Skillet Hopping John
A hearty and flavorful skillet dish featuring rice, black-eyed peas, ham, and green chilies, perfect for a comforting meal with bold Southern-inspired flavors.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Saute margarine, chopped garlic, and chopped onion until fragrant and translucent.
- Add chicken broth, rice, drained and rinsed black-eyed peas, chopped green chilies, and chopped ham to the skillet.
- Add crushed red pepper, salt, and pepper to taste.
- Add a little water if needed to adjust consistency.
- Simmer uncovered for about 30 minutes until rice is cooked and flavors meld.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using butter instead of margarine. You can substitute the ham with smoked sausage or turkey for a lighter option. If you want more spice, add some cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce. This dish can also be made with leftover rice, just reduce the cooking time. Serve it alongside fried cornbread for an authentic Southern experience.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Skillet Hopping John as a main dish or alongside collard greens for a classic Southern meal. It pairs well with cornbread or a simple green salad. For a heartier meal, consider serving it with fried chicken or even as a filling for Chicken Cups for a fun twist. This dish is great for gatherings and can be enjoyed any time of the year.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, add a splash of chicken broth or water to prevent drying out, and warm it in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. You can also microwave it in short intervals, stirring in between.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Skillet Hopping John contains roughly 495 calories, with 4g protein, 12g carbohydrates, and 49g fat. It is a good source of vitamin C (11% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2959mg per serving (129% 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 black-eyed peas instead of canned?
Yes, you can use frozen black-eyed peas. Just make sure to thaw and rinse them before adding to the skillet. You may need to adjust the cooking time slightly, as frozen peas may take a little longer to heat through compared to canned.
What can I substitute for chicken broth?
If you don't have chicken broth on hand, vegetable broth or even water can be used as a substitute. For added flavor, consider adding a bouillon cube or seasoning the water with herbs and spices to enhance the taste of the dish.
Is there a vegetarian version of this recipe?
Absolutely! To make a vegetarian version, simply omit the ham and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. You can add more vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini for added texture and flavor. This way, you can enjoy a hearty and flavorful meal 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).