Hopping John
Hopping John is a hearty Southern dish featuring tender black-eyed peas, smoky bacon, and flavorful seasonings, served over rice. Its comforting and savory profile makes it perfect for family dinners or gatherings, delivering a satisfying blend of smoky, earthy, and spicy flavors.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Soak the black-eyed peas overnight, then rinse and drain.
- Cook the bacon in a large skillet until browned, then add chopped onion, green pepper, and minced garlic.
- Saute the vegetables until tender, about 5 minutes.
- Add the soaked peas, 2 cups water, salt, bay leaf, and generous dashes of red and black pepper.
- Cover and simmer for 40 to 50 minutes until the peas are tender.
- Remove the bay leaf and stir in cooked rice.
- Continue simmering for an additional 10 minutes or until all liquid is absorbed.
Tips & Substitutions
For a vegetarian version, substitute bacon with smoked tempeh or liquid smoke for flavor. Soaking the black-eyed peas overnight enhances their texture and reduces cooking time. If short on time, use canned black-eyed peas, but reduce the cooking time accordingly. Adjust the seasoning to your preference, especially with the red and black pepper for a bit of kick.
Serving Suggestions
Hopping John is traditionally served with cooked rice mixed in, making it a hearty main dish. It pairs beautifully with Collard Greens for a classic Southern meal. Consider adding cornbread or a light salad on the side to balance the meal. For extra flavor, a dash of hot sauce can enhance the dish when serving.
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 avoid drying out and warm on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave. This dish also freezes well for up to 3 months; just thaw before reheating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Hopping John contains roughly 318 calories, with 10g protein, 47g carbohydrates, and 13g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (67% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (27% of the Daily Value), and protein (20% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium and vitamin C. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1024mg per serving (45% of the Daily Value).
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 make Hopping John in a slow cooker?
Yes, you can prepare Hopping John in a slow cooker. After sautéing the bacon and vegetables, add all ingredients to the slow cooker, including soaked peas and water. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours until the peas are tender.
What can I substitute for black-eyed peas?
If you can't find black-eyed peas, you can substitute them with pinto beans or kidney beans. Keep in mind that cooking times may vary, so adjust accordingly. The flavor will be slightly different, but you'll still have a delicious dish.
Is Hopping John a good dish for meal prep?
Absolutely! Hopping John is perfect for meal prep as it stores well and flavors deepen over time. Prepare a large batch, portion it out, and enjoy it throughout the week for easy lunches or dinners. Just pair it with fresh greens or cornbread for a complete meal.
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).