This Is How I Cook

menu icon
go to homepage
  • Home
  • About Abbe Odenwalder
    • Contact
  • Recipes
    • Recipe Index from A-Z
    • Breakfast
      • Casseroles
      • Coffee Cake
      • Waffles
    • Starters/Appetizers
    • Main Course
      • Meat
      • Pasta
      • Poultry
      • Sandwiches
      • Seafood and Fish
    • Soup
    • Sauce
    • Side Dishes
      • Potatoes
      • Vegetables
    • Salads
    • Drinks
    • Breads
      • Muffins and Quick Breads
      • Sweet Rolls
    • Snacks
    • Pickles and Preserves
    • Dessert
      • Cake
      • Candy
      • Pie
    • Cookies and Bars
    • Chocolate
    • Asian Recipes
    • Mexican Recipes
    • Jewish Recipes
    • Italian Recipes
    • Family Favorites
    • Roundup Recipes
  • Denver & Beyond
    • Denver
    • And Beyond
search icon
Homepage link
  • Home
  • About Abbe Odenwalder
    • Contact
  • Recipes
    • Recipe Index from A-Z
    • Breakfast
      • Casseroles
      • Coffee Cake
      • Waffles
    • Starters/Appetizers
    • Main Course
      • Meat
      • Pasta
      • Poultry
      • Sandwiches
      • Seafood and Fish
    • Soup
    • Sauce
    • Side Dishes
      • Potatoes
      • Vegetables
    • Salads
    • Drinks
    • Breads
      • Muffins and Quick Breads
      • Sweet Rolls
    • Snacks
    • Pickles and Preserves
    • Dessert
      • Cake
      • Candy
      • Pie
    • Cookies and Bars
    • Chocolate
    • Asian Recipes
    • Mexican Recipes
    • Jewish Recipes
    • Italian Recipes
    • Family Favorites
    • Roundup Recipes
  • Denver & Beyond
    • Denver
    • And Beyond
×
Home » Side Dishes

Published: Dec 28, 2020 · May contain affiliate links

Hoppin' John Black Eyed Peas

Jump to Recipe·5 from 1 review
Share this recipe!

"These black eyes peas were a comforting surprise.  Containing 11 grams of protein and 5 grams of fiber per serving, Hoppin' John is a healthy way to start the new year!  Served with rice, these black eyed peas are a perfect one dish meal!"

Hoppin' John black eyed peas

 

Many years ago when I first married Manservant he told me that his mama  always served Hoppin' John black eyed peas on New Year's Day.

 

Now I am a person of tradition and I intended to keep this tradition...until I tried those little black eyed peas. I'm not sure if I purchased them from a can or if I bought them at deli counter, but what I am sure of is that I didn't like them. Not one little bit. 

His Mama also used to make red beans and rice and I liked those, so that tradition continues! But today I'm talking peas.

Black eyed peas. They are supposed to be lucky and that is why they are served on new year's day.

 

Black eyed peas with rice in white bowl

 

A southern tradition with a long history, you can read more about it here if you'd like.

Well, I don't know about you but luck and I don't always go hand in hand, which is why if someone tells me that something is lucky I'm not one to turn up my nose at the offered suggestion. I'm no fool. 

So what is it that makes these cute little black eyed peas so lucky? Well, about all I could find was that black eyed peas are said to resemble coins and we all need those, don't we?

Hoppin' John black eyed peas are actually beans and often collard greens are mixed into this traditional dish. Collards symbolize paper money.

 

black eyed peas in white bowl

 

This customary New Year's dish is considered African American soul food and after eating these, I can see why this is also comfort food! 

Another interesting fact  I learned is that black eyed peas are mentioned in the Talmud and were eaten on the Jewish new year which is in the fall.

It is speculated that they were brought to the US in the 1730's by Sephardic Jews when they first arrived in Georgia.

As for the term hoppin' john, it's a bit unclear where it came from. 

 

black eyed peas with spoon

 

In any case, I felt pretty lucky after making these black eyed peas. I had no idea they were so good.

This pretty little black eyed pea is also loaded with fiber and protein which makes this a great meal for vegetarians. Just sub in olive oil instead of bacon and veggie broth instead of chicken.

Perhaps after all these years, my tastes have changed but I can tell you that this simple version of black eyed peas was so good. 

Maybe it was lucky that I found presoaked peas from Melissa's waiting for me in the refrigerator section. Or maybe it was the takeout Chinese rice that needed a home in mine?

 

hoppin' john

 

Whatever. These little peas caught my eye and I went for it. And so did Manservant! 

A new/old tradition? You betcha!

Happy New Year!

More to Try:

                White Bean, Bacon and Kale Soup    

white bean, bacon and kale soup

 

BBQ Bean Soup   

       BBQ Bean Soup

 

Tuscan Beans and Potatoes

 tuscan beans and potatoes

 

I'd love it if you Follow me on Pinterest and Pin and Share!

blacke eyed peas pin this …
 
 
This is an updated post from 2017. Figured we could use them again this year!
 
 
Print

Recipe

clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon
black eyed peas in white bowl

Hoppin' John Black Eyed Peas

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 5 from 1 review
  • Author: Abbe Odenwalder
  • Prep Time: 25 Minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 Minutes
  • Total Time: 55 Minutes
  • Yield: 4 - 6 Servings 1x
  • Category: Side Dish/MainCourse
  • Method: Stove Top
  • Cuisine: American
Print Recipe
Pin Recipe

Description

These black eyes peas were a comforting surprise. Simple seasonings including garlic, celery and red peppers combine to make this a lucky dish each new year. Containing 11 grams of protein and 5 grams of fiber per serving, Hoppin' John is a healthy way to start the new year!


Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 strips bacon
  • 3 T bacon fat or olive oil
  • ½ c red pepper, chopped
  • 2 ribs of celery, finely chopped
  • 1 c onion, finely chopped
  • 11 oz soaked black eyed peas (I used Melissa's) cooked according to package directions
  • 1 t garlic powder
  • 1 t salt
  • Fresh ground pepper
  • 3 c chicken stock
  • 2 c cooked rice
  • 3 T finely chopped Italian parsley

Instructions

  1. Cook bacon and reserve 3 T of bacon fat. Reserve the crisp bacon for garnish.
  2. In pot with bacon fat, saute red pepper, celery and onion over medium high heat until soft. Add black eyed peas, seasonings, and chicken broth.
  3. Cook black eyed peas until softened or until the broth has boiled down to the thickness you want. I didn't want soup, so I simmered this about 30 minutes. If you want it soupier, it may only take about 10 minutes. Taste for seasoning.
  4. Serve over hot rice. Garnish with crisp, crumbled bacon. Sprinkle with parsley.

 


Did you make this recipe?

Tag @this_is_how_i_cook on Instagram and hashtag it #thisishowicook

 

 

If you haven't had enough of me, I'd love it if you follow me!

instagram.com/this_is_how_i_cook
facebook.com/ThisICook
pinterest.com/thisishowicook
bloglovin.com/blogs/this-is-how-i-cook
twitter.com/aodenwalder

Thanks so much. You are appreciated!


Share this recipe!

More Side Dishes

  • roasted corn salad with mango and halloumi
    Summer Roasted Corn Salad With Mango and Halloumi
  • best waldorf salad recipe
    Best Waldorf Salad Recipe
  • recipes for butternut squash with squash in skillet with cheese, mushrooms and pomegranatae seeds
    Great Fall Recipes for Butternut Squash
  • is caprese salad healthy
    Is Caprese Salad Healthy? Easy Recipe To Make Every Day!

Comments

    I Love Comments! Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Recipe rating 5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

  1. Healthy World Cuisine says

    January 06, 2021 at 7:14 pm

    Abbe, wishing you and your family the best of luck in this new year. This deliciously simple recipe looks amazing and love the addition of the bacon too.

    Reply
  2. angiesrecipes says

    December 28, 2020 at 9:32 pm

    Just want to stop by and wish you and yours a happy, healthy and wonderful New Year, Abbe.

    Reply
  3. Tania says

    May 25, 2017 at 7:08 am

    This looks lovely, I've never tried black eyed peas, what do they taste like?

    Reply
  4. ChgoJohn says

    January 17, 2017 at 5:30 am

    I'm not one to enjoy black-eyed peas on NYE but these I'd enjoy whenever I could, Abbe. I'm pinning this for some not-too-distant date. Thanks!

    Reply
  5. Anna and Liz Recipes says

    January 08, 2017 at 11:45 pm

    This looks amazing!! LOve this black-eye peas recipe and love it over rice! Happy New Year Abby

    Reply
  6. mjskit says

    January 08, 2017 at 3:21 am

    So glad that Hoppin John changed your mind about Black-eyed peas. I never could tolerate the ones out of a can, but the frozen ones or dry ones..awesome! Hope you scrumptious bowl of Hoppin John brings you lots of good luck in 2017!

    Reply
  7. Karen (Back Road Journal) says

    January 07, 2017 at 2:35 pm

    I think presoaked peas really helps…that is what I used this year too. Wishing you lots of luck and happiness in this New Year.

    Reply
  8. SavoringTime in the Kitchen says

    January 07, 2017 at 2:18 pm

    We did not grow up with any New Year's food traditions in my family but I love that your husband did and hope he appreciates that he's the lucky one to have you 🙂 I do love most legumes and this dish sounds so wonderfully flavored that I'd to give try it!

    Reply
  9. chris scheuer says

    January 07, 2017 at 1:28 am

    This looks wonderful! I forgot about black eyed peas this year, good thing I don't count on luck 🙂

    Reply
  10. Chris Scheuer says

    January 07, 2017 at 1:23 am

    Sounds delicious. I forgot about black-eyed peas this year. I guess it's good I don't believe in luck 🙂

    Reply
  11. Sippity Sup says

    January 07, 2017 at 1:09 am

    Rice and beans are a perfect combination and a fitting way to start the New Year. Get it? Fitting. Ughh. GREG

    Reply
  12. Cheri Savory Spoon says

    January 06, 2017 at 10:08 pm

    Traditions are always nice and the older I get the more I like them. Love how you prepared these black eyed peas, they look delicious. Happy New Year Abbe!

    Reply
  13. Lavender and Lime (http://tandysinclair.com) says

    January 06, 2017 at 11:58 am

    I love traditions like these! And bacon makes everything better. May 2017 hold all your dreams Abbe 🙂

    Reply
  14. Lorraine @ Not Quite Nigella says

    January 06, 2017 at 8:51 am

    Happy New Year!! We were just talking about this dish on NY day at a Southern party. I love these sorts of traditions!

    Reply
  15. Angie Schneider says

    January 06, 2017 at 6:46 am

    I love this classic New Year bean dish! YUM!

    Reply
  16. Kitchen Riffs says

    January 06, 2017 at 12:54 am

    Love black-eyed peas! And you really don't even have to presoak the dried ones -- they'll cook in 45 minutes to an hour. Best are the fresh ones. Or at this time of the year, frozen -- you can't get fresh. Good dish -- thanks.

    Reply
  17. Karen Harris says

    January 06, 2017 at 12:39 am

    I love hoppin' john but haven't made it in years. You have now inspired me.

    Reply
  18. Liz Berg says

    January 05, 2017 at 11:46 pm

    You've convinced me that I need to give these a shot! Being a northerner, like you, these weren't part of our New Year's menu. Saving this recipe for 2018!

    Reply
  19. La Table De Nana says

    January 05, 2017 at 9:17 pm

    Must be very good!Happy New Year to you and yours..bacon makes everyything..makes..:)

    Reply
Abbe Odenwalder - The Great American Recipe Season 2

Welcome!

You may have spotted me on Season 2 of the PBS series “The Great American Recipe.” Being part of a group labeled “the best home cooks in America” is a lot to live up to, but I’m up for the challenge! I'm glad you are here and hope I can set a place for you at my table!

More about me

Popular Posts

  • Lots of Cheese QuesadillasCrispy Mini Cheese Quesadillas - Easy Party Recipe January 22, 2020
  • New Mexican Green ChileEasy Green Chile New Mexican Style October 23, 2019
  • Pepperidge Farm stuffingDelicious and Easy Pepperidge Farm Stuffing November 19, 2019
  • Cornbread Blueberry Bread PuddingEasy Cornbread Bread Pudding with Blueberries February 13, 2020
  • Peruvian Green SauceAmazing Peruvian Green Sauce Recipe January 7, 2021

Footer

↑ back to top

Notices

  • Privacy Policy
  • Disclaimer

Newsletter

  • Sign Up! for emails and updates

Contact

  • Contact

As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

© 2011-2025 This is How I Cook. All Rights Reserved.

blacke eyed peas pin