Step 1
IF USING HAM HOCK: Warmth 2 Tbsp. vegetable oil in a medium Dutch oven or different heavy pot over medium-high.
IF USING BACON: Cook dinner 8 oz. slab bacon, lower into ¼” items, in a medium Dutch oven or different heavy pot over medium-low, stirring often, till bacon is crispy, 8–10 minutes. Utilizing a slotted spoon, switch bacon to a paper towel–lined plate. Fastidiously pour out all however 2 Tbsp. fats from pot.
Step 2
Add 1 small onion, finely chopped, ½ inexperienced bell pepper, finely chopped, and 1 celery stalk, finely chopped, to pot and prepare dinner, stirring often, till starting to brown, about 5 minutes. Add 2 garlic cloves, finely chopped and prepare dinner, stirring usually, till aromatic, about 1 minute.
Step 3
Add 1¼ cups dried black-eyed peas, soaked in a single day, drained, 1 Tbsp. Cajun seasoning, 2 tsp. dried thyme, 1 bay leaf, and 1 smoked ham hock (if utilizing), then pour in 4 cups low-sodium hen broth or water. Carry to a rolling boil, then scale back to low warmth and canopy pot. Simmer till peas are tender however not mushy, 1–1½ hours.
Step 4
Drain pea combination in a fine-mesh sieve; discard cooking liquid and bay leaf. Return pea combination to pot, add ½ tsp. freshly floor black pepper.
Step 5
IF USING HAM HOCK: Take away ham hock from pot and let cool barely. Pull meat from bone and return to pot; discard bone.
IF USING BACON: Return bacon to pot and stir to mix.
Step 6
Style and season with kosher salt. Divide cooked long-grain rice (corresponding to Carolina) amongst bowls and high with a ladleful of peas. Scatter thinly sliced scallions over.
Editor’s observe: This Hoppin’ John recipe was first printed in December 2021. Head this manner for our favourite buttermilk cornbread, biscuits and gravy, fried inexperienced tomatoes, and extra of our greatest Southern recipes →
