Hoppin' John is a traditional southern dish typically made with a combination of black-eyed peas, rice, bacon, and various spices. This rich dish is closely related to other dishes made throughout the Caribbean, Africa, and France.http://whatscookingamerica.net/History/HoppinJohn.htm Today, Hoppin' John is primarily associated with the U.S. states North and South Carolina.http://whatscookingamerica.net/History/HoppinJohn.htm

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. Why the unusual name? One theory says Hoppin' John is so named because as a New Year's custom, children would hop around the table before eating the dish.http://www.tampabay.com/features/food/cooking/article947940.ece

Hoppin' John is an American dish that has roots in North and South Carolina, although the exact origin of the dish is unknown. In the 1600s, black-eyed peas were brought to America and were a major crop in the south by the 1700s. Hoppin' John has been a New Year's tradition in many African-American households for several decades.http://www.tampabay.com/features/food/cooking/article947940.ece

Hoppin' John is one of those dishes that is very difficult to mess up. The base of the dish consists of black-eyed peas and rice. The meat, herbs, and spices can be taylored based on the preferences of those eating it. Common ingredients used in Hoppin' John include sausage, ham hocks, onion, and red pepper flakes.http://www.tampabay.com/features/food/cooking/article947940.ece

The dish is generally made in a large pot on the stove top. The beans and meat are typically given time to simmer before the remaining ingredients are added at a later time. http://www.tampabay.com/features/food/cooking/article947940.ece