Brooklyn Style Hoppin John Recipes

HOPPIN' JOHN

Steps:

• Thinly slice 3 scallions. Heat 2 tablespoons butter in a large skillet; add the scallion whites, 2 ounces diced smoked ham, 1 diced celery stalk, 1/2 diced green bell pepper, and salt; cook, stirring, 6 minutes. Add 2 minced garlic cloves and a pinch of cayenne; cook 1 minute. Add 10 ounces thawed frozen black-eyed peas and 1 cup chicken broth; simmer 8 minutes. Stir in the scallion greens. Serve over rice if using.

SOUTHERN HOPPIN' JOHN

Steps:

• In a large skillet, cook bacon over medium heat until crisp. Drain on paper towels; discard all but 2 tablespoons drippings. Saute pepper, celery and onions in drippings until almost tender. Add rice, water and seasonings. Cover and simmer 10 minutes. Add peas and bacon; simmer 10 minutes longer. Discard bay leaf.

BROOKLYN-STYLE HOPPIN' JOHN

Steps:

• In a large bowl, cover peas generously with water, add baking soda and soak overnight.
• The next day, rinse ham hocks and pat dry. Heat oil in a large heavy-bottomed pot. Sear ham hocks and ham trimmings, turning so all sides are cooked.
• Remove seasoning meat, if using. Add water to ham hocks just to cover, bring to a boil and then turn heat to a strong simmer. Partly cover pot and cook hocks until slightly tender, about 45 minutes.
• If using seasoning meat, return it to pot. Add peas, onion, celery, green pepper, garlic, bay leaves, salt and red pepper, along with five cups of water. Bring to a boil, then turn to a simmer and cook until beans are tender and water begins to look saucy, 30 to 45 minutes. Serve over white rice with vinegar peppers, if desired.