Hoppin John

Guide Note

Hoppin' John is a traditional dish in the southern US, considered to have come from early African-American culture in the antebellum south. It is usually made with black-eyed peas, rice, bacon and spices. The dish is closely related to other dishes made throughout the Caribbean.

Fast Facts

1. Traditional to the Southern United States
2. Based on black-eyed peas and rice
3. Usually includes ham hock or bacon
4. Sometimes made with onion, red pepper, mint, and other ingredients
5. Hoppin' Juan is a Cuban variant with black beans
6. First printed recipe in 1847
7. Sometimes called "Happy John"
8. May be of African origin

According to Southern tradition, eating Hoppin' John on New Year's Day can bring good luck, particularly in the area of finances. This may be because the peas resemble coins.