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    Home / Deep South Kitchen / Hoppin’ John

    Hoppin’ John

    Black-eyed peas simmered with rice and smoked pork, traditionally served on New Year’s Day for good luck.

    ⏱ 15 minPrep time
    🔥 60 minCook time
    🍽 6Servings
    🏷 Deep South KitchenCategory
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    Hoppin' John

    Hoppin’ John is the Deep South’s New Year’s Day dish — black-eyed peas simmered with smoked ham and served over rice, believed to bring luck and prosperity in the year ahead. It’s humble, hearty, and full of tradition.

    Chef Emily presents Hoppin' John

    The New Year’s Day tradition

    Black-eyed peas simmered with smoked ham, served over rice — the Southern dish that’s said to bring good luck.

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    Step by stepInstructions

    1. Drain the soaked peas. In a large pot, sauté the onion and bell pepper until soft, about 5 minutes. Add the garlic.
    2. Add the peas, ham hock, thyme, cayenne, and water. Simmer 1 hour until the peas are tender and creamy.
    3. Remove the ham hock, shred the meat, and return it to the pot. Season with salt and pepper.
    4. Serve over rice, garnished with green onion.

    💡 Chef tips & storage

    Serve it with collard greens (for money) and cornbread — the traditional lucky plate. A splash of hot sauce and vinegar on top is the classic finish.

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    Recipe details

    Prep15 min
    Cook60 min
    Servings6
    CategoryDeep South Kitchen
    PublishedAugust 16, 2026
    Emily — the cook behind My Comfort Recipes

    Hi, I'm Emily 🧡

    Hi, I'm Emily — the cook behind My Comfort Recipes. Simple, tested comfort food for real weeknights, written down the way grandma would. Pull up a chair. More about me →

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