Hopping John With Ham
Hopping John With Ham is a comforting Southern dish featuring black-eyed peas, tender ham, and rice, seasoned with aromatic herbs for a hearty, flavorful meal perfect for family dinners.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Sort and wash the black-eyed peas.
- Place the peas in a heavy saucepan and cover with water; bring to a boil.
- Cook for 2 minutes, then remove from heat, cover, and let soak for 1 hour; drain.
- Combine the ham and 2 quarts of water in a large Dutch oven and bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes.
- Add the drained peas and bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 45 minutes.
- Add the remaining ingredients: rice, onion, celery, butter, Italian seasoning, sugar, salt, and pepper; bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat, cover, and simmer for an additional 30 minutes or until black-eyed peas are tender.
- Remove the ham; cut into small pieces and stir into the pea mixture.
Tips & Substitutions
For a heartier dish, consider adding a bay leaf during the simmering process for extra flavor. If you don't have black-eyed peas, you can substitute with lentils or pinto beans, adjusting the cooking time as necessary. To enhance the dish, try using smoked ham for a deeper flavor. This recipe pairs well with collard greens or cornbread for a complete Southern meal.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Hopping John warm, garnished with chopped green onions for a fresh touch. It pairs wonderfully with a side of cornbread or a simple green salad. For a complete meal, consider serving alongside collard greens or a tangy slaw. This dish also makes a great base for a Southern-inspired bowl meal.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, add a splash of water or broth to prevent drying out and warm on the stovetop over low heat until heated through. You can also microwave in short intervals, stirring occasionally to ensure even heating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Hopping John With Ham contains roughly 374 calories, with 7g protein, 67g carbohydrates, and 10g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (68% of the Daily Value) and dietary fiber (23% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and protein. It also contributes 6g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use canned black-eyed peas instead of dried?
Yes, you can use canned black-eyed peas to save time. If using canned, skip the soaking and boiling steps and simply add them to the pot during the last 15 minutes of cooking, adjusting the seasoning as needed.
What type of ham is best for this recipe?
A smoked ham hock or leftover ham works best for Hopping John, as they impart a rich flavor. If you’re using deli ham, add it towards the end to avoid overcooking. For a vegetarian option, consider using a smoked seasoning to replicate the flavor.
How can I make this dish vegetarian?
To make Hopping John vegetarian, replace the ham with smoked tempeh or a plant-based sausage. Use vegetable broth instead of water for cooking the peas, and adjust the spices to enhance the flavor. This way, you can enjoy the traditional taste without the meat.
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).