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If you’re looking to savor a classic Southern comfort dish that bursts with flavor, look no further than this Hoppin’ John with Black-Eyed Peas, Rice, and Crispy Bacon Recipe. It’s a hearty, soul-warming blend of tender black-eyed peas, aromatic rice, and that irresistible crispy bacon crunch, all coming together with just the right hints of spice and herbs to make every bite memorable. Whether you’re welcoming a new year or simply craving a satisfying supper, this dish is a celebration of tradition and taste you’ll want to share with everyone at your table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Hoppin’ John with Black-Eyed Peas, Rice, and Crispy Bacon Recipe lies in its straightforward ingredients—each one bringing a unique texture, color, or burst of flavor. From the smoky crispiness of bacon to the earthy, tender black-eyed peas, every element plays an essential role in creating this comforting dish.
- 6 slices bacon (chopped): Provides smoky richness and a crispy texture that infuses the entire dish.
- 2 celery stalks (diced): Adds subtle crunch and a fresh, aromatic base flavor.
- 1 medium onion (diced): Offers sweetness and depth to balance the spices.
- 1 green bell pepper (diced): Brings vibrant color and a mild, slightly tangy bite.
- 3 cloves garlic (minced): Imparts warm, fragrant notes that tie all the flavors together.
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme: Adds an earthy herbal touch that complements the legumes.
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper: Delivers a gentle heat to awaken the palate without overpowering.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the natural flavors in the dish.
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper: Introduces a subtle spice and complexity.
- 4 cups chicken broth: The flavorful cooking liquid that brings everything together.
- 2 cups dried black-eyed peas (soaked overnight and drained): The hearty, creamy star ingredient that gives Hoppin’ John its soul.
- Sliced green onions (for garnish): Adds a fresh, crisp finish and a pop of bright color.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: Used to toast the rice, enhancing its nuttiness.
- 1 cup long-grain white rice: The tender, fluffy base that soaks up the delicious juices perfectly.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt (for rice): Balances the rice’s flavor during cooking.
How to Make Hoppin’ John with Black-Eyed Peas, Rice, and Crispy Bacon Recipe
Step 1: Crisp the Bacon
Begin by heating a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat and cooking the chopped bacon until it starts to crisp, about 5 to 7 minutes. Be sure to stir occasionally so the bacon cooks evenly and doesn’t stick. This step is crucial because the rendered bacon fat forms the savory foundation of the dish.
Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables and Spices
Next, add the diced celery, onion, and bell pepper to the pot with the bacon. Cook them until they become tender and fragrant, around 5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic, dried thyme, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper, cooking for an additional 1 to 2 minutes. This aromatic blend awakens the senses and builds layers of flavor.
Step 3: Cook the Black-Eyed Peas
Pour in the chicken broth and mix in the soaked and drained black-eyed peas. Bring everything to a boil before reducing the heat to low. Cover the pot and let it simmer gently for 60 to 75 minutes, or until the peas are tender and creamy. This slow cooking lets the flavors meld beautifully and the peas soften perfectly.
Step 4: Prepare the Peas for Mixing
Once the peas are cooked, drain the mixture, reserving the cooking liquid in a separate bowl. Return the peas to the pot and stir in 1 cup of the reserved liquid. Cover the pot to keep warm so that the peas remain cozy while you prepare the rice.
Step 5: Toast the Rice
In a medium saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the rice and stir it for 2 to 3 minutes until it smells nutty and takes on a slight golden hue. Toasting the rice adds a subtle depth of flavor that nicely complements the richness of the bacon and peas.
Step 6: Cook the Rice
Pour 2 cups of the reserved cooking liquid into the toasted rice along with 1/4 teaspoon of salt. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and simmer for 15 to 18 minutes until the rice is tender and all the liquid is absorbed. Remove from heat and let it sit covered for 5 more minutes to steam to perfection.
Step 7: Combine and Serve
Fluff the rice gently with a fork and either stir it into the warm black-eyed pea mixture in the Dutch oven or serve it alongside—the choice is yours! Finally, garnish with freshly sliced green onions for a crisp, colorful finish that adds a fresh bite to every spoonful.
How to Serve Hoppin’ John with Black-Eyed Peas, Rice, and Crispy Bacon Recipe
Garnishes
The best way to brighten up this Hoppin’ John with Black-Eyed Peas, Rice, and Crispy Bacon Recipe is with fresh garnishes. Sliced green onions add a sharp, fresh crunch and vibrant color, while a sprinkle of extra crispy bacon on top elevates the smoky flavor and gives a delightful texture contrast.
Side Dishes
This hearty dish pairs wonderfully with simple sides to round out the meal. Light coleslaw or a crisp garden salad balance the richness, while sweet cornbread or warm crusty bread makes the perfect companion to soak up every last bit of savory goodness.
Creative Ways to Present
For a unique spin on serving, try plating this Hoppin’ John recipe in individual bowls layered with the rice at the bottom and the peas and bacon mixture spooned on top. Alternatively, use it as a flavorful stuffing for roasted bell peppers or baked potatoes—comfort food that doubles as an impressive presentation!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, transfer leftovers to an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator. This Hoppin’ John with Black-Eyed Peas, Rice, and Crispy Bacon Recipe keeps well for up to 3 days, giving you plenty of time to enjoy it again with minimal effort.
Freezing
You can freeze leftovers by placing the cooled dish in a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty freezer bags. For best quality, consume frozen Hoppin’ John within 2 months. Just be sure to thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm the Hoppin’ John in a covered saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally. If it seems a bit dry, add a splash of water or broth to bring back its luscious texture. You can also microwave it in a covered dish, stirring halfway through to ensure even heating.
FAQs
Can I use canned black-eyed peas instead of dried?
Absolutely! Using canned black-eyed peas is a time-saving option. Just rinse and drain them well, and add them later in the cooking process to prevent overcooking. The texture will be slightly different but still delicious.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, this Hoppin’ John with Black-Eyed Peas, Rice, and Crispy Bacon Recipe is naturally gluten-free, as long as you use gluten-free chicken broth. Always double-check labels if you have dietary restrictions.
Can I substitute bacon with another protein?
Sure! Turkey bacon or smoked sausage work well for a different twist. If you prefer a vegetarian version, consider using smoked paprika and additional vegetable broth for depth of flavor.
How spicy is the dish?
The cayenne pepper adds a gentle warmth but does not overpower. You can adjust or omit the cayenne according to your taste preferences. The dish is meant to be balanced with a subtle hint of spice.
What’s the best rice to use?
Long-grain white rice is preferred because it stays fluffy and separate when cooked, perfect for absorbing the flavors of the peas and bacon mixture. However, you can experiment with brown rice, just adjust cooking times accordingly.
Final Thoughts
This Hoppin’ John with Black-Eyed Peas, Rice, and Crispy Bacon Recipe is a true celebration of comforting Southern flavors with fresh, thoughtful ingredients that work together beautifully. Whether you’re making it a centerpiece for a holiday feast or a cozy weeknight meal, it’s sure to warm your heart and fill your home with irresistible aromas. Give it a try—you’ll likely find it becoming a beloved staple in your kitchen as it is in mine!
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Hoppin’ John with Black-Eyed Peas, Rice, and Crispy Bacon Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Southern American
Description
Hoppin’ John is a traditional Southern dish featuring tender black-eyed peas simmered with aromatic vegetables and smoky bacon, served with flavorful, toasted rice cooked in reserved broth. This comforting recipe blends bold spices and savory ingredients for a hearty, classic meal perfect for sharing.
Ingredients
For the Peas and Vegetables
- 6 slices bacon, chopped
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 2 cups dried black-eyed peas, soaked overnight and drained
For the Rice
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 cup long-grain white rice
- Reserved cooking liquid from the pea mixture (about 2 cups)
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
For Garnish
- Sliced green onions
Instructions
- Cook the Bacon: Heat a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat and add the chopped bacon. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the bacon starts to crisp and release its fat.
- Sauté Vegetables and Spices: Add the diced celery, onion, and green bell pepper to the bacon. Cook for about 5 minutes until they soften. Stir in minced garlic, dried thyme, cayenne pepper, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and black pepper. Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Simmer Black-Eyed Peas: Pour in the chicken broth and add the soaked and drained black-eyed peas. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 60-75 minutes, or until the peas are tender.
- Drain and Reserve Liquid: Once the peas are cooked, drain the mixture but reserve the cooking liquid in a separate bowl. Return the pea mixture to the Dutch oven and stir in 1 cup of the reserved liquid. Cover the pot to keep warm.
- Toast the Rice: In a medium saucepan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the rice and toast it for 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently until the rice smells nutty.
- Cook the Rice: Pour 2 cups of the reserved cooking liquid into the toasted rice. Add 1/4 teaspoon salt, bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 15-18 minutes, or until the rice is tender and liquid is fully absorbed. Remove from heat and keep covered for 5 minutes.
- Combine and Serve: Fluff the rice with a fork and either mix it into the warm pea mixture in the Dutch oven or serve it on the side. Garnish with freshly sliced green onions. Serve immediately and enjoy your hearty Hoppin’ John!
Notes
- Soaking black-eyed peas overnight helps reduce cooking time and improves texture.
- You can substitute chicken broth with vegetable broth to make it vegetarian, but note the bacon adds a significant smoky flavor.
- Adjust cayenne pepper amount to your desired spice level.
- If you prefer, substitute bacon with smoked turkey for a leaner version.
- Use a tight-fitting lid on the rice pot to ensure proper steaming and avoid burnt rice.
- Leftovers keep well refrigerated for 3-4 days and reheat nicely on the stovetop or microwave.
