Hopping John Black Eye Peas

8 servings Prep: 15 m Cook: 1 h 30 m Total: 1 h 45 m Beginner
5.0/5 (3)
Hopping John Black Eye Peas
Our recipe submitter writes: I’m not Cajun, just an ole Mississippi boy, but my Granddaughter married a boy from Mamou so I feel like I’m part of the family. This traditional New Year’s dish combines black-eyed peas, rice, bacon, and ground beef for good luck and good eating. I think all of my Cajun friends will like this dish.

Ingredients

8 servings
  • 1 cup dried black-eyed peas
  • 2 or 3 slices bacon or salt pork
  • 1 small onion chopped
  • 1 or 2 clove garlic crushed or chopped
  • 1/2 cup uncooked rice
  • 1/2 pound lean ground beef
  • Salt, black pepper, and a dash of MSG to taste

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. In a large bowl cover the dried black-eyed peas with water and refrigerate overnight.
  2. Drain the soaking water, place the peas in a large sauce pan or pot and cover with fresh water. Add the bacon or salt pork, the chopped onion, and the garlic.
  3. Bring to a boil, cover, reduce the heat to low and simmer for about an hour or until the peas are about tender, yet still a little firm. Add the uncooked rice.
  4. You may need to add a little more water at this time to ensure the rice cooks properly.
  5. Cover and cook for another 20 minutes until the rice is tender.
  6. While the rice is cooking, sauté the lean ground beef in a separate skillet over medium heat until browned and cooked through, breaking it up as it cooks. Add the beef to the pot with the peas and rice. Season with the salt, black pepper and dash of MSG.
  7. Using very low heat, cook for another 10 minutes to allow the flavors to blend. Turn off heat and let sit for 5 or 10 minutes before serving.

Common Problems and Solutions

Q: Why are my black-eyed peas still hard after cooking?

A: Make sure you soaked them overnight first, and that you're simmering them long enough (about an hour). If your peas are very old, they may take longer to soften. Also ensure you're using enough water - they should always be covered.

Q: Can I skip the overnight soaking?

A: For best results, don't skip the soak. It reduces cooking time and helps the peas cook more evenly. If you're really in a hurry, you can do a quick soak by boiling the peas for 2 minutes, then letting them sit covered for an hour before draining and proceeding with the recipe.

Tips and Techniques

Don’t rush the simmering process - the peas need that full hour to become tender but still hold their shape. When adding the rice, check your liquid level and add more water if needed since rice will absorb quite a bit as it cooks.

Ingredient Substitutions

  • ground beef: ground turkey or crumbled cooked sausage
  • bacon: ham hock, salt pork, or smoked turkey
  • MSG: additional salt or a dash of soy sauce

Equipment Needed

  • Large bowl (for soaking peas)
  • Large saucepan or pot with lid
  • Skillet for browning beef

Historical Context

Hoppin’ John is traditionally eaten on New Year’s Day throughout the South for good luck. The dish likely has origins in West African and Caribbean cuisine, brought to the American South centuries ago, where it became a staple comfort food and symbol of prosperity.