Deep South Hoppin John Food

HOPPIN' JOHN RECIPE

Steps:

• In a 5-quart Dutch oven, combine ham hock, bay leaves, and quartered onion, and top with 3 quarts of water. Set over high heat, bring to a boil, then cook at a boil for 5 minutes. Reduce heat to maintain a gentle boil, cover with the lid slightly ajar, and cook until the ham hock is fork-tender, about 3 hours; top up with boiling water as needed to keep the ham hock covered. Discard bay leaves. Transfer ham hock and onion to a heatproof plate or bowl to cool. Measure 2 quarts (1.9L) broth and return it to the Dutch oven; save any remaining broth for another use.
• Pull ham hock meat and skin from the bones. Roughly chop up any larger pieces, then return meat, skin, and bones along with the onion to the pot.
• Drain field peas from soaking water, rinse, and add to the pot.
• Add salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Set over high heat and return to a boil. Lower heat to maintain a gentle boil, cover with the lid slightly ajar, and cook until peas are al dente, about 45 minutes. About 15 minutes before peas are al dente, preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Add parboiled rice to pot, stir to combine, then return to a full boil over high heat and cook for 1 minute, then turn off heat.
• Stir the pot well to incorporate the ingredients, cover fully with lid, and cook in oven for 30 minutes. Remove from the oven and let rest, covered, for 5 minutes.
• Fluff with a fork, and serve right away.

DEEP SOUTH HOPPIN' JOHN

Steps:

• Chop bacon into 1/2 inch pieces. Cook in a dutch oven or large stock pot over medium heat.
• When bacon is almost crisped, add 1/2 of the diced green bell pepper and 1/2 of the diced red bell pepper. Add all of the diced celery, onion and minced garlic. Cook together until bacon is crisped.
• Add chicken broth to bacon and vegetables, scraping any bacon drippings from the bottom of the pan. Bring to a simmer and add frozen peas. Return to a simmer. Add bay leaves, thyme, salt, cayenne and black pepper. Cook covered for 15-20 minutes. Add remaining bell pepper. Cook for 10-15 more minutes. Taste. Add salt if needed. Peas should be tender. Extend cooking time if needed.
• Serve over cooked rice or fold rice in to the peas to make a one pot dish.

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.