Quick Hoppin' John With Cabbage
Hoppin' John with cabbage offers a hearty, flavorful blend of smoky ham, tender vegetables, and savory black-eyed peas, served over hot rice. Its comforting taste and simple preparation make it perfect for a quick, satisfying meal that highlights Southern-inspired flavors and wholesome ingredients.
Ingredients
- 1/4 lb. lean, low-salt ham, diced ⓘ
- 1/2 cup chopped onion ⓘ
- 1/2 cup chopped green pepper ⓘ
- 2 teaspoons canola oil ⓘ
- 2 cups sliced cabbage ⓘ
- 1 cup low-fat, low-salt chicken broth ⓘ
- 1/8 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1 bay leaf ⓘ
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley ⓘ
- 1 (14 oz.) can black-eyed peas ⓘ
- 2 cups hot, cooked rice
Instructions
- In a large, heavy-bottomed pot, fry diced ham, chopped onion, and chopped green pepper in canola oil over medium-high heat for 5 minutes.
- Add sliced cabbage, chicken broth, red pepper flakes, bay leaf, and chopped parsley.
- Stir and bring to a boil.
- Cover and reduce heat to low.
- Simmer for 15 minutes or until cabbage is tender.
- Drain and rinse black-eyed peas.
- Add peas to the pot; stir and simmer, uncovered, for 5 to 10 minutes.
- Remove bay leaf before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a smoky flavor, try using a piece of smoked ham instead of the lean variety. You can substitute the green pepper with any bell pepper or even diced jalapeños for extra heat. If you want a vegetarian version, replace the ham with mushrooms and use vegetable broth. This dish can be made ahead of time, just like Cabbage Gumbo, and reheated for easy meals.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this dish with a side of cornbread or a simple green salad for a complete meal. It pairs beautifully with a light vinegar-based coleslaw to balance the flavors. For a heartier option, add some sautéed greens, or enjoy it alongside Mother'S Lemon Apples for a refreshing dessert.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it in a pot over medium heat, adding a splash of chicken broth if it seems dry. You can also microwave individual portions for about 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through for even heating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Quick Hoppin' John With Cabbage contains roughly 563 calories, with 14g protein, 81g carbohydrates, and 23g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (144% of the Daily Value), iron (41% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (30% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 827mg per serving (36% 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 use frozen cabbage for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen cabbage, but make sure to thaw and drain it before adding it to the pot. Frozen cabbage may have a softer texture, so adjust the simmering time accordingly to achieve your desired tenderness.
How can I make this dish spicier?
To add more heat, increase the amount of red pepper flakes or include some diced jalapeños or hot sauce. You can also serve it with a sprinkle of cayenne pepper or a dash of your favorite hot sauce on top for an extra kick.
What can I serve with Hoppin' John?
Hoppin' John is traditionally served with rice, but you can also serve it with cornbread, fried plantains, or roasted vegetables. Pairing it with a crisp salad or pickled veggies can add a refreshing contrast to the hearty dish.
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).