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Hey, good folks! Welcome to a culinary adventure that’s as soulful as it gets – Hoppin’ Johns. As we dive into this Southern classic, get ready for a dish that not only fills your belly but warms your spirit. This journey is simplicity meets flavor, and you’ll soon find out why it’s a must for your table.
Hoppin’ Johns isn’t just a dish; it’s a tradition, a celebration on a plate. This one-pot wonder combines the richness of bacon, the earthiness of Black-Eyed Peas, and a symphony of spices. It’s the embodiment of comfort and a nod to Southern roots. So why make it? Because every spoonful tells a story, and every bite is a taste of tradition.yu7
Ingredients:
- 1 Red Bell Pepper, chopped
- 2 Celery Ribs, chopped
- 1 Onion, chopped
- 1 cup uncooked Long-Grain Rice
- 2 cups Chicken Stock or Broth
- 1/2 – 1 tsp. Cayenne Pepper (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 tsp. dried Basil
- 1/4 tsp. dried Thyme
- 1/4 tsp. dried Oregano
- 1 Bay Leaf
Step-by-Step Guide:
1. Bacon: Fat
- In a Dutch oven under medium heat, add 2 tablespoons of bacon fat.
2. Saute Veggies:
- Add green onions, celery, and bell pepper. Saute until softened, scraping up flavorful bits.
3. Rice Magic:
- Introduce rice, letting it absorb concentrated flavors. Stir for a couple of minutes.
4. Liquid Gold:
- Pour in chicken stock. Stir to ensure the square area of flavor is fully embraced.
5. Spice It Up:
- Add cayenne, basil, thyme, and oregano. Simmer for 10 minutes, letting the layers of flavor meld.
6. Bay Leaf Finale:
- Drop in a bay leaf, then simmer for an additional 10 minutes.
7. The Grand Finale:
- Add Black-Eyed Peas and the bacon you set aside. Simmer for another 10 minutes.
8. Serve and Savor:
- Grab a bowl, and savor this masterpiece. If you didn’t know about Hoppin’ Johns, welcome to the club!
Expert Tips and Tricks:
- Adjust Cayenne: Control the heat by adjusting cayenne. A half teaspoon offers flavor with a mild kick.
- Wooden Spoon Magic: Use a wooden spoon to scrape up flavorful bits from the bottom – that’s the secret to depth.
Variations:
- Vegetarian Twist: Skip bacon and use vegetable broth for a veggie delight.
- Spicy Kick: Add a diced jalapeño for an extra spicy punch.
What to Serve With Hoppin’ Johns:
- Cornbread Muffins
- Collard Greens
- Fried Okra
- Buttermilk Biscuits
- Southern Coleslaw
- Mac ‘n’ Cheese
- Grilled Chicken
- Garlic Bread
- Sweet Potato Casserole
- Peach Cobbler
Hoppin Johns
Ingredients
- 1 Red Bell Pepper, chopped
- 2 Celery Ribs, chopped
- 1 Onion, chopped
- 1 cup uncooked Long-Grain Rice
- 2 cup Chicken Stock or Broth
- 1/2 tsp Cayenne Pepper (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 tsp dried Basil
- 1/4 tsp dried Thyme
- 1/4 tsp dried Oregano
- 1 Bay Leaf
Instructions
- Start by rendering bacon in a Dutch oven over medium heat until it’s crispy. Drain some fat, leaving enough for flavor.
- Add chopped green onions, celery, and bell pepper. Sauté until softened, scraping up those flavorful bits stuck to the bottom.
- Now, add rice, letting it absorb concentrated flavors. Stir for a couple of minutes.
- Pour in 2 cups of chicken stock, enhancing the dish with a square area’s worth of flavor using your trusty wooden spoon.
- Introduce seasonings – cayenne, basil, thyme, oregano. Stir and let it simmer for 10 minutes.
- Drop in a bay leaf, then simmer for an additional 10 minutes. Let those layers of flavor meld.
- Add Black-Eyed Peas and the bacon you set aside earlier. Mix it up and let it simmer for another 10 minutes.
- Grab a bowl and savor this masterpiece. If you didn’t know about Hoppin’ Johns, welcome to the club!
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