Hoppin’ John is a Southern tradition for bringing good luck in the New Year. The dish is made with black-eyed peas, rice, and smoked pork, and is believed to bring prosperity and fortune. The recipe includes soaking the peas, sauteing onion and garlic, cooking the ham hock or ham, adding chicken broth, and simmering with rice. The dish is served hot and can be garnished with fresh parsley. Whether or not you believe in the superstition, Hoppin’ John is a delicious and traditional way to celebrate the New Year with loved ones and start the year off right.

Toast the New Year with Hoppin’ John

As the New Year approaches, many people around the world embrace different traditions to bring luck, prosperity, and good fortune for the upcoming year. In the Southern United States, one such tradition is the consumption of Hoppin’ John, a dish made with black-eyed peas, rice, and smoked pork. This hearty and flavorful dish is believed to bring good luck and fortune in the New Year. Whether you believe in the superstition or simply enjoy delicious comfort food, Hoppin’ John is a great dish to enjoy on New Year’s Day.

Step-by-Step Guide

Ingredients:

• 1 cup dried black-eyed peas
• 4 cups water
• 1 onion, chopped
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1 ham hock or 1 cup diced ham
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup long-grain white rice
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Place the black-eyed peas in a large pot and cover with 4 cups of water. Allow the peas to soak overnight.
2. Drain and rinse the soaked black-eyed peas. In the same pot, sauté the chopped onion and minced garlic until fragrant.
3. Add the ham hock or diced ham to the pot and cook until browned.
4. Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a simmer. Cook for 1-2 hours, or until the peas are tender.
5. Remove the ham hock from the pot and shred the meat, discarding the bone and any excess fat. Return the shredded meat to the pot.
6. Stir in the white rice and let the mixture simmer until the rice is cooked through, about 20 minutes.
7. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
8. Serve hot, garnished with a sprinkle of fresh parsley if desired.

Recipe for Hoppin’ John

Prep time: 15 minutes

Cook time: 2 hours

Total time: 2 hours, 15 minutes

Serves: 4-6

Ingredients:

• 1 cup dried black-eyed peas
• 4 cups water
• 1 onion, chopped
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1 ham hock or 1 cup diced ham
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup long-grain white rice
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

1. Place the black-eyed peas in a large pot and cover with 4 cups of water. Allow the peas to soak overnight.
2. Drain and rinse the soaked black-eyed peas. In the same pot, sauté the chopped onion and minced garlic until fragrant.
3. Add the ham hock or diced ham to the pot and cook until browned.
4. Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a simmer. Cook for 1-2 hours, or until the peas are tender.
5. Remove the ham hock from the pot and shred the meat, discarding the bone and any excess fat. Return the shredded meat to the pot.
6. Stir in the white rice and let the mixture simmer until the rice is cooked through, about 20 minutes.
7. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
8. Serve hot, garnished with a sprinkle of fresh parsley if desired.

Enjoy this delicious and traditional dish as you toast the New Year with loved ones. Whether it brings you good luck or simply satisfies your taste buds, Hoppin’ John is a wonderful way to start the year off right!