Working Girls' Hopping John
A hearty Southern-inspired dish featuring smoky bacon, flavorful black-eyed peas, and rice, perfect for comforting family meals or casual gatherings with bold, savory flavors.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Fry bacon in a saucepan until crisp.
- Add chopped onion and green pepper; cook until the onion is lightly browned.
- Add bay leaf and canned black-eyed peas with liquid.
- Cover and simmer for 5 minutes.
- Stir in water and Minute rice. Bring to a boil; cover and simmer for 5 minutes longer.
- Remove bay leaf before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For extra flavor, consider using smoked bacon or adding a pinch of cayenne pepper for heat. If you don't have Minute rice, regular long-grain rice can be used, but adjust the cooking time accordingly. You can also substitute black-eyed peas with canned kidney beans in a pinch, but the cooking time may vary slightly.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this dish hot, garnished with chopped green onions or a sprinkle of parsley for freshness. It pairs beautifully with Turnip Greens With Sliced Turnips for a complete meal. For added protein, consider serving alongside some grilled sausages or a simple green salad.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a splash of water to prevent drying out, and warm it gently on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave until heated through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Working Girls' Hopping John contains roughly 722 calories, with 22g protein, 139g carbohydrates, and 15g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (165% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (85% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (66% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1287mg per serving (56% 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 this dish vegetarian?
Yes, you can easily make this dish vegetarian by omitting the bacon and using vegetable broth instead of water. Consider adding smoked paprika for a similar depth of flavor.
What can I serve with Hopping John?
Hopping John goes well with cornbread or collard greens, making it a hearty Southern meal. You might also enjoy it alongside fried chicken or a fresh coleslaw for added texture.
How can I adjust the spice level?
To control the spice level, add a small amount of hot sauce to the dish before serving, or incorporate diced jalapeños during cooking for subtle heat. Taste as you go to find your preferred level.
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).