Originally a Low Country food before spreading throughout the entire
population of the south, Hoppin’ John has roots in the 19th century. It is a dish made of blackeyed peas, chopped
onion, bacon (or ham), and served over rice.
Eating it on New Year’s Day is said to bring a prosperous year filled
with good fortune. Supposedly the blackeyed peas are symoblic of pennies, one
of which is to be placed beneath the dinner bowl before serving. Is that charming, or what?
It is also very quick and easy to make (particularly if you make use of Melissa’s
Blackeyed Peas that do not
require soaking overnight). The recipe
is really up to your own interpretation.
Make them vegetarian, if you like, or add ham, as I did. I added the last bits of my HoneyBaked
ham, and boy, oh boy,
was this delicious.
Hoppin’ John
1 tub Melissa’s Blackeyed Peas, cooked (see below)
1 medium onion, finely chopoped
½ cup diced ham
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon ham base (I used L.B. Jamison)
2 teaspoons Low Sodium chicken base
2 cups water
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon celery salt
Freshly ground black pepper
Rice (optional)
Cooking the
Blackeyed Peas
Bring 2-1/2 cups water to a rolling bowl in a 3-quart saucepan. Add the entire 11-oz. tub of blackeyed
peas. Return to a boil. Reduce heat and bring to a gentle boil, and
cook for 10 minutes. Drain peas; discard
water. You are now ready to use them any
way that you see fit – salads, soups, stews, casseroles.
Making the
Hoppin’ John
In a 10” pan sauté onion
and ham until tender. Stir in soup base
mixes, seasonings, and cooked blackeyed peas.
Add 2 cups of water. Bring to a
simmer and cook for 10 minutes over medium-high heat until most of the liquid
is absorbed.
Serve over rice, if desired, but I like them just the way they are.
This post is linked to:
Wow Us Wednesday
Work It Wednesday
Miz Helen’s Country Cottage
Be Inspired Friday
Show and Tell Friday
Work It Wednesday
Miz Helen’s Country Cottage
Be Inspired Friday
Show and Tell Friday
I love the New year superstitions that abound. I've heard this one before. I think as a kid we had lentils. They were suppose to represent pennies too:)
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing, Pattie...wishing you "a prosperous year filled with good fortune." And a Happy one too!!
I love Hoppin John and I haven't had it in awhile. Can'y wait to try this recipe too.
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