Hopping John Pork Chops
Hopping John Pork Chops features savory pork chops cooked with bacon, black-eyed peas, rice, and flavorful gravy, making a hearty, comforting dish perfect for family dinners.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cook bacon in a skillet until crisp; remove and crumble the bacon.
- Add pork chops, chopped onion, and garlic to the drippings in the skillet.
- Cook until pork chops are browned and onion is tender.
- Stir in mushroom gravy and frozen black-eyed peas.
- Simmer, covered, for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Stir in uncooked rice and cook for an additional 25 minutes or until pork chops and rice are tender, stirring occasionally.
- Cook uncovered to desired consistency.
- Top with crumbled bacon and sliced green bell pepper.
Tips & Substitutions
For optimal flavor, consider using thick-cut bacon for frying, as it adds a more robust taste to the dish. You can substitute the pork chops for pork tenderloin or even leftover ham from your holiday feast. If you prefer a vegetarian option, swap the bacon and pork for smoked tempeh or mushrooms to maintain a savory depth.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Hopping John Pork Chops with a fresh green salad or cornbread to complement the dish's rich flavors. This recipe pairs beautifully with Hot Mustard Potato Salad for a hearty meal. For a complete spread, consider adding sautéed greens or roasted vegetables as sides to enhance the overall presentation.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover Hopping John Pork Chops can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth to prevent drying out. Alternatively, microwave in short intervals, stirring occasionally until heated through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Hopping John Pork Chops contains roughly 424 calories, with 19g protein, 45g carbohydrates, and 20g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (153% of the Daily Value) and protein (37% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and dietary fiber. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1338mg per serving (58% of the Daily Value).
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use fresh black-eyed peas instead of frozen?
Yes, you can use fresh black-eyed peas if they are available. However, they will require a longer cooking time compared to frozen peas, so adjust the simmering time accordingly to ensure they are tender.
What can I do if I don't have mushroom gravy?
If you don't have mushroom gravy, you can make a quick substitute by combining beef or vegetable broth with a few tablespoons of soy sauce and a tablespoon of cornstarch to thicken. This will provide a savory base similar to mushroom gravy.
Is there a way to make this dish spicier?
Absolutely! To add some heat, incorporate diced jalapeños or a dash of cayenne pepper while cooking the onions and garlic. You can also serve the dish with hot sauce on the side for those who enjoy a bit of extra spice.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).