Hoppin John Recipe by Paula Deen: A Southern Classic for a Delicious New Year

Are you ready for a little Southern comfort in your life? Look no further than Paula Deen's recipe for Hoppin John. Now, I know what you're thinking - Who's Paula Deen? And what the heck is Hoppin John? Well, my friend, let me tell you - Paula Deen is the queen of all things butter and bacon, and Hoppin John is a classic dish from the South that is said to bring good luck in the new year. Intrigued yet?

First things first, let's talk about the ingredients. You'll need some dried black-eyed peas, bacon (because everything is better with bacon), onion, garlic, green bell pepper, celery, chicken broth, and some good ol' fashioned Cajun seasoning. If you're not a fan of spicy food, don't worry - you can adjust the seasoning to your taste.

The key to making this dish is to soak the black-eyed peas overnight. I know, I know - who has time for that? But trust me, it's worth it. Plus, it gives you an excuse to sit back with a glass of sweet tea and watch some Paula Deen cooking videos on YouTube.

Once your peas are nice and soaked, it's time to start cookin'. Fry up your bacon in a big ol' pot until it's nice and crispy. Remove it from the pot, but leave the bacon grease (trust me on this one). Add in your onion, garlic, bell pepper, and celery and sauté until they're nice and tender.

Now it's time to add in the star of the show - those black-eyed peas. Pour in your chicken broth and Cajun seasoning, stir everything together, and let it simmer for about 45 minutes. This is the perfect time to whip up a batch of cornbread to go with your Hoppin John.

Once your peas are tender and the flavors have all melded together, it's time to serve it up! Spoon some of that deliciousness into a bowl, crumble some bacon on top (because everything is better with bacon, remember?), and enjoy. You can even add a little hot sauce or vinegar if you're feeling fancy.

This dish is perfect for a cold winter night when you need something hearty and comforting. Plus, you can tell all your friends that you're eating a dish that's steeped in Southern tradition and is said to bring good luck in the new year. Who knows - maybe it'll even bring you some good fortune in your life. Can't hurt to try, right?

In conclusion, Paula Deen's recipe for Hoppin John is a must-try for anyone who loves Southern cooking or just needs a little luck in their life. So go ahead and give it a whirl - I promise you won't be disappointed. And if you are, well, at least you'll have a good story to tell about that time you tried to make Hoppin John and it didn't turn out quite right. Happy cooking, y'all!

Introduction

Hey y'all, it's your favorite Southern belle Paula Deen here with another mouth-watering recipe! Today, I'm going to share with you the secret to making the best Hoppin John. Now, I know some of y'all might not have heard of this dish before, but let me tell you, it's a staple in the South. It's a simple yet delicious dish that's perfect for New Year's Day or any day of the year. So, let's get cooking!

Ingredients

Before we start cooking, let's gather all the ingredients we need. Here's what you'll need to make my version of Hoppin John:

1 pound black-eyed peas
1/2 pound bacon, chopped
1 large onion, chopped
1 green bell pepper, chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
4 cups chicken broth
2 cups long-grain white rice
Salt and pepper to taste

Now, some of y'all might be thinking, Paula, that's a lot of ingredients! But trust me, it's worth it. And if you can't find some of these ingredients, don't worry. You can always substitute them with something else.

Preparation

First things first, we need to prepare the black-eyed peas. Now, some folks like to soak them overnight, but I like to use the quick soak method. Here's how you do it:

Rinse the black-eyed peas and pick out any debris or bad beans.
Place the peas in a large pot and cover with water.
Bring the water to a boil and let it boil for 2-3 minutes.
Remove the pot from the heat, cover it, and let it sit for 1 hour.
Drain and rinse the peas.

Now that our peas are ready, let's start cooking!

Cooking

First, we need to cook the bacon in a large pot over medium heat until it's crispy. Once the bacon is cooked, remove it from the pot and set it aside.In the same pot, add the onion, bell pepper, and garlic. Cook them until they're soft and translucent, about 5 minutes.Next, add the thyme, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper. Stir everything together and cook for another minute.Now, it's time to add the black-eyed peas and chicken broth. Bring everything to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for about 45 minutes, or until the peas are tender.While the peas are simmering, cook the rice according to the package instructions.Once the peas are tender, add the cooked bacon back into the pot and season with salt and pepper to taste.Serve the Hoppin John hot over the cooked rice.

Tips and Tricks

Now, I know some of y'all might be thinking, Paula, that sounds like a lot of work! But trust me, it's not as hard as it seems. Here are some tips and tricks to make the process easier:

If you don't have bacon, you can use ham hocks or smoked turkey instead.
You can also add some diced tomatoes or tomato sauce to the pot for extra flavor.
If you're short on time, you can use canned black-eyed peas instead of dried ones.
Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 5 days or frozen for up to 3 months.

Conclusion

Well, there you have it, folks! My recipe for Hoppin John. I hope y'all give it a try and let me know how it turns out. Remember, cooking is all about experimenting and making it your own. So, don't be afraid to add your own twist to this classic Southern dish. And as always, y'all come back now, ya hear?

Beans, Beans, They're Good for Your Heart (and Your Soul)

Are you feeling a little down in the dumps? Is life just not going your way? Well, fear not my friends! I have just the solution to lift your spirits and fill your belly. It's called Hoppin John, and it's a Southern classic that will have you saying yeehaw in no time. The star of the show? Black-eyed peas, of course! These little legumes are not only delicious, but they're also said to bring good luck in the new year. So, if you're feeling a little unlucky lately, whip up a batch of Hoppin John and let the good times roll.

Sausage: the MVP of this Recipe

Now, let's talk about the real hero of this dish: sausage. Yes, you heard me right. Sausage is the MVP of Hoppin John, and I don't care who knows it. It adds a smoky, savory flavor that takes this dish to the next level. And let's be real, anything with sausage in it is automatically better. So, do yourself a favor and grab some good quality sausage for this recipe. You won't regret it.

Rice, Rice Baby - the Perfect Base

Next up, we have rice. Rice is the perfect base for Hoppin John, as it soaks up all the delicious flavors and juices from the black-eyed peas and sausage. Plus, it's a staple in Southern cooking, so you really can't go wrong. Just make sure you cook it to perfection, because mushy rice is a big no-no.

Tomatoes and Peppers to Give Your Taste Buds a Fiesta

No dish is complete without a little bit of spice, and that's where tomatoes and peppers come in. These little guys add a fiesta of flavors to Hoppin John, with just the right amount of kick. Plus, they're loaded with vitamins and minerals, so you can feel good about indulging in this dish.

Spices - The Secret Ingredients to Make Your Dish Sing

Speaking of spice, let's talk about the secret ingredients that make this dish sing. We're talking cumin, paprika, garlic, and thyme. These spices add depth and complexity to Hoppin John, taking it from a basic bean and rice dish to a flavor explosion. Don't skimp on the spices, my friends. Trust me, your taste buds will thank you.

Bacon, Bacon, and More Bacon. Because Why Not?

Let's be honest, bacon makes everything better. And while it's not technically necessary for Hoppin John, it sure does add a little something extra. Crumble it up and sprinkle it on top for an added crunch and salty goodness. Just try not to eat it all before it makes it into the dish.

Black-Eyed Peas - The Lucky Charm of Southern Cooking

Now, let's get back to the star of the show: black-eyed peas. These little guys are a staple in Southern cooking, and for good reason. They're loaded with protein, fiber, and a whole bunch of other good stuff. Plus, they're said to bring good luck in the new year. So, if you're feeling a little unlucky lately, whip up a batch of Hoppin John and let the good times roll.

Onion: The Unsung Hero of This Recipe

Last but not least, we have the unsung hero of this recipe: onion. Onion adds a subtle sweetness and depth to Hoppin John, tying all the flavors together in perfect harmony. Plus, it's loaded with health benefits, so you can feel good about adding it to your dish.

The Slow Cooker: Your Hoppin John's Best Friend

Now that we've covered all the ingredients, let's talk about the cooking method. While Hoppin John can be made on the stove, I highly recommend using a slow cooker. This allows all the flavors to meld together and creates a rich, hearty dish that's perfect for cold winter nights. Plus, it's super easy. Just throw everything in the slow cooker and let it do its thing.

The Perfect Sidekick: Cornbread Galore

No Southern meal is complete without a side of cornbread, and Hoppin John is no exception. Whip up a batch of cornbread and serve it alongside your Hoppin John for the ultimate Southern feast. Trust me, your taste buds will thank you.

In conclusion, Hoppin John is the ultimate comfort food that's sure to lift your spirits and fill your belly. With black-eyed peas, sausage, rice, tomatoes, peppers, spices, bacon, and onion, this dish has it all. So grab your slow cooker, whip up a batch, and let the good times roll. And don't forget the cornbread!

Recipe For Hoppin John By Paula Deen

The Tale of the Tasty Hoppin John

Once upon a time, in the kitchen of Paula Deen, there was a magical recipe for Hoppin John that had been passed down for generations. This recipe was said to bring good luck, wealth, and a full belly to all who dared to try it. Paula knew that this recipe was no ordinary dish, and she guarded it with her life.

One day, as she was preparing for a big dinner party, Paula decided to share her secret recipe with her guests. She knew that they would love it, but she also knew that they would be begging for more. And so, with a twinkle in her eye, she began to cook up a storm.

The Ingredients

1 pound dried black-eyed peas
1/2 pound bacon, chopped
1 large onion, chopped
1 green bell pepper, chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 cups water
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1/4 teaspoon dried thyme
1 bay leaf
1/2 pound smoked sausage, sliced
4 cups cooked long-grain white rice

Paula knew that these ingredients were the key to making the perfect Hoppin John. She mixed them together with love and care, and let them simmer on the stove for hours until they were just right.

The Directions

Sort and rinse the black-eyed peas.
In a large Dutch oven, cook the bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove the bacon with a slotted spoon and set aside.
Add the onion, bell pepper, and garlic to the bacon drippings and cook until tender.
Add the peas, water, salt, black pepper, cayenne pepper, thyme, and bay leaf to the pot and bring to a boil.
Reduce the heat to low and simmer for 1 1/2 hours, or until the peas are tender.
Add the sliced sausage and cooked bacon to the pot and simmer for an additional 30 minutes.
Serve over cooked rice and enjoy!

As Paula served up her Hoppin John to her guests, she couldn't help but smile. She knew that this recipe was a winner, and that it would become a staple in their homes for years to come. And so, the tale of the tasty Hoppin John lives on, bringing good luck and full bellies to all who try it.

Paula's Humorous Point of View

Now, y'all know that I don't take my cooking lightly. When it comes to Hoppin John, I take it very seriously. This ain't no ordinary dish, honey, this is the real deal. I mean, it's got black-eyed peas, bacon, sausage, and all kinds of spices. It's like a party in your mouth!

But let me tell you, making this dish is no joke. You gotta have the right ingredients, and you gotta cook 'em just right. And that's why I guard this recipe with my life. I mean, if word got out about how good it is, everyone would be trying to make it!

So, if you're feeling lucky and you want a taste of the best Hoppin John around, give my recipe a try. But don't say I didn't warn you. Once you try it, you'll be hooked!

Keywords:

Hoppin John, Paula Deen, recipe, black-eyed peas, bacon, sausage, spices, good luck, full bellies.

A Final Farewell for Hoppin John Fans

Well folks, it's been a wild ride exploring the depths of Southern cuisine with the one and only Paula Deen. And what better way to close out our recipe series than with a classic dish that's sure to bring good luck and prosperity in the new year? That's right, we're talking about Hoppin John.

Now, I know what you're thinking. Hoppin John? That sounds like a cartoon rabbit! But trust me, this dish is no laughing matter. It's a hearty mix of black-eyed peas, rice, smoked ham hock, and a whole lot of flavor. And if you're a true Southerner, you know that Hoppin John is a must-have on New Year's Day.

So, why not give it a try? After all, Paula Deen's recipe for Hoppin John is as easy as it is delicious. And let's face it, we could all use a little extra good luck in 2021.

First things first, you'll need to gather your ingredients. Don't worry, it's nothing too fancy. Just some black-eyed peas, long-grain rice, chicken broth, diced onion, minced garlic, smoked ham hock, and a few spices. Oh, and don't forget the hot sauce!

Once you've got everything together, it's time to start cooking. Begin by sautéing your onion and garlic in a large pot until they're nice and tender. Then, add your black-eyed peas, rice, chicken broth, ham hock, and spices. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for about an hour.

And that's it! Your Hoppin John is ready to be devoured. Serve it up with a side of collard greens and cornbread for the ultimate Southern meal.

Of course, if you're feeling extra adventurous, you can always add your own twist to the recipe. Maybe throw in some diced tomatoes or jalapeños for a little extra kick. Or substitute the ham hock with some smoked sausage. The possibilities are endless!

But no matter how you choose to make your Hoppin John, one thing's for certain: it's a dish that's sure to bring joy and good fortune to your family. And who knows, maybe it'll even become a new tradition in your household.

So, as we bid farewell to our Paula Deen recipe series, let's raise a glass (of sweet tea, of course) to the delicious dishes we've learned to make. From fried chicken to peach cobbler, we've covered it all. And we couldn't have done it without you, our loyal readers.

Here's to a happy and healthy new year filled with plenty of good food and even better company. And who knows, maybe we'll see you again soon for another round of Southern cooking. Until then, keep on hoppin'!