Happy New Year, with a Hoppin’ John Recipe

Happy New Year, with a Hoppin’ John Recipe

I am beyond excited to finally see this day arrive! I don’t need to state the obvious reasons, 2020 was a doozy. The last few months have been tough, but our family remains grateful despite the unknowns and constant change. I’m anticipating good things to surface as we move forward into 2021.

Welcome! Today is my first official launch day for The Menu Maid. I couldn’t think of a better day to share my passion for food, meal planning, and simple recipes to follow. You can find additional info here on how I got started.

The New Year is upon us and we could all use a little extra hope and prosperity. It seems only appropriate to share this old southern classic. Hoppin’ John, also known as Carolina Peas and Rice, is comfort food at its finest. The ingredients have a symbolic meaning for the New Year. The black-eyed peas represent “coins” and the greens represent “bills” (green backs). If you add tomatoes to a Hoppin’ John recipe, it symbolizes “good health”. I’ll take all 3 please! There are many Hoppin’ John recipes but I’m all about fast and easy. This recipe comes together quickly and still packs all that southern flavor goodness. Tender black eyed peas, salty ham, bright colored greens seasoned just right, served over rice. It is so scrumptious!

My hope for you in the New Year is to lean in to all the good you can. To be kind and be a blessing.

Now, let’s eat!🤍

Southern Hoppin’ John

Salty ham, black eyed peas, kale, tomatoes, and Smokey spices all come together in one pot. The flavors are amazing! A southern classic to start the New Year right! Serve over rice for a complete meal.
5 from 4 votes
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Southern

Ingredients
  

  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 2 cups cubed ham I buy the ham steaks and cube them
  • 1/2 green bell pepper, diced
  • 1 red bell pepper, diced
  • 1/4 cup green onion, white parts only sliced thin save the greens for later
  • 1 garlic clove, minced
  • 2 stalks celery
  • 4 medium carrots, peeled and diced
  • 2 tsp smoked paprika
  • 11/2 tsp chili powder
  • 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper Trust me, it's not too much
  • 4 cups kale, chopped
  • 2 cans black eyed peas, drained and rinsed
  • 1 14oz can fire roasted tomatoes
  • White or brown rice, cooked

Instructions
 

  • Heat large pot to medium high. Add olive oil and ham. Sauté until golden brown, about 5 minutes. Add the 1/4 cup of green onion, garlic, and celery. Sauté for 2 minutes. Add carrots and sauté another 2 minutes. Add bell peppers and spices. Cook until fragrant, about 2 minutes. Add the kale, beans and tomatoes with juices. Stir together and cook an additional 5 minutes until kale is slightly wilted and everything is nice and hot. Serve over rice of your choice and sprinkle with extra green onion.

Notes

 I did not add any salt to the dish. The ham and beans seasoned it for me:)
Keyword Black eyed peas and rice, Hoppin’ John, Peas and rice



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