depth and flavor
– 1 diced green bell pepper Brings a fresh, slightly sweet crunch
– 2 diced celery stalks Contributes a subtle earthy taste and texture
– 1 pound of dried black-eyed peas The star ingredient, offering protein and tradition
– 5 cups of low-sodium chicken broth Infuses moisture and flavor; use extra to adjust consistency
– 1 whole ham hock Delivers smoky, savory notes; swap for plant-based options if needed
– Kosher salt to taste For seasoning and enhancing overall flavors
– Pepper to taste Adds a bit of spice and balance
– Cayenne pepper to taste Provides a gentle heat that elevates the dish
– 2 tablespoons of white vinegar Brightens the flavors and finishes the recipe nicely
– White or brown rice for serving Absorbs the delicious broth and makes the meal complete
Instructions
1-First, soak the 1 pound of dried black-eyed peas in cool water for at least 6 hours, then rinse them well to prepare for cooking. This step helps them cook evenly and cuts down on time later.
2-Next, in a large pot, sauté the diced onion, minced garlic, green bell pepper, and celery in 4 tablespoons of butter over medium-high heat for 3 to 4 minutes until they soften and release their aromas.
3-Once the veggies are ready, add the soaked peas, 5 cups of low-sodium chicken broth, the whole ham hock, kosher salt, pepper, and cayenne pepper to the pot. Bring everything to a boil, then reduce the heat, cover, and let it simmer for about 30 minutes. Keep an eye on the liquid; if it gets too thick, simmer uncovered or add more broth as needed to keep the mixture just right.
4-After simmering, stir in the 2 tablespoons of white vinegar and taste to adjust the seasoning with more salt, pepper, or cayenne if you like.
5-Finally, serve the mixture over white or brown rice, or mix it in for a one-pot meal.
Last Step:
Please leave a rating and comment letting us know how you liked this recipe! This helps our business to thrive and continue providing free, high-quality recipes for you.Notes
🥬 Soak black-eyed peas for at least 6 hours or overnight – this reduces cooking time and improves digestibility
🍖 The ham hock adds incredible depth of flavor, but you can substitute with diced bacon or smoked turkey for variation
🍚 For the best texture, cook the rice separately and serve the Hoppin’ John over it rather than mixing everything together
- Prep Time: 15 minutes plus 6 hours soaking
- Soaking Time: 6 hours
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop Cooking
- Cuisine: Southern American
- Diet: Contains Pork
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 4
- Sodium: 890
- Fat: 8
- Saturated Fat: 5
- Unsaturated Fat: 3
- Trans Fat: 0
- Carbohydrates: 42
- Fiber: 12
- Protein: 18
- Cholesterol: 35