Hoppin’ John is a Southern dish traditionally served on New Year’s Day, but this easy Hoppin’ John recipe tastes great at any time of the year. Hoppin’ John is served on New Year’s Day because black-eyed peas are said to bring good luck.  Check out our Vegetarian Hoppin’ John recipe if you’re interested in a meatless version of this dish.

Hoppin’ John Recipe

1½ cup dried black-eyed peas
1 small ham hock
5 slices thick-cut bacon
2 cups long-grain white rice, uncooked
1 large onion, chopped
3 teaspoons salt
1 teaspoon dried red pepper flakes
8 cups water

1. Soak the beans overnight. Drain and discard the soaking water.
2. In a large pot, add the soaked black-eyed peas, ham hock, 6 cups of water, and salt. Cover, then cook until the black-eyed peas are tender, about 1 – 1½ hours.
3. Meanwhile, fry the bacon until crisp. Remove the bacon and set aside. Reserve the bacon grease. Crumble the bacon.
4. Sauté the chopped onion in the bacon grease until soft, about 5-7 minutes.
5. When the black-eyed peas have finished cooking, drain and reserve the cooking liquid.
6. In a large pot, add the rice, 2 cups of the cooked black-eyed peas, sautéed onions, crumbled bacon, red pepper flakes, 2 cups reserved cooking liquid, and 2 cups water. Cook, covered, over medium-low heat until the rice is done, about 15-20 minutes.

Serves:  about 4-6 servings

Find more bean recipes here: The Complete List of Bean Recipes by BeansBeansBeans