Hoppin John Recipe
A hearty Hoppin John Recipe made with black-eyed peas, smoked ham hock, vegetables, spices, and tender rice. A comforting Southern-style dish simmered to rich perfection and ideal for family meals or traditional celebrations.
10 Servings
Ingredients
Base Ingredients
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 large onion diced
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- 1 green bell pepper diced
- 2 stalks celery diced
- 1 pound dried black-eyed peas
- 5 cups low-sodium chicken broth plus additional as needed
- 1 whole ham hock
- Kosher salt to taste
- Black pepper to taste
- Cayenne pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons white vinegar
To Serve
- Cooked white or brown rice
Instructions
Prepare the Black-Eyed Peas
- Place the dried black-eyed peas in a large bowl and cover them with cool water. Allow the peas to soak for at least 6 hours. Drain and rinse before use.
Sauté the Aromatic Vegetables
- In a large, heavy-bottomed pot, melt the butter over medium-high heat. Add the diced onion, garlic, bell pepper, and celery. Stir and cook for 3 to 4 minutes, or until the vegetables have softened and become fragrant.
Build the Soup Base
- Add the soaked black-eyed peas to the pot. Pour in the chicken broth and place the ham hock in the center of the mixture. Season lightly with salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper. Bring the mixture to a vigorous boil.
Simmer the Mixture
- Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and cover the pot. Simmer for 30 minutes.
Adjust Consistency
- After 30 minutes, check the liquid level.
- If the mixture appears too thin, continue cooking with the lid removed for an additional 10–15 minutes to thicken.
- If the mixture has become too thick, add a small amount of additional broth until the desired texture is achieved.
Finish the Dish
- Stir in the white vinegar and taste for seasoning. Adjust salt, pepper, or cayenne as needed.
Serve
- Serve the Hoppin John mixture over cooked white or brown rice, ensuring each portion includes ample broth. Alternatively, the rice may be folded directly into the bean mixture before serving.
Notes
This dish is naturally gluten-free when prepared as written. Ensure the chicken broth is labeled certified gluten-free, as some brands may contain additives or experience cross-contamination. All spices should also be verified gluten-free. Serve with gluten-free rice to maintain the dish’s gluten-free status.