Chefs Kiss Hoppin John

Recipe Introduction

Quick Hook: Fancy Some Good Luck?

Do you want a new years day dinner that's both tasty and lucky? Honestly, who doesn't?! This Chef's Kiss Hoppin' John recipe will bring a bit of Southern charm to your table and maybe even a bit of good fortune.

This is inspired by traditional new years recipes , but it has my spin on it.

Brief Overview: A Southern Tradition

Hoppin' John , a dish rooted in Southern New Year's Day Food Traditions , is said to bring good luck.

This recipe is a medium difficulty level and takes about 3 hours to prepare. It yields 6-8 servings, perfect for a family gathering or a new years eve dinner ideas .

Main Benefits: Delicious and Healthy

Black eyed peas are packed with fibre and protein. This dish is perfect for a festive New Year's Day Menu . What makes this recipe special is the use of Carolina Gold Rice Recipe , which adds a unique creaminess.

I bet you will be back for more.

Hoppin' John: More Than Just Peas and Rice

Okay, right then, let's get this sorted. Hoppin' John is a soul food staple. My nan used to make it every year.

Honestly, the smell alone brings back so many memories. It is said that consuming this meal can bring prosperity in the new year.

What Makes This Hoppin' John Special

This isn't your average Black Eyed Peas Recipe . The smoky ham hock infuses the whole dish with flavour. The Hoppin John Recipe is elevated with fresh herbs and a touch of spice.

Try serving it with traditional Soul Food New Year's .

Time to Get Cooking

This recipe is inspired by a Southern New Year's Dinner tradition, but with my own little twists. So, let's get this sorted and dive into the ingredients, shall we? I promise, even if you're not a whiz in the kitchen, you can nail this.

This might be your secret weapon of Good Luck Foods New Years .

Ingredients: The Magic Starts Here

You'll need black eyed peas, a ham hock, and of course, that amazing Carolina Gold rice. Don't worry if you can't find Carolina Gold, another medium grain rice will do in a pinch.

This dish may seem simple, but the flavours and the Ham Hock Recipe will bring the heat to your tastebuds.

Ingredients & Equipment for Your Lucky New Years Day Dinner

Okay, right then, let's get this sorted. We're diving into the heart of our chef's kiss Hoppin John recipe : the ingredients and equipment! This isn't your nan's black eyed peas recipe , it's a bit fancier, but don't worry, it's still dead easy.

Main Ingredients: The Star Players

Here's what you'll need to make this soul food New Year's masterpiece:

• Black Eyed Peas:

  • 1 pound (454g) dried black eyed peas, rinsed. Get the freshest you can find. They should look plump and have a uniform colour.
  • 8 cups (1.9 liters) water, plus extra for soaking.
  • 1 large yellow onion, chopped (about 1 cup ).
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced.
  • 1 smoked ham hock (about 1 pound/454g ). Look for a meaty ham hock with a good smoky aroma.
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme.
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika.
  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional). Add a pinch for a bit of kick!
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.

• Rice:

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil.
  • 1/2 cup (100g) diced onion.
  • 1/2 cup (100g) diced red bell pepper.
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced.
  • 1 1/2 cups (300g) Carolina Gold rice, rinsed. This makes all the difference. Its worth trying to find it.
  • 3 cups (710ml) chicken broth (low sodium).
  • 1 bay leaf.

• Finishing:

  • 1/4 cup (50g) chopped fresh parsley.
  • 2 tablespoons (30g) butter.
  • Hot sauce, to taste (optional).

I remember one time, I tried to rush the soaking of the beans and they were still rock hard after an hour. Honestly, learn from my mistakes and let them soak!

Seasoning Notes: Flavour Boosters

We want that Southern New Year's dinner vibe, so let's talk seasoning:

• Essential Spice Combination: Thyme, smoked paprika, and black pepper are key.
• Flavour Enhancers: Garlic adds depth. Cayenne pepper brings the heat.
• Quick Substitution: If you don't have smoked paprika, use regular paprika with a dash of liquid smoke.

Equipment Needed: Keep it Simple

You don't need fancy gadgets to make this New Year's Day menu .

• Essential Tools:

  • Large pot or Dutch oven.
  • Medium saucepan.
  • Cutting board and knife.
  • Measuring cups and spoons.

• Common Household Alternatives: A large stockpot will work. A good chef's knife is your best friend. Based on the new years eve dinner ideas for a celebration, keep the setup easy to manage.

Chef's Kiss Hoppin' John: A New Year's Good Luck Feast

Okay, right then, let's get this sorted. We're diving into Hoppin' John, a new years day dinner tradition that's all about good luck! This isn't your average recipe.

Think of this as soul food meets fine dining! This Southern New Year's Dinner is packed with creamy rice, tender black eyed peas, and smoky ham.

It's the perfect way to kick off the New Year's Day Menu .

Honestly, I always thought Hoppin' John was kinda plain until I started playing around with the recipe. It all started when I was looking for New Year's Eve Dinner Ideas .

The key is good ingredients and taking your time. This dish is rated medium difficulty. Prep time takes about 30 minutes, plus an hour for soaking those beans, and cooking time will be around 1 hour and 45 minutes to 2 hours.

This recipe yields 6 to 8 servings.

Prep Steps: Setting You Up for Success

First, it's all about the mise en place . Have everything chopped, measured, and ready to go before you even turn on the stove.

Rinse your black eyed peas thoroughly. This takes 30 minutes including prep time, plus 1 hour soaking, then set to soak in water for at least an hour or overnight.

Honestly, soaking the black eyed peas overnight is best. Chop your onion, garlic, and bell pepper. Measure out your rice and broth.

Time saving tip: Do all this the day before! Safety reminder: always wash your hands before and after handling raw meat.

From Scratch to Scrumptious: The Cooking Method

1. Soak dried beans according to pack directions or in water overnight.
2. Cook the Black Eyed Peas : Sauté onion and garlic in a large pot. Add black eyed peas, ham hock , water, thyme, paprika, cayenne (if using), salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer until peas are tender (about 1 1/2 - 2 hours). Remove ham hock, shred meat, and return to the pot.
3. Cook the Rice : While the peas are simmering, heat olive oil in a medium saucepan. Sauté onion and bell pepper until softened. Add garlic and cook until fragrant. Add rice and toast for a minute.
4. Combine Rice and Broth : Pour in chicken broth, add bay leaf, bring to a boil, then reduce heat, cover, and simmer until rice is tender and liquid is absorbed (about 20 minutes ). Do not lift lid while the rice cooks.
5. Combine and Finish : Gently stir the cooked rice into the black eyed peas. Add parsley and butter. Adjust seasonings to taste. Serve hot, with hot sauce if desired.

Visual cues for doneness: the peas should be easily mashed with a fork, and the rice should be fluffy and have absorbed all the liquid.

Critical temperature points: Maintain a gentle simmer for both the peas and the rice.

Pro Tips and Tricks of the Trade

One expert technique? Toasting the rice before adding the broth really brings out its flavour. For a shortcut, you could use canned black eyed peas, but honestly, the dried ones are worth the extra effort.

A common mistake? Overcooking the rice! Make sure you don't lift the lid during the simmering process. You can make the Hoppin John Recipe a day ahead of the new years day dinner , but add the parsley and butter just before serving.

It also pairs perfectly with carolina gold rice recipe . This recipe also has many good luck foods new years .

Recipe Notes for Your New Years Day Dinner

Okay, right then, let's get this sorted. This Chef's Kiss Hoppin' John isn't just any old black eyed peas recipe .

It's a celebration. So, let's talk about how to make it truly yours ! This new years day dinner is all about traditions.

We all know about good luck foods new years . But I believe in doing those traditions right!

Serving This Southern New Year's Dinner

Honestly, presentation matters, right? For this soul food new year's , I like to serve it in a rustic bowl.

Maybe top it with a sprig of parsley and a drizzle of your favourite hot sauce. Think about plating and garnishing! My Great Aunt Mildred would approve.

As for sides, cornbread is a MUST. A simple green salad cuts through the richness nicely, too. And to drink? Sweet tea, without a doubt!

Storage For Leftovers

If you have any leftover Hoppin' John, you're in luck! It tastes even better the next day. You know, I accidentally made way too much once, and it was the best lunch ever.

Just pop it in an airtight container and it'll keep in the fridge for up to 3 days . For longer storage, you can freeze it.

Just thaw it overnight in the fridge and reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave. Be sure it reaches an internal temperature of 165° F ( 74° C) .

Adapting for Every Diet

Want to mix things up? No worries! Making this dish vegetarian is easy. Just ditch the ham hock recipe and use vegetable broth.

A dash of smoked paprika will give it that smoky flavour we all love. You can also throw in some seasonal greens like collard greens or kale for an extra boost of nutrition.

And, if you're feeling adventurous, why not try swapping the black eyed peas for another type of bean? My New Year's Day Menu often includes butter beans!

Nutrition Made Easy

Each serving packs a good punch of protein and fibre. It's a hearty, satisfying meal that's also pretty good for you.

Black eyed peas are full of nutrients. Don't worry too much about the calories. Just enjoy this comforting bowl of deliciousness! As New Year's Eve Dinner Ideas go, you'll be set for the new years day dinner as well!

Based on the recipe, the Carolina Gold Rice adds to the creamy texture and nutty taste. If you can't find any, use the medium grain rice, Okay?

This Hoppin John Recipe is more than just a recipe; it's a tradition. So gather your loved ones, get cooking, and have a fantastic new years day dinner filled with good luck and delicious food.

Let's start the year right!