For Good Luck, Make Hoppin' John on New Year's Day
This hearty bean dish could make you rich...but there's no doubt it will be delicious.
My family is superstitious. We hold our breath when driving through tunnels, we knock on wood, we say, "bread and butter" when something splits us up while we're walking (in order to avoid a fight; it's a strange practice, but it works every time). And our tastiest superstitious tradition is eating Hoppin' John on New Year's Day. This classic Southern dish, a one-pot meal of black-eyed peas, ham hock, and rice, is believed by many (not just the Sterlings) to ensure wealth and bring good luck in the upcoming year.
There are other, more tangible reasons to make Hoppin' John on January 1: There's minimal chopping and a bit of meditational stirring, so you can make it with any level of post-party hangover. It creates just the right cozy atmosphere: The rendered ham hock (or bacon or sausage, depending on your pork preferences) fills the house with delicious, meaty smells, and the simmering pot of peas warms the kitchen. Plus it's creamy, savory, and filling without being so unhealthy that it ruins any chance of keeping your resolutions.
So you should definitely make Hoppin' John on New Year's Day. Here are three excellent variations.
Hoppin' John with Turnips and Turnip Greens
Todd Richards spices up his family recipe for this Southern favorite with harissa for extra heat. Richards makes the traditional ham hock optional so that vegetarians can enjoy the dish as well, and adds smoked paprika and cumin to deliver a similar savory depth. Turnips become soft and tender after a quick braise, adding body to the dish.
Vegan Hoppin’ John
Fred Hardy / Food Styling by Melissa Gray / Prop Styling by Shell Royster
Classic Hoppin' John includes bacon or ham hock, but this version omits the meat. Ingredients like garlic, ginger, turmeric, curry powder, and tomatoes add savory, nutty, spicy flavor notes to each bowl.
Hoppin' John with Smoked Oysters
Nashville chef Sean Brock riffs on the Southern classic Hoppin' John by topping it with thick pea gravy and smoked oysters.
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