Southern Hoppin’ John gets a remix in this version made with smoked turkey, bringing a fresh twist to a classic soul food dish that hits all the right notes.

Just like an old-school hip-hop track, this recipe is all about flavor, rhythm, and soul. Alternatively, you can use spicy sausage to add a different kind of kick to the dish.

The smoky turkey adds a deep, rich beat to the black-eyed peas and rice, while the traditional Southern spices like thyme keep the groove going. Perfect for a New Year’s Day jam or any time you want to vibe with some serious Southern comfort, this Hoppin’ John is a flavor-packed dish that pays homage to the classics while bringing something new to the table.

Related Black-eyed Pea Recipes:

Southern Hoppin’ John is a classic dish that embodies the rich culinary traditions of the South. Made with black-eyed peas, smoky bacon, or ham hocks, and served over rice, this hearty and flavorful recipe is often enjoyed on New Year’s Day as a symbol of luck and prosperity for the year ahead.

With its comforting, savory taste and simple ingredients, Hoppin’ John is a beloved staple that brings warmth and tradition to any table. Whether you’re looking to celebrate a special occasion or just want a taste of Southern comfort, this dish is sure to satisfy.

Hoppin John recipe featuring black-eyed peas slowly simmered with a bay leaf in a rich broth to a partial creamy texture then combined perfectly with cooked fluffy rice.

Beats and Eats (music to pair with Hoppin John)

My grandfather was a big fan of the actor Bernie Casey. I think Pops was impressed with his activism and intelligence. He had roles in several iconic films including “Cornbread, Earl, and Me”, “Cleopatra Jones”, “Revenge of the Nerds”, “Never Say Goodbye” and “Brothers” but most remember him as John Slade in “I’m Gonna Git You Sucka” where he had that great line – “You two big motherfuckers in here cookin’ red beans and grits – you call that business?”

I didn’t have any red beans or grits on hand, but I did have black-eyed peas and rice. The day my grandfather died I watched "I'm Gonna Git You Sucka" all day so the main soundtrack song, "Jack of Spade" is always significant for me.

The song pairs so well with a Hoppin' John recipe because both embody a sense of resilience, flavor, and cultural pride. It is a bold, assertive track with sharp lyrics and a strong beat that commands attention. It’s a song that speaks to standing tall and being unapologetically yourself. Hoppin' John is a dish with roots deep in Southern tradition, particularly within African American communities. It’s a hearty, no-nonsense dish that’s rich in flavor and history, much like the track.

Boogie Down Productions is known for tracks that reflect and uplift Black culture, with "Jack of Spades" being no exception. The song speaks to identity and strength. Hoppin' John carries a cultural significance, often served on New Year’s Day to symbolize good luck and prosperity. It’s a dish that tells a story of heritage, just as the song does.

The song is layered with complex beats and thought-provoking lyrics, creating a track that’s both catchy and meaningful. Similarly, Hoppin' John, with its mix of black-eyed peas, smoked turkey, and spices, offers a complexity of flavors that come together to create something memorable.

What is Hoppin John?

Hoppin’ John is a bowl of humble and comforting comfort food, a rice and peas dish famous throughout the South. It’s mostly tied to South Carolina where its called Carolina Peas and Rice. The peas, introduced to America by Africans via the slave trade, are simmered with smoked and sometimes spicy meats then served with rice. This is the basis, but like most food-related things there are several versions of the dish. Carolina Gold rice is a traditional rice used in some Hoppin’ John recipes.

Variations include types of meats used (pork ham hocks, spicy sausage, smoked turkey necks, etc.) or one or two pots used. One-pot involves cooking the rice and peas in the same pot. This hoppin’ John recipe as a two-pot version. Admittedly the rice absorbing all that delicious broth is killer good, but I chose to keep them separate so that I could use the black-eyed peas in different leftover meals. Seasonings like thyme are often added to enhance the flavor.

The addition of rice limits my options. Hoppin’ John recipes have historical significance in Southern culinary traditions, particularly among Black communities during New Year’s celebrations, with variations in ingredients and cooking methods over time.

Hoppin John Ingredients

The ingredient list is for your standard black-eyed peas and rice. Perhaps the main variation is the use of turkey wings which provide smokiness, flavor depth, and richness. The dish also includes a variety of aromatic vegetables to enhance the flavor.

Ingredients:

Black-eyed peas (soaked overnight)
Rice
Turkey wings or spicy sausage
Onion
Celery
Bell pepper
Garlic
Cayenne pepper
Low Sodium Chicken broth
Thyme

How to Make This Hoppin John Recipe

Should I Use Canned, Fresh, or Dried Black Eyed Peas?

I would skip canned peas, but feel free to use either fresh or dried ones. This recipe calls for dried, but if you choose to use fresh just be mindful you will not need to soak the peas and your cooking time will be much shorter.

Step 1: Soak and Drain the Peas

Since we’re using dried peas, you’ll need to soak them overnight for best results. If you prefer to skip overnight soaking, you can use the quick soak method which is simply bringing a pot of beans in cold water to a boil then simmering for a minute. Afterward you remove from heat and let soak for an hour. After soaking, drain the peas fully, reserving about two cups of the liquid for later use.

Step 2: Saute the turkey and vegetables

Sauteing the turkey necks is optional, but it’s my preference. This releases some of that great flavor as well as rendered fat for sautéing the vegetables with thyme.

Step 3: Add Seasonings

I’m the ‘cook to taste’ type so I tend to season as I go. I actually pre-mix my seasoning blend with thyme and store it in a ramekin or small bowl so that I can access it while cooking and sprinkle pinches here and there as I go. I especially like to season my vegetables during the sauce step. I find that seasoning at different levels

Step 4: Saute celery, garlic, onions, and peppers

Add all the diced vegetables to the roux and cook for 2-3 minutes stirring occasionally.

Add all the diced vegetables, including green bell pepper, to the roux and cook for 2-3 minutes stirring occasionally.

Add the peas, stock, bay leaves, thyme, and reserved liquid. I add a bit more seasoning here and mix well. Bring to a boil then simmer for about two hours. I like my peas creamy but not too soft. Texture is a preference thing. Start checking for texture and consistency after an hour until they meet your preference. Garnish with sliced green onions before serving to enhance the flavor and presentation.

Step 5: Prepare The Rice

Cook the rice according to package directions and serve with the peas. For a healthier option, consider using brown rice, which is a nutritious alternative to white rice. For convenience, you can buy Ready Rice microwavable packets that are microwavable and ready in 90 seconds.

Alternatively, long grain rice is a traditional option that pairs well with seasoned black-eyed peas, enhancing the dish's authenticity. Top with your favorite hot sauce and cornbread recipe.

pot of blackeyed peas with smoked turkey necks

What To Serve With Hoppin John

Hoppin' John is a flavorful and hearty dish that pairs well with several Southern sides to complete a comforting meal. Here are some classic options to serve with it:

Collard Greens: The slightly bitter and savory greens balance the richness of Hoppin' John and add a nutritious element to the meal. Turnip greens or mustard greens are great options too!
Cornbread: Sweet or savory cornbread is a perfect companion, soaking up the juices from the Hoppin' John and adding a bit of texture.
Fried Okra: Crispy fried okra adds a delightful crunch and Southern flair to the meal.
Stewed Tomatoes: The tangy and sweet flavors of stewed tomatoes complement the earthy black-eyed peas and smoky turkey.
Cabbage: Whether sautéed or braised, cabbage is a traditional side that pairs well with the smoky and spicy notes of Hoppin' John.
Pickled Vegetables: The acidity of pickled vegetables like cucumbers or green beans cuts through the richness of the dish, adding a refreshing contrast.

Key Cooking Tips For Maximizing Flavor

If using dried black-eyed peas, put them in a large pot and cover with about 4 inches of water. Soak the peas overnight, then drain the water and rinse. If you're pressed for time, boil the peas for 2-3 minutes, remove the pot from heat and let soak for an hour.
When sauteing the vegetables, add the spices and cook until the entire mixture is coated with the spices, about 2 minutes.
Add the prepared peas to the pot and simmer until the peas are very soft, about 1 to 1 ½ hours.
For more flavor reserve 1-2 cups of the soaking liquid and add back to broth when cooking.
If you prefer to make this a true one-pot dish add a bit more stock or water for the rice to cook fully
Taste for seasonings, and add more if desired. Discard the bay leaves and transfer the black-eyed peas to a serving bowl. Garnish with green onions. Serve with rice or cauliflower rice for lower carb version. Add a side of roasted leeks.

Substitutions and Variations For Consideration

Substitutions:

Meat Options:
- Smoked Ham Hocks: For a more traditional flavor, swap the smoked turkey with smoked ham hock, adding a rich, porky taste.
- Bacon: Use bacon for a smoky flavor, rendering the fat to cook the peas and vegetables.
- Andouille Sausage: For a spicy kick, substitute smoked turkey with sliced andouille sausage.
Grains:
- Brown Rice: Swap white rice for brown rice to add a nuttier flavor and more fiber.
- Quinoa: For a lighter, protein-packed option, use quinoa instead of rice.
Black-Eyed Peas Alternatives:
- Field Peas or Crowder Peas: These Southern legumes can be used in place of black-eyed peas for a slightly different texture and flavor.

Variations:

Cajun Hoppin' John: Add Cajun seasoning, bell peppers, and celery for a spicier, more robust version of Hoppin' John.
Tomato-Based: Stir in diced tomatoes or tomato paste to create a richer, stew-like version of Hoppin' John.

These substitutions and variations allow you to customize Hoppin' John to suit different tastes, dietary needs, or to bring a fresh twist to this classic Southern dish.

Can This Be Made Vegan?

Since my daughter is vegan and wife a pescatarian, I also prepare a vegan Hoppin John recipe. I make a homemade vegetable stock that uses dried Mexican chili peppers for depth and smokiness in place of the smoked turkey necks. Alternatively, you can use vegetable broth to enhance the flavor without meat-based options. To lower the carbs, I also serve the peas with cauliflower rice. I also added carrots in place of the sausage.

For more recipes featuring black-eyed peas you might like:

Make This Recipe

Wrapping up your meal with this Hoppin' John recipe featuring smoked turkey is like ending on the perfect note. The smoky, savory flavors, combined with the hearty black-eyed peas and rice, make for a dish that's as satisfying as it is soulful.

Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion like New Year's or just craving some Southern comfort, this recipe delivers warmth, tradition, and a touch of something special.

If you make this delicious Hoppin John's recipe or any other from the site, please come back and leave me a comment below with your feedback. Definitely take a photo of the dish and be sure to tag #foodfidelity so that I can see them.

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"Jack of Spades" Southern Black-eyed Peas and Rice aka Hoppin John