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Meat, Americas

Hoppin’ John with black eyed peas and rice

Hoppin' John is a Southern American dish made with black eyed peas, smoky bacon and rice, served with greens. For 4 people, it takes 50 minutes and stays easy to make, at about €2.30 per person. The trick is letting the bacon flavor the whole pot right from the start.

In the American South, people eat this for good luck. Black eyed peas, smoky bacon and rice, simple and comforting.

Hoppin’ John with black eyed peas and rice
Total time
50 min
Difficulty
Easy
Cost per person
€2.30
Calories per person
540 kcalcalculated by Kiloach, your weight coach
Season
Winter, Fall

Hoppin' John is a pot of black eyed peas simmered with smoky bacon, chopped vegetables and warm spices like smoked paprika. The beans turn soft and creamy while the rice keeps a little bite, and that smoky flavor runs through the whole sauce. The greens add a fresh touch that balances the dish without complicating it.

It's a solid weeknight dinner when you want something filling without spending the whole evening in the kitchen, but it also works well on a slow winter Sunday if you're hosting friends curious about a dish from elsewhere. Mon Chou likes it for its simplicity, one pot, basic ingredients, and that little taste of travel that breaks up the usual routine.

The ingredients

4 people

Pantry

  • Canned black eyed peasoften in the pantry 800 g
  • Riceoften in the pantry 250 g
  • Chicken brothoften in the pantry 40 cl
  • Smoked paprikaoften in the pantry 1 tsp
  • Cayenne pepperoften in the pantry 1 pinch
  • Olive oiloften in the pantry 2 tbsp
  • Saltoften in the pantry 1 pinch
  • Pepperoften in the pantry 1 pinch

Butcher

  • Diced smoky bacon 200 g

Fruits and vegetables

  • Onion 1
  • Celery stalks 2
  • Green bell pepper 1
  • Garlic 2 cloves
  • Swiss chard 600 g

Allergens Celery

The step by step recipe

  1. Brown the bacon in a Dutch oven, then add the finely chopped onion, celery, bell pepper and garlic. 10 min

    The vegetables should pick up some color, they form the base of the sauce.

  2. Add the drained beans, broth, paprika and cayenne, season lightly with salt since the bacon is already salty, and let it simmer. 20 min

    Mash a few beans with a fork to thicken the sauce.

  3. Cook the rice in salted water, then drain it. 11 min

    A grain with a little bite is a good sign.

  4. Wash the chard, cut the leaves and sauté them in oil with a touch of garlic until soft. 8 min

    Save the stalks for another meal, they need longer cooking.

  5. Serve the beans over the rice with the chard on the side.

    A splash of vinegar or hot sauce at the table brightens the dish nicely.

Our tips to get it right

  • Pick good quality smoky bacon, it carries the whole dish, so there's no need to pile on extra spices.
  • Don't cook the rice too far ahead, it loses its texture if it sits too long before serving.
  • For a thicker sauce, let the beans simmer uncovered a few extra minutes.

The variations

  • Swap the greens for spinach or green cabbage, just shorten the cooking time slightly.
  • For a meat free version, skip the bacon and add a splash of smoked oil or extra smoked paprika to keep that grilled flavor.
  • For a quicker version, use precooked rice and skip the greens step, the dish still works well with just the beans and rice.

What to serve it with

  • Hot sauce or vinegar at the table
  • Slightly sweet cornbread
  • Unsweetened iced tea

Storage

Hoppin' John keeps for 3 days in the fridge in a sealed container, rice and beans together or separate. It freezes well, especially the beans and bacon part, for up to 2 months. Reheat in a pot with a splash of water or broth to bring back the moisture.

Questions about this dish

Can you use dried black eyed peas instead of canned?

Yes, but soak them overnight and cook them for about 45 minutes before adding them to the recipe. Plan for a longer total time since dried beans need advance prep.

Can you make Hoppin' John ahead of time?

Yes, the beans and bacon part actually tastes better reheated the next day once the flavors have mingled. Cook the rice and greens just before serving to keep their texture.

What can replace smoky bacon if you can't find it?

Regular smoked lardons or diced bacon work just as well. The key is keeping that smoky note that flavors the whole pot.

Why mash a few beans while cooking?

It releases their starch and naturally thickens the sauce without flour or cream. A few forkfuls are enough, no need to puree the whole pot.

How long does it take to make a Hoppin' John with black eyed peas and rice?

Count 50 min in total, prep and cooking included. The recipe is rated “easy”.

How many calories are in a Hoppin' John with black eyed peas and rice?

About 540 kcal per serving, for a recipe meant for 4 people. Calories are calculated by Kiloach, your weight coach, the app that partners with Mon Chou.

How much does a Hoppin' John with black eyed peas and rice cost?

About €2.30 per serving, or €9.20 for 4 people, based on average supermarket prices.

What allergens does this recipe contain?

This recipe contains celery. Always check the labels of the products you buy.

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