Black Eyed Peas and Rice

Black Eyed Peas and Rice is a timeless classic featuring tender smoked ham hocks and seasoned to perfection; it’s more than just a dish – it’s a tradition. Whether you’re savoring it on New Year’s Day to invite good fortune or on a cozy winter evening for a bowl of pure comfort, this is your ticket to a world of flavor and good vibes.

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Also known as “Hoppin’ John,” this dish is a beloved and time-honored classic in Black food culture, particularly in the South 🍽️. It’s also a cherished classic in my family, particularly thanks to my mom’s special touch 💕.

This flavorful tradition is often served on New Year’s Day to usher in good luck and prosperity for the year ahead. With just a handful of ingredients – black eyed peas, rice, a few savory spices, and a hint of smoky meat, this simple and humble dish is heartwarming and full of flavor 😋. Serve it with a side of collard greens and cornbread to make it a complete meal.

Whether you’re celebrating the New Year 🥳 or simply craving some down-home comfort food, Hoppin’ John is a delicious choice! Throw everything into a pot and let it simmer away. Bonus: They taste even better the next day as the flavors meld!

Ingredients

• 1 pound dried black eyed peas 
• 2 smoked ham hocks
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 8 cups water
• Kosher salt, to taste
• 6 cups hot cooked rice
• Sliced green onions, for garnish
• Hot sauce (optional)

Substitutions and Variations

• Garlic: 2 teaspoons granulated garlic can be used in place of cloves
• Onion: 1 teaspoon granulated onion can be used in place of yellow onion
• Some variations of Hoppin’ John include adding diced tomatoes, leeks, or chopped greens like collard greens, or additional spices.
• Smoked turkey leg, turkey necks, and turkey tails are often used.
• For a vegetarian version, you can omit the ham hocks and use vegetable broth.
• Adjust the level of spiciness by adding cayenne pepper or hot sauce.
• To reduce cooking time, soak the beans in water overnight.

Special Equipment and Tools

• Large Pot with Lid: You’ll need a large pot with a lid to cook the beans and hocks.
• Strainer: A strainer or colander is useful for rinsing the beans and for draining them after cooking.
• Cutting Board: A cutting board is handy for pulling the meat from the ham hocks and chopping green onions if you choose to garnish the dish with them.
• Knife: A sharp knife is essential for chopping green onions.
• Spoon or Ladle: Use a spoon or ladle to scoop and serve.

Directions

Step 1: Prepare

• Start by rinsing the beans in a food strainer to remove any dirt or debris.
• In a large pot, combine the rinsed legumes, hocks, granulated garlic, granulated onion, and pepper.
• Pour enough water into the pot to cover the ingredients by about 2 inches, and then place the pot on the stove over high heat.

Step 2: Cook

• Once the pot comes to a simmer, cover it with a lid, and reduce the heat to low or medium-low.
• Let the beans simmer for about 1 1/2 to 2 hours until they become tender and flavorful.

Step 3: Shred Meat

• When the beans are almost done, carefully remove the ham hocks from the pot.
• Allow them to cool for a while until they’re safe to handle, and then pull the meat from the bones.

Step 4: Finish

• Drain the cooked beans, but save some of the cooking liquid.
• Mix in the pulled ham hock meat and add salt to taste for seasoning.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

• To serve, spoon some rice into wide bowls.
• Ladle the flavorful black eyed peas on top.
• Finish by sprinkling chopped green onions on top and serve.

Make Ahead Tips

Like many stews, Black Eyed Peas often taste even better the next day as the flavors meld. Don’t hesitate to make it ahead of time!

• Follow the recipe directions.
• After the beans are tender and the ham hocks are ready, pull the meat from the bones and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
• Drain the cooked legumes and allow them to cool to room temperature.
• Transfer the drained beans to an airtight container and refrigerate them separately from the meat. Include some of the cooking liquid.
• Cook the rice separately when you’re ready to serve the dish.

Reheating Instructions

To reheat, place them in a saucepan with reserved cooking liquid to prevent drying out. Heat them over medium heat, stirring occasionally until they are thoroughly heated. You can also reheat them in the microwave, covered with a microwave-safe lid or plastic wrap with a vent, stirring periodically to ensure even heating.

Likewise, reheat the hock meat in a microwave-safe container or a saucepan with a little water to prevent it from becoming too dry. Heat it until it’s thoroughly warmed.

Serving Suggestions

In the South, pairing black eyed peas with greens is common on New Year’s Day. The greens, often collard greens or mustard greens, are thought to symbolize money and financial success. Together they are believed to bring a prosperous year.

Hoppin’ John is also often served with traditional Southern dishes:

Fried Chicken: A Southern favorite, crispy fried chicken is a natural companion to collard greens. The contrast between the crispy exterior and the tender greens is pure comfort food.
Smothered Chicken: Smothered chicken, featuring tender, juicy chicken smothered in a rich, flavorful gravy, is a Southern classic that complements collard greens perfectly. The gravy adds an extra layer of savory goodness to your meal.
Smothered Oxtails: Smothered oxtails are another soulful favorite. The slow-cooked oxtails in a savory gravy create a delicious and hearty pairing with collard greens, offering a melt-in-your-mouth experience.
Fried Catfish: Crispy fried catfish or other fish varieties pair beautifully with collard greens for a complete Southern meal.
Candied Yams: Sweet, tender yams cooked with butter, sugar, and sometimes marshmallows provide a sweet contrast to the greens’ savory flavors.
Cabbage: Southern-style cabbage, often cooked with bacon or smoked meats, provides a similar earthy and hearty vibe as collard greens.
Pork Chops: Juicy, pan-fried or grilled pork chops are another protein option that harmonizes with the greens.

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