Skip to main content

Hoppin' John

Peer reviewed by UK recipe editorsAuthored by UK recipe editorsOriginally published 17 Jan 2026

Meets Patient’s editorial guidelines

This classic Hoppin' John is a nourishing and filling dish that has long been celebrated for its deep, savoury flavour. A staple of Southern-style cooking, this high-protein meal relies on the slow-simmering of dried black-eyed beans with a smoked ham hock to create a rich, salty broth. The addition of a dried chilli provides a subtle heat that cuts through the richness of the pork, making it an incredibly comforting choice for a midweek supper or a hearty weekend lunch.

As a versatile one-pot recipe, it is perfect for those seeking a healthy and economical way to feed the family. The long-grain rice absorbs all the aromatics from the onion and ham, ensuring every bite is packed with flavour. Serve this dish alongside some steamed greens or a crisp salad for a well-balanced meal that provides a fantastic boost of plant-based protein and essential nutrients.

In this article:

Continue reading below

Ingredients for Hoppin' John

  • 240ml small dried beans such as cowpeas or black-eyes

  • 1200 to 1450ml water

  • 1 dried hot pepper (optional)

  • 1 smoked ham hock

  • 1 medium onion, chopped (about 140g )

  • 190g long-grain white rice

How to make Hoppin' John

Wash and sort the peas. Place them in a saucepan, add the water, and discard any peas that float. Gently boil the peas with the pepper, ham hock, and onion, uncovered, until tender but not mushy — about 1 1/2 hours — or until 475ml liquid remain. Add the rice to the pot, cover, and simmer over low heat for about 20 minutes, never lifting the lid.

Remove from the heat and allow to steam, still covered, for another 10 minutes. Remove the cover, fluff with a fork, and serve immediately.

Disclaimer

While every effort has been made to ensure the information is accurate and up to date, individual needs may vary and dietary requirements can differ based on personal health conditions. Always check food labels and allergen information before preparing or consuming any recipe. If you have specific health concerns, allergies, intolerances, or are following a medically prescribed diet, seek advice from your GP, pharmacist, or a registered dietitian before making significant changes to your diet or lifestyle.

Article history

The information on this page is peer reviewed by qualified clinicians.

  • 17 Jan 2026 | Originally published

    Authored by:

    UK recipe editors

    Peer reviewed by

    UK recipe editors
flu eligibility checker

Ask, share, connect.

Browse discussions, ask questions, and share experiences across hundreds of health topics.

symptom checker

Feeling unwell?

Assess your symptoms online for free

Sign up to the Patient newsletter

Your weekly dose of clear, trustworthy health advice - written to help you feel informed, confident and in control.

Please enter a valid email address

By subscribing you accept our Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe at any time. We never sell your data.