What is the difference between Hoppin John and black-eyed peas?

What's the difference between Hoppin' John and black-eyed peas? Hoppin' John has black-eyed peas in it, but it also has other ingredients . In this recipe, the black-eyed peas are stewed with onion, garlic, celery, and a ham hock, similar to how some Southern-style black-eyed peas would be cooked.

What is Hoppin John for New Year's?

And our tastiest superstitious tradition is eating Hoppin' John on New Year's Day. This classic Southern dish, a one-pot meal of black-eyed peas, ham hock, and rice , is believed by many (not just the Sterlings) to ensure wealth and bring good luck in the upcoming year.

Where is Hoppin John eaten?

Hoppin' John, also known as Carolina peas and rice, is a peas and rice dish served in the Southern United States . It is made with cowpeas, mainly, black-eyed peas and Sea Island red peas in the Sea Islands and iron and clay peas in the Southeast US, and rice, chopped onion, and sliced bacon, seasoned with salt.

Why is Hoppin John called Hoppin John?

Some say an old, hobbled man called hoppin' John became known for selling peas and rice on the streets of Charleston. Others say slave children hopped around the table in eager anticipation of the dish. Most food historians think the name derives from a French term for dried peas, “pois pigeons.”

Which tastes better black-eyed peas or purple hull peas?

The bigger difference is in how they taste. The purple hulls are far more delicate than the black-eyes ; they're creamier, sweeter, and lack the sometimes chalky texture you get with the other. They are the du Puy to the plain old green French lentil. They're more refined — and they're slightly more expensive.

Why did slaves eat black-eyed peas?

Once in America, black-eyed peas were able to be planted by enslaved people in their gardens because they were viewed as a food for poor people, and were also used to feed animals . They were often used in soups, stews and fritters.

What is the spiritual meaning of black-eyed peas?

The black-eyed peas are for luck, or prosperity , the peas represent coins and greens foldin' money. The peas swell when cooking, which means an increase in your fortune. Eating humble food shows that you are a humble person worthy of good fortune. Peas bring peace.

Why do Southerners eat black-eyed peas?

From gala gourmet dinners to small casual gatherings with friends and family, these flavorful legumes are traditionally, according to Southern folklore, the first food to be eaten on New Year's Day for luck and prosperity throughout the year ahead .

What is another name for black-eyed peas?

The black-eyed pea is a variety of the cowpea (Vigna unguiculata), which is a member of the legume, pea, or bean family. Besides the popular name "black-eyed pea," it is also known as " goat pea" and "southern pea," and the most common commercial variety in the United States is called the California Blackeye.

What are black-eyed peas called in the South?

What are the different names for southern peas? The southern pea, Vigna unguiculata, has its own lexicon of names. Yankees call it the cowpea, a name never heard south of the lilac–crape myrtle line. Southerners also know it as the black-eyed-pea, the pink eye pea, the purple hull pea, the cream pea or the crowder .

What is the difference between black eyed beans and black-eyed peas?

Black eyed peas, also known as cowpeas, black-eyed beans, or goat peas, are a bean grown throughout the world . Records show that the bean was brought to the West Indies by enslaved West Africans as early as 1674.

What is a substitute for black-eyed peas in Hoppin John?

Hoppin' John is made with black-eyed peas and rice, chopped onion and sliced bacon. Some recipes substitute another type of field peas for the black-eyed peas. Others also may use ham hock, fatback or country sausage in place of the bacon.

Easy Cajun Hoppin John Recipe - My Kitchen Serenity (2024)

Published: Nov 29, 2022 by Anne Clark · This post may contain affiliate links · 8 Comments

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You're going to love this Cajun Hoppin' John recipe! Made with canned black eyed peas, ham, and sausage! The rice is cooked with all the Hoppin John ingredients, absorbing all the delicious flavors! Ready in under an hour!

This Cajun recipe has all the ingredients you've come to love about the dish: black-eyed peas, smoked sausage, ham, rice, trinity (onions, celery, and peppers), chicken broth, and lots of delicious Cajun seasoning.

This recipe is also known as black-eyed pea jambalaya and will knock your socks off.

Easy Cajun Hoppin John Recipe - My Kitchen Serenity (1)

Jump to:

Why You'll Love It
What is Hoppin' John?
Hoppin John Ingredients
How to Make Cajun Hoppin John
Frequently Asked Questions
Expert Tips
What Goes with Hoppin John
Need more Cajun comfort food inspiration?
Recipe
Comments

Why You'll Love It

Easy Recipe: There's nothing difficult about this recipe. We use simple, basic ingredients and only one pot.

One Pot One Pan: Traditionally, Hoppin John is served over rice. But I love to cook it all in one pot! Why? Cooking everything in one pot ensures all the delicious spices and flavors are absorbed into the rice. This makes a huge different in flavor!

Short Cuts: This recipe uses some short cuts like canned black eyed peas, canned chicken broth, and frozen chopped onion, bell pepper, and celery for easy prep! This quick Hoppin John is ready in under an hour!

Meal Prep: This recipe makes enough for a crowd, but if you have any leftovers, they're amazing the next day. Or use the leftovers for the next several days.

What is Hoppin' John?

Hoppin' John is a classic Southern dish that consists of black-eyed peas (or field peas), some kind of pork product, and rice. Sometimes it's served over rice. But in this case, the rice is cooked with all the ingredients. It's traditionally served on New Year's Day.

Since this recipe is a one pot, one pan meal, many southerners, particularly Cajuns, call this black-eyed pea jambalaya. I have to agree that since the rice is cooked with the meats and seasonings, it fits the definition of jambalaya! At my house, we don't care what it's called as long as there's a big pot of it on the stove come the first of the year.

Hoppin John Ingredients

Smoked sausage - use your favorite brand. We like andouille or Conecuh.

Ham Steak - you could use smoked ham hocks, but a ham steak is easier to dice for this recipe.

Frozen Seasoning Blend - chopped onion, bell pepper, and celery. But if you happen to have fresh onion, bell pepper, and celery, then use the following measurements: 1 cup diced onion, 1 cup diced green bell pepper, and ½ cup chopped celery.

Chicken broth - Canned or boxed chicken broth also cuts down on the workload, but you can easily substitute your own homemade broth or some bouillon instead.

Black eyed peas - using canned peas is probably the biggest time saver of all. There's no pesky sorting or soaking involved, and the peas are already cooked to a perfect al dente. I prefer Trappey's but I also love me some Glory Foods Blackeye Peas.

Rotel tomatoes - this is optional. Most times I don't use tomatoes for this dish but I know many people that do.

Cajun seasoning - For authentic Louisiana flavors, use Tony Chachere’s or Slap Ya Mama seasoning blends. Use cayenne pepper if that's all you have.

Extra long grain rice - or use regular long grain rice. Extra long grain rice won't get as mushy as regular rice. DO NOT use instant rice.

How to Make Cajun Hoppin John

(1) The first thing you'll do is brown the sliced sausage in olive oil. Use a large (at least 5-quart), heavy pan with a lid. As you can see, I always grab my Calphalon pot for this recipe and many other recipes as well.

(2) Remove the sausage from the pan, and add the diced ham. Brown for 5 minutes.

(3) Add the frozen vegetable mixture (or fresh vegetables) to the pot with the ham. Simmer uncovered for 5 minutes.

(4) Return the sausage to the pot. Add chicken broth, canned black-eyed peas (undrained), Rotel tomatoes (if using), and seasonings. Mix well. Add raw rice, and stir again. Taste test for flavor and add more salt or creole seasoning, if desired.

(5) Bring mixture to a boil. Lower the heat to medium-low and put the lid on the pot. Simmer for 10 minutes, remove the lid, quickly stir, then replace the lid on top. Turn heat down to low and slow simmer for an additional 20-25 minutes. Remove from heat and let rest, covered, for 5 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you make Hoppin John ahead of time?

Yes, just be sure to keep it covered in the refrigerator and it will keep for up to 3 days. I prefer to use BPA-free glass containers with locking lids. Check out this18-piece set of glass food storage containers with locking lidsfrom Bayco, available now on Amazon.

How do you reheat it?

For a single serving, place desired amount in a bowl. Cover with a plate or some sort of covering. Heat in the microwave on high for 1-2 minutes or just until hot. To reheat a large amount on the stove, place in a pot, cover, and reheat on low heat stirring often.

Can you freeze it?

If you're really getting ahead, you can also freeze your Hoppin' John. I have some in the freezer at this very moment. Placed leftovers in a freezer-friendly container (or zip top bag) and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw and heat in the microwave.

Expert Tips

Don't add any salt to the mix until you have tasted it first. Ham and sausage both have quite a bit of salt naturally, so you don't want to overpower the mix!

You can also easily substitute field peas or crowder peas if you can't find black-eyed peas at your store. You know how it goes! The closer you get to the holidays, the harder it is to find traditional ingredients in stock.

Fun Fact:Leftover Hoppin' John is referred to as Skippin' Jenny! If you eat Skippin' Jenny as leftovers on January 2nd, your frugality is supposed to further ensure that you'll be prosperous in the New Year.

Easy Cajun Hoppin John Recipe - My Kitchen Serenity (4)

What Goes with Hoppin John

There are all kinds of goodies to serve with this delicious meal. French bread, deviled eggs, cabbage, collard greens, cornbread, etc.!

Need more Cajun comfort food inspiration?

Easy Red Beans and Rice with Sausage
Easy Cajun Rice Dressing
Cajun Chicken and Sausage Jambalaya
Cajun Butter Chicken

If you tried this deliciously easy Cajun Hoppin John recipe, please be sure to let me know how it turned out in the comments below!

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Recipe

Easy Cajun Hoppin John

You're going to love this easy hoppin john recipe with canned black eyed peas, ham, and sausage! As an added bonus, it's one pot, one pan! The rice is cooked with the other ingredients to soak up all that delicious goodness!

5 from 13 votes

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Course: Main Course

Cuisine: American

Prep Time: 10 minutes minutes

Cook Time: 45 minutes minutes

Total Time: 55 minutes minutes

Servings: 8

Equipment

▢
5 qt heavy pot with lid
▢
measuring cup(s)
▢
measuring spoons

Ingredients

▢ ¼ cup Olive Oil
▢ 1 pound Smoked Sausage - Spicy or Mild - chopped into 1-inch discs
▢ 8 ounces Ham Steak (or any leftover ham you may already have) - chopped into 1-inch squares
▢ 1 10-oz bag frozen Seasoning Blend (pre-chopped onion, bell pepper, celery, with parsley) (see Note 1)
▢ 1 14.5-ounce can chicken Broth (canned or in a carton)
▢ 2 15.5-ounce cans canned Black-eyed Peas (Trappey's is my favorite brand!) Undrained
▢ 1 10-ounce can Rotel tomatoes, undrained (OPTIONAL)
▢ ½ teaspoon Cajun Seasoning (see Note 2)
▢ 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder
▢ 1 teaspoon Dried Basil Or use 1 bay leaf.
▢ ½ teaspoon Salt (see Note 3)
▢ ½ teaspoon Black Pepper
▢ 2 cups Long Grain Rice (uncooked) - do not use instant rice
▢ Green Onion, for garnish

Instructions

Brown the sliced sausage in olive oil over medium heat. Use a large (at least 5-quart), heavy pan.
Remove the sausage from the pan, and add the diced ham. Brown for 5 minutes over medium heat.
Add the frozen vegetable mixture (or fresh vegetables) to the pot with the ham. Simmer uncovered for 5 minutes. Use a spoon or spatula to scrape the bits and pieces that may have adhered to the bottom of the pan and incorporate them into the ham and veggie mixture.
Return the sausage to the pot. Add chicken broth, canned black-eyed peas (undrained), Rotel tomatoes (if using), and seasonings. Mix well. Add raw rice, and stir again. Taste test for flavor and add more salt or creole seasoning, if desired.
Bring mixture to a boil. Lower the heat to medium-low and put the lid on the pot. Simmer for 10 minutes, remove the lid, quickly stir to bring rice to the top, then replace the lid on pot. Turn heat down to low and slow simmer for an additional 20-25 minutes. Remove from heat and let rest, covered, for 5 minutes.

Notes

Note 1: If using fresh vegetables, use the following measurements: 1 cup diced onion, 1 cup diced bell pepper, and ½ cup chopped celery.

Note 2:Cajun seasoning (Tony Chachere’s or Slap Ya Mama.

Note 3: Go easy on the salt since the sausage, ham, and cajun seasoning already have salt in them).

Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Tried this Recipe? Tag me Today!Mention @mykitchenserenity or tag #mykitchenserenity on Instagram!!

Nutrition

This recipe was originally published in December 2020 and was updated in 2022.

Nutritional information is provided as a courtesy to my readers. I'm not a nutritionist and I don't guarantee the accuracy of this data. The data may differ according to the brands I used versus the brands you use. To calculate the data yourself using your brands, try using an online nutrition calculator or app.

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About Anne Clark

Hi! I'm Anne, the founder and content creator at My Kitchen Serenity, a food blog focused on serving the needs of busy moms and dads who are looking for easy and delicious recipes for the family.

Reader Interactions

Comments

Julia
January 29, 2021 at 9:04 am

I'm so happy to see this recipe featured at Meal Plan Monday 251! It looks so delicious. We love Hoppin' John and I love that the entire meal is made in just one dish.
Reply
- MyKitchenSerenity
  January 29, 2021 at 1:27 pm
  
  Thanks, Julia! One pot meals are just fantastic. I eat Hoppin John year round lol.
  Reply
- Leigh Ann Davis
  January 01, 2023 at 4:03 pm
  
  This was easy and delicious!
  Reply
  - Anne Clark
    January 01, 2023 at 4:40 pm
    
    I’m SO glad you liked it, Leigh Ann! Happy New Year to y’all!
    Reply
Judy
December 29, 2021 at 1:55 pm

I question your nutrition information, e.g. 1 C (serving size) of cooked long grain rice is 45 carbohydrates....
🙁 I rely on posted nutrition values!
Reply
- Anne Clark
  December 29, 2021 at 3:08 pm
  
  Hi Judy. Thanks for your comment. I have re-checked the nutritional information and the carbs should be updated now for 1 serving of Hoppin John. One serving of Hoppin John is not the same as 1 serving of rice only (as you know) as it also contains sausage, ham, blackeyed peas, onion, bell pepper, etc. I hope this clears things up now, and I wish you a Happy New Year! If you have any additional questions, please let me know 🙂
  Reply
Lori
January 02, 2023 at 12:50 am

I was looking for a recipe where you could use raw rice, and this one was perfect, I will definitely be looking for more recipes from you! My only problem was that 2 c rice seemed like so much so I used 1 c. Delicious!!!
Reply
- Anne Clark
  January 02, 2023 at 8:05 am
  
  Thanks, Lori! I’m glad you liked the recipe!!
  Reply

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