Hoppin john recipe | Black eyed peas and Hoppin’ John recipe

Black eyed peas and Hoppin’ John are considered a very customary meals for New Year’s. In the The southern part of U.S., these peas are the legume of choice, and legumes signify pennies or coins. This black eyed peas recipe is a wonderful way to kick off the new year.




Basic black eyed peas recipe as New Year’s food

A conventional New Year’s Eve food combines a black eyed peas recipe with cooked greens, like kale, to represent money - which makes it a perfect side dish. If cooking vegetarian or vegan, omit the turkey bacon and replace it with olive oil or butter.

1 tablespoon olive oil

3 slices turkey bacon (uncured, with no antibiotics or nitrates), cut into ½” pieces

1 medium onion, chopped

1 stalk celery, chopped

4 cloves garlic, minced

1/8 teaspoon crushed red pepper

3 cups cooked black eye peas (if using canned beans, rinse and drain well)

1 ½ cups chicken broth, divided

2-3 sprigs fresh thyme

1 bay leaf

1 bunch kale, thick stem removed, leaves thinly sliced

Hoppin’ John recipe for black eyed peas

Heat oil in a large stockpot over medium heat. Add turkey bacon and cook until browned. Add onion, celery, garlic and crushed red pepper. Cook until vegetables are softened, about 5 minutes. Add the black eye peas, 1 cup of chicken broth, fresh thyme and bay leaf. Cover and cook on low for 15 minutes. Add kale and remaining ½ cup of chicken broth, and mix well. Cook, covered, for another 5 minutes or until just tender.


Serve over brown rice.

Serves 4-6.