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If you’re making Hoppin’ John in the New Year, this is a recipe to remember. While honoring Southern tradition, it exudes warmth and charm, with rich flavors to suit the moment. The black-eyed peas are cooked tender, the ham hock adds depth, and the whole pot feels like a fresh start served in a bowl. This osechi dish is served twice and is perfect for the start of the year.
Ingredient notes + variations
This Hoppin’ John recipe is both classic and thoughtful. Each ingredient has a role, and together they create a pot that smells amazing even before it hits the table.
Black-eyed peas: Dried peas give the best texture. Soaking it overnight will help it cook evenly. Ham hock: Adds depth of flavor and gives the dish a traditional structure. Smoked turkey also works well. Onions, peppers, and celery: a classic trio that builds flavor from the very beginning. Cajun Seasoning: Brings warmth without overpowering dishes. Fresh Thyme: Brightens everything up and balances the smoky notes. Rice: You can use any type of cooked rice, just cook it until fluffy. Green onion: A fresh finish that awakens the whole bowl.
How to make Hoppin’ John
This recipe comes in one pot and has easy to follow instructions. For recipe details, including ingredients and quantities, please see the printable recipe card below.
Step 1: Prepare the peas
Soak black-eyed peas in water overnight, drain and wash. This also allows you to cook it later.
Step 2: Build the base
Sauté onions, bell peppers, and celery in olive oil until softened. Add garlic and fry until fragrant.
Step 3: Boil
Add peas, chicken stock, seasoning, thyme, bay leaf, and ham hock. Once it boils, reduce the heat and simmer until the peas are soft.
Step 4: Finish + serve
Remove bay leaves. Remove the meat from the ham hock, chop, and stir again. Serve over rice and top with green onions.
tips for success
Cook gently so that the peas remain intact. Taste towards the end and adjust the salt if the flavor of the ham hock comes out well. If there is excess liquid, it is okay to drain it a little. Some people like it gravy, some people don’t. Fresh herbs are important here, especially thyme.
What to serve with Hoppin’ John
This Hoppin’ John recipe is comforting, flavorful, and reliable in the best sense of the word. It’s one of those dishes that will earn a permanent spot in your rotation. Printable recipe cards are below. Have a great day!
hoppin john
Make this traditional Southern New Year’s Day dish with black eyed peas, rice, and ham hock to ensure good luck in the new year.
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Instructions
(For best results, soak black-eyed peas in a pot of water overnight, drain and rinse.)
Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat and sauté the onion, celery, and bell pepper until translucent.
Add the garlic and fry for a few more minutes until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
Add the soaked and drained black-eyed peas, chicken stock, seasonings, and bay leaf. Stir to combine.
Add the ham hocks and bring to a boil.
Reduce heat and simmer for about 1 hour, or until black-eyed peas are tender but not mushy.
Drain excess liquid (optional if present). Remove bay leaves.
Remove the meat from the ham hock and add to the black-eyed pea mixture.
Serve over white rice and garnish with green onions.
Precautions
Precautions for storage
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. This recipe can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight, then gently reheat on the stovetop, adding more chicken stock if needed. You can also make it the day before, as the flavor will deepen if you let it sit.
nutrition
calorie: 648kcalcarbohydrates: 98gprotein: 30gfat: 14gSaturated fat: 5gPolyunsaturated fats: 2gMonounsaturated fats: 6gcholesterol: 54mgsodium: 1049mgpotassium: 808mgfiber: 7gsugar: 7gVitamin A: 1443IUVitamin C: 20mgcalcium: 88mgiron: 5mg
variations
If you can find it, swap out the ham hock for smoked turkey. For extra spiciness, add a pinch of cayenne pepper. Add the cooked sausage near the end and stir to make a heartier bowl. If you want a more nutty base, use brown rice.
More recipes I want to try
If you make this recipe, I would really appreciate it if you could give me a star rating or leave a review in the comments! If you have a photo of your finished dish, post it on Instagram using the hashtag #laurenslatest and tagging me @laurens_latest.
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