Hoppin John Soup Easy Recipe

There’s something special about a good, hearty soup that can truly fill you up while warming you from the inside out. Hoppin’ John Soup, a southern classic, is the perfect dish to accomplish just that. This soup is deeply rooted in African American culinary history, with its origins tied to the tradition of preparing black-eyed peas and rice for good luck, especially around New Year’s. But its rich flavors and comforting texture make it a great dish for any time of year.

Whether you’re serving it as a main course or a side dish, Hoppin’ John Soup can bring the spirit of southern hospitality straight to your kitchen. It’s a soul-satisfying dish that’s easy to prepare and even easier to enjoy. Best of all, it’s versatile-you can tweak the recipe to suit your tastes and dietary preferences. So, if you’re ready to dive into a bowl of comfort, let’s get started on this easy, flavorful recipe.

Hoppin’ John Soup Easy Recipe

This version of the Hoppin’ John Soup brings the comforting depth of southern cooking but is simple enough for any home cook to master. The combination of smoky ham, spicy sausage, and earthy black-eyed peas gives this soup an unforgettable taste.

Ingredients Needed

• 1 cup dried black-eyed peas (or 2 cans of cooked peas, drained and rinsed)
• 4 cups chicken broth (or vegetable broth for a vegetarian version)
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 bell pepper, chopped (red or green works)
• 1 cup diced ham (or smoked turkey, if you prefer)
• 1/2 pound smoked sausage, sliced into 1/2-inch pieces
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (for that rich, smoky flavor)
• 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for a bit of heat)
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• 1 1/2 cups cooked white rice (or brown rice for a healthier option)
• Chopped green onions for garnish
• Hot sauce (optional, for added heat)

Cooking Instructions

1. Prep The Beans

   • If using dried black-eyed peas, rinse them under cold water to remove any dirt or debris. Place them in a large pot and cover them with water. Let them soak for 6-8 hours (or overnight for best results). If you’re in a hurry, you can quick-soak them by boiling for 2 minutes and then letting them sit covered for an hour. Drain the peas before cooking.

2. Cook The Aromatics

   • In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, bell pepper, and garlic, and sauté for about 5 minutes, or until they become soft and fragrant.

3. Brown The Sausage And Ham

   • Add the sliced sausage and diced ham to the pot. Stir and cook for about 7-10 minutes until the meat starts to brown and the aroma fills the air.

4. Simmer The Soup

   • Add the black-eyed peas, chicken broth, thyme, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper (if using), bay leaf, and a pinch of salt and black pepper. Stir to combine and bring the soup to a gentle boil.
   • Reduce the heat to low and let the soup simmer uncovered for 45-60 minutes (for dried peas), or until the peas are tender. If you’re using canned peas, just simmer for about 20 minutes.

5. Add Rice

   • Stir in the cooked rice and let it warm through. Taste the soup and adjust seasoning with more salt, pepper, or hot sauce to suit your taste.

6. Garnish And Serve

   • Once the soup is ready, discard the bay leaf. Ladle the soup into bowls, and garnish with fresh chopped green onions. Serve hot with a side of cornbread or crusty bread.

Ingredient Insights

• Black-eyed peas: Known for their mild, earthy flavor, black-eyed peas are a key ingredient in this dish. They’re not just tasty-they’re also packed with fiber, protein, and essential nutrients like iron and folate.
• Smoked sausage & ham: The savory, smoky flavors from the meats are what bring this dish to life. Smoked sausage adds a bold, spicy kick, while the ham provides a tender, juicy texture that infuses the soup with a rich, meaty flavor.
• Rice: Rice acts as the backbone of the dish, making the soup filling and hearty. It’s also what ties together the creamy black-eyed peas and the smoky meat elements, creating a well-rounded meal.
• Spices: Smoked paprika, thyme, and cayenne pepper work in harmony to create a well-seasoned, flavorful base. The smoked paprika is especially important, as it gives the soup that signature depth and smokiness.

Expert Tips

• Soaking the Beans: If you don’t have time to soak dried black-eyed peas, use canned peas for convenience. Just make sure to drain and rinse them thoroughly to remove excess sodium.
• Adjusting the Heat: You can control the spice level of the soup by adjusting the amount of cayenne pepper or hot sauce. For a mild version, skip the cayenne entirely and use a dash of hot sauce at the end.
• Extra Smokiness: To really amp up the smoky flavor, you can add a piece of smoked turkey or even a ham hock during the simmering process. Just be sure to remove the bones before serving!
• Make it Vegetarian: For a plant-based version, skip the meat entirely and use vegetable broth. You can add extra spices, like smoked paprika or liquid smoke, to bring that smoky depth.

Recipe Variations

• Vegetarian/Vegan Hoppin’ John Soup: Swap the meats for hearty veggies, such as mushrooms or eggplant, to mimic the rich, meaty texture. Use vegetable broth and opt for a vegan sausage or tempeh for added protein.
• Add Greens: For an extra nutritional punch, you can add some greens, like spinach, collard greens, or kale, toward the end of cooking. These leafy greens not only add more flavor but also boost the dish’s vitamins and minerals.
• Spicy Version: If you’re a fan of heat, consider adding diced jalapeños or chili flakes. You can also throw in a couple of chipotle peppers in adobo sauce to give the soup a smoky, spicy kick.
• Slow Cooker Option: You can make this soup in a slow cooker for a hands-off approach. Simply add all the ingredients except for the rice and cook on low for 6-8 hours. Stir in the cooked rice just before serving.

Final Words

Hoppin’ John Soup is the perfect combination of hearty, flavorful, and comforting. The rich, smoky broth, tender black-eyed peas, and satisfying rice make this a filling meal that’s sure to leave you satisfied. Whether you’re looking to try a new southern-inspired recipe or want to celebrate good luck, this dish is a crowd-pleaser.

And it’s one of those recipes that just gets better as it sits-so don’t hesitate to make a big batch and enjoy leftovers the next day!