Hoppin' John Recipe | Black

If you’re a fan of hearty, comforting Southern classics, you’re in for a treat! Learn how to make the easiest and most flavorful Hoppin’ John. It’s a black-eyed pea and rice dish traditionally served on New Year’s Day for good luck. With smoky bacon, tender peas, fluffy rice, and just the right seasoning, this dish is simple enough for weeknights but special enough for family gatherings.

Why You’ll Love This Comforting Classic

• Hearty and Comforting. A warm, filling one-pot meal that satisfies every craving.
• Budget-Friendly. Made with simple, affordable pantry staples like beans, rice, and onion.
• Traditional and Flavorful. Rich with Southern heritage, this dish is seasoned with smoky meat and aromatic vegetables.
• Versatile. Perfect as a main course, side dish, or meal prep for the week.

Whether you’re making it for New Year’s luck or just because you want comfort food at its best, Hoppin’ John is a timeless classic you’ll love.

Why Is It Called Hoppin’ John?

Great question! The name Hoppin’ John has roots in Southern food history and culture. This classic dish of rice and black-eyed peas is believed to have originated in the Carolinas during the 18th century, blending African, French, and Caribbean culinary traditions.

As for the name itself, there are a few theories:

• Folklore : One popular story says it comes from children “hopping” around the table with excitement when the dish was served.
• Creole Influence : Some food historians suggest it may have come from the French or Creole pronunciation of pois pigeons (pigeon peas), which over time evolved into “Hoppin’ John.”
• Local Tradition : Another theory is that it was named after a man nicknamed “John” who sold peas and rice in Charleston, South Carolina.

No matter which version you believe, Hoppin’ John has become a beloved New Year’s tradition in the South, often eaten for good luck and prosperity.

What Does It Taste Like?

Hoppin’ John is absolutely delicious and has remained a beloved Southern dish for generations. The combination of black-eyed peas, smoky meat, rice, and seasoning creates a hearty, earthy flavor that’s both comforting and satisfying.

Traditionally, it’s served with collard greens and cornbread, making it a complete meal with deep cultural significance.

Ingredients You’ll Need

• Black-Eyed Peas - The star of the dish, providing hearty texture and earthy flavor. Fresh, frozen, canned, or dried peas all work, though dried need soaking.
• Rice - The comforting base that makes the dish filling and complete. Long-grain white rice is traditional, while brown rice adds a nutty flavor and extra fiber.
• Bacon - Adds smoky depth and richness to the stew. Smoked turkey or a vegan smoked seasoning can be swapped in for dietary preferences.
• Onion, Celery & Bell Pepper - Known as the “holy trinity” in Southern cooking, these vegetables create an aromatic and flavorful base.
• Garlic - Brings bold, savory depth that enhances both the rice and peas.
• Chicken Broth (or Vegetable Broth) - Provides the flavorful liquid for simmering, infusing the rice and peas with richness.
• Bay Leaf & Thyme - Add earthy, herbal notes that balance the heartiness of the dish.
• Cayenne or Hot Sauce - Optional, but great for adding a spicy kick that cuts through the smoky flavors.
• Salt & Black Pepper - Essential seasonings that tie all the ingredients together.
• Green Onions - A fresh, bright garnish that finishes the dish with color and crisp flavor.

How To Make Hoppin’ John

1. Soak the Beans. Soak the black eyed peas for one hour in hot water.
2. Cook the Bacon. In a Dutch oven, cook diced bacon for 5-7 minutes until crispy. Remove and set aside, leaving some drippings in the pot.
3. Sauté the Aromatics. Add onion, celery, and bell pepper to the drippings and cook for an additional 5 minutes on low until softened. Stir in garlic and cook until fragrant.
4. Add the Black-Eyed Peas. Stir in peas, broth, thyme, bay leaf, salt, pepper, and a pinch of cayenne. Simmer for 40-45 minutes, or until the peas are tender.
5. Finish and Serve. Stir in crispy bacon, adjust seasoning, and garnish with fresh green onions. Serve hot with rice, cornbread, or collard greens.

Tips And Tricks

Here are some helpful tips and tricks for making Hoppin’ John to ensure your dish turns out flavorful, hearty, and comforting every time:

• Choose your peas wisely . Fresh or frozen black-eyed peas cook quickly and keep their shape, while dried peas (soaked overnight) give the dish a deeper, traditional flavor. Canned peas work in a pinch but should be rinsed well to reduce excess sodium.
• Use smoked meat for depth . Bacon, ham hock, or smoked turkey legs infuse the rice and peas with rich, smoky flavor. For a vegetarian version, add smoked paprika for that same depth.
• Build flavor with the “holy trinity” . Don’t rush sautéing the onion, celery, and bell pepper. This aromatic base is the backbone of authentic Southern flavor.

Variations

Here are some tasty ways you can switch up Hoppin’ John while still keeping its soul-food comfort intact:

• Vegan - Skip the bacon or ham hock and use smoked paprika or liquid smoke to bring in that classic depth of flavor.
• Spicy - Add extra cayenne pepper, sliced jalapeños, or a splash of hot sauce for bold heat.
• Brown Rice Version - Swap long-grain white rice for brown rice to add nuttiness, extra fiber, and a heartier bite.

What To Eat With Hoppin’ John

When serving Hoppin’ John, pairing it with the right sides and accompaniments makes the meal even more satisfying and well-rounded. Here are some delicious options

• Collard Greens - A Southern classic often enjoyed alongside Hoppin’ John, especially for New Year’s traditions.
• Cornbread - Buttery, crumbly cornbread is perfect for soaking up the flavorful juices.
• Fried Okra - Adds crispy texture and a slightly earthy flavor that complements the peas and rice.
• Roasted Sweet Potatoes - Their natural sweetness balances the smoky, savory notes of the dish.

How Long Does It Last?

Hoppin’ John keeps well in the refrigerator for 3–4 days when stored in an airtight container. The flavors often deepen as it sits, making it even tastier the next day.

To reheat, simply warm it on the stovetop with a splash of broth or water to loosen the texture.

Can You Freeze It?

Yes, Hoppin’ John freezes beautifully. Let it cool completely, then portion into freezer-safe containers. It will keep for up to 2 months.

Reheat it gently on the stovetop, adding a bit of broth to refresh the consistency.

More Cajun Recipes

• Cajun Chicken Thighs
• Dirty Rice
• Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta
• Cajun Corn On The Cob
• Cajun Spice Mix

Hoppin’ John Recipe | Black-Eyed Pea And Rice Stew

Ingredients

• ▢ 1 pound Dried Black Eyed Peas
• ▢ 6 slices Bacon
• ▢ 1 Onion , diced
• ▢ 2 ribs Celery
• ▢ 1 Bell Pepper , diced
• ▢ 4 cloves Garlic , minced
• ▢ cups Chicken Broth
• ▢ 1 Bay Leaf
• ▢ 1 tsp Dried Thyme
• ▢ 1/4 tsp Cayenne
• ▢ 1 tsp Kosher Salt
• ▢ 1/2 tsp Ground Black Pepper

Instructions

• Soak the Beans. Soak the black eyed peas for one hour in hot water.
• Cook the Bacon. In a Dutch oven, cook diced bacon for 5-7 minutes until crispy. Remove and set aside, leaving some drippings in the pot.
• Sauté the Aromatics. Add onion, celery, and bell pepper to the drippings and cook for an additional 5 minutes on low until softened. Stir in garlic and cook until fragrant.
• Add the Black-Eyed Peas. Stir in peas, broth, thyme, bay leaf, salt, pepper, and a pinch of cayenne. Simmer for 40-45 minutes, or until the peas are tender.
• Finish and Serve. Stir in crispy bacon, adjust seasoning, and garnish with fresh green onions. Serve hot with rice, cornbread, or collard greens.

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Hoppin’ John Recipe | Black-Eyed Pea And Rice Stew

Ingredients

• 1 pound Dried Black Eyed Peas
• 6 slices Bacon
• 1 Onion diced
• 2 ribs Celery
• 1 Bell Pepper diced
• 4 cloves Garlic minced
• cups Chicken Broth
• 1 Bay Leaf
• 1 tsp Dried Thyme
• 1/4 tsp Cayenne
• 1 tsp Kosher Salt
• 1/2 tsp Ground Black Pepper

Instructions

• Soak the Beans. Soak the black eyed peas for one hour in hot water.
• Cook the Bacon. In a Dutch oven, cook diced bacon for 5-7 minutes until crispy. Remove and set aside, leaving some drippings in the pot.
• Sauté the Aromatics. Add onion, celery, and bell pepper to the drippings and cook for an additional 5 minutes on low until softened. Stir in garlic and cook until fragrant.
• Add the Black-Eyed Peas. Stir in peas, broth, thyme, bay leaf, salt, pepper, and a pinch of cayenne. Simmer for 40-45 minutes, or until the peas are tender.
• Finish and Serve. Stir in crispy bacon, adjust seasoning, and garnish with fresh green onions. Serve hot with rice, cornbread, or collard greens.

Hoppin’ John Recipe | Black-Eyed Pea And Rice Stew https://twosleevers.com/hoppin-john-recipe/

If “what’s for dinner?” has been living rent-free in your head every night, I have the solution for you! Below you’ll find 7 days of low carb dinners that keep the flavors exciting. Think saucy salsa chicken, cozy fajita soup, burger-night favorites (without the bun), and a couple of bold, takeout-style dishes that still fit your macros. It’s designed for real life with quick prep, big flavor, and leftovers that make the rest of the week feel way easier.

Why You’ll Love These Low Carb Dinners

• Low-carb without feeling “diet-y” . You’ll get big, craveable flavors (tacos, burgers, creamy skillet chicken) minus the heavy carb load.
• Weeknight-friendly . Lots of quick, straightforward steps that are perfect for busy evenings.
• Great for leftovers . Several dishes reheat well, so tomorrow’s lunch is basically done.
• Mix of cozy and fresh . Get soup and casserole comfort balanced with salads and stir-fries.

These recipes make low-carb dinners feel effortless. They’re fast to cook, easy to customize, and so satisfying you won’t miss the carbs.

Quick Look: Your 7 Day Dinner Recipes

• Instant Pot Salsa Chicken - A dump-and-go chicken dinner with salsa and spices that turns into juicy shredded chicken for bowls, salads, or lettuce-wrap tacos.
• Keto Big Mac Salad - All the classic burger vibes (seasoned beef, pickles, cheese, special sauce) served over crisp lettuce. It’s fast, filling, and totally craveable.
• Chicken Fajita Soup (Instant Pot) - A cozy, flavorful soup loaded with chicken, peppers, onions, and fajita spices. It tastes perfect with toppings like cheese, sour cream, and lime.
• Keto Cheeseburger Casserole - Comfort food in a pan: savory ground beef baked with a creamy, cheesy sauce for an easy, crowd-pleasing dinner.
• Tacos de Alambre (keto chicken and bacon tacos) - Sizzling chicken, bacon, peppers, and onions finished with melty cheese. Serve it in lettuce cups or low-carb tortillas.
• Thai Cashew Chicken (one-pan keto stir fry) - A quick skillet stir fry with salty-sweet Thai flavor, crunchy cashews, and tender chicken. It’s great over cauliflower rice.
• Easy Keto Tuscan Chicken - Creamy garlic chicken with spinach and tomatoes in a rich skillet sauce. It is restaurant-y comfort that still keeps carbs low.

Is This Dinner Plan Keto Or Just Low Carb?

This list leans heavily keto-friendly, but exact “keto” depends on your portions, toppings, and daily macros.

Can I Swap Out The Cuts Of Chicken?

Yes, you can absolutely swap chicken cuts in these low carb dinners, as long as you adjust cook time and keep an eye on texture and doneness.

In general, chicken thighs (boneless/skinless) are the easiest swap for breasts because they’re fattier, stay juicier, and usually reheat better. They’re great for leftovers in dishes like Salsa Chicken, Fajita Soup, Thai Cashew Chicken, and Tuscan Chicken.

Chicken tenders cook the fastest and work well for quick skillet meals (Thai Cashew Chicken, Tacos de Alambre), but they can dry out if overcooked.

Bone-in, skin-on pieces can add tons of flavor, but they typically need longer cooking and aren’t as convenient for shredding or bite-size recipes unless you debone after cooking. For Instant Pot recipes, thicker or bone-in cuts may need a little extra time, and for skillet recipes you’ll want uniform pieces so everything cooks evenly.

The best “don’t overthink it” rule: choose the cut that fits the recipe’s vibe (shredded vs. bite-size), cut pieces to similar size, and cook until the chicken is safely done and tender.

Make Your Shopping List

Ok, at first glance, this ingredient list may look LONG, especially if it is only for items you need for dinners. Don’t let it scare you off. I included every measurement of every ingredient for all of the recipes here.

Odds are you have a well-stocked spice cabinet and a few condiment staples in your fridge, and won’t need most of the items listed. Also, there are 3 varieties of chicken cuts listed. If you can get a lower price by buying all chicken thighs or all chicken breasts in bulk, do it.

Any corners you can cut to reduce food waste and minimize cost are always encouraged. Keep in mind that the fat macros in chicken thighs and chicken breasts will be different if you’re strictly tracking your macros.

Get all of the ingredients you need added straight to your shopping cart with this easy, clickable Walmart shopping list. Double-check the quantities of the items needed (for example: amount of peppers, weight of meat) before checking out, as the amounts do not always add to the cart correctly.

Also note, as stated above, you will have many of the ingredients (like salt, pepper, oil, etc.) in your kitchen already. No need to buy more if you can utilize what you already have available at home!

Add them at this link: https://walmrt.us/4jpNnvE #WalmartPartner

Chicken Fajita Soup | Instant Pot Fajita Soup Recipe

• Top with cilantro, jalapeños, shredded cheese, sour cream
• Skip tortilla strips (or use a few crushed pork rinds for crunch)

Tuscan Chicken Recipe | Keto Tuscan Chicken

Keto Stir Fry Recipe | Thai Cashew Chicken

• Cauliflower rice (classic)
• Zoodles
• A quick side of sautéed greens

Tacos de Alambre | Keto Chicken Tacos Recipe

Why it works: Chicken + bacon + peppers + melty cheese = a very convincing taco night.

• Scoop into lettuce cups
• Use low-carb tortillas
• Serve over cauli rice with extra guac

Cheeseburger Casserole | Keto Cheeseburger Casserole Recipe

Big Mac Salad | Keto Big Mac Salad Recipe

Why it works: All the “fast-food craving” satisfaction, none of the bun situation.

Salsa Chicken | Instant Pot Salsa Chicken Recipe

• Serve over cauliflower rice or shredded cabbage slaw
• Make lettuce wrap tacos
• Toss into a salad bowl with avocado and shredded cheese

Not sure if you love this meal plan? Want to keep the low carb lifestyle going for another week? Check out my Week 2 Low Carb Dinner Plan next!

This 7 day low carb dinner plan takes the nightly “what’s for dinner?” question off your plate with a full week of easy, flavor-packed meals. Each night is designed to be weeknight-friendly, flexible with toppings and sides, and great for using leftovers, so you can stick to your low carb goals without living in the kitchen.