Tennessee Hopping John
Tennessee Hopping John is a hearty, flavorful dish combining black-eyed peas, salt pork, and rice, perfect for comfort food lovers and those seeking a soulful southern meal.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Wash the black-eyed peas and soak them overnight.
- Drain the soaked peas.
- Fry the salt pork, diced tomatoes, and chopped onion until well cooked.
- Add 2 1/2 pints of water, the drained peas, rice, and season with salt and pepper.
- Cook slowly in a covered pot for approximately 1 hour or until all the liquid has dried out.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using smoked sausage instead of salt pork. You can also add some chopped bell peppers for extra color and taste. If you prefer a vegetarian version, replace the pork with vegetable broth and include some sautéed mushrooms. Remember to taste and adjust the seasoning, as the salt pork can add significant saltiness.
Serving Suggestions
Serve your Tennessee Hopping John with cornbread for a classic Southern touch. It pairs wonderfully with greens, such as collard or Swiss lettuce, for a balanced meal. You might also consider a side of Nasa Grits to complement the dish's flavors, making it a hearty and satisfying meal.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, add a splash of water to prevent drying out, and warm gently on the stove over low heat until heated through. You can also microwave it in short intervals, stirring in between.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Tennessee Hopping John contains roughly 201 calories, with 4g protein, 11g carbohydrates, and 17g fat. It is a good source of vitamin A (11% of the Daily Value) and iron (10% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1268mg per serving (55% 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 dried peas instead of canned?
Yes, dried black-eyed peas work perfectly in this recipe. Be sure to soak them overnight to soften before cooking. This will help them cook evenly and absorb all the flavors from the dish.
What if I don't have salt pork?
If you don't have salt pork, you can substitute it with smoked ham hocks or diced bacon for a similar smoky flavor. Be mindful of the saltiness and adjust seasonings accordingly.
Can I make this dish in a slow cooker?
Absolutely! You can adapt this recipe for a slow cooker by sautéing the salt pork, onions, and tomatoes first, then adding everything into the slow cooker with the peas and rice. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or until the peas and rice are tender.
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).