Hoppin’ John

If you’re from the south then you may be familiar with Hoppin’ John. This dish is usually served on New Years Eve to bring good luck. Reason being is that the black eyed peas are symbolic of gold coins and the collard greens represent green money or wealth.

This meal is lots of fun and the flavors are fantastic. I had never heard of it until I got an issue of Vegetarian Times magazine back in 2007 and found the recipe. Typically it’s served with bacon or ham, but by swapping out the meat and adding in fake-bacon, the meal is completely veg. Actually, if you substitute something else for the honey in the sauce then it’s completely vegan!

Cheers to health and prosperity!

Serves 4

Ingredients

1/4 cup of apple cider vinegar, divided

2 tbsp honey

3 tsp olive oil, divided

1 tsp chili powder

1 tsp salt, divided

1 large bunch collard greens, chopped

4 slices meatless bacon strips, chopped

1 small onion, chopped (3/4 cup)

3 ribs celery, chopped (3/4 cup)

2 cloves garlic, minced (2 tsp)

1.5 cups cooked long-grain white rice

1 (15.5 oz) can black-eyed peas, drained and rinsed

Directions

Whisk together 2 tbsp vinegar, 2 tbsp honey, 1 tsp olive oil, 1/2 tsp chili powder, and 1/2 tsp salt – set aside (this is the “flavor sauce”).

Cook collards in a pot of boiling water – salted – 15 minutes. Drain, reserve 1/2 cup of liquid.

Meanwhile, heat remaining 2 tbsp olive oil in large skillet over medium heat. Add bacon, onion, celery, garlic, and 1/2 tsp chili powder. Cook 8 minutes, or until translucent. Add collards, 1/4 cup reserved cooking liquid, 2 tbsp vinegar, and remaining 1/2 tsp salt. Cover and cook 10 minutes or until greens are tender. Transfer to a platter.

Add rice and beans to skillet. Stir in remaining 1/4 cup cooking liquid, and cook 3 minutes or until heated through. Serve rice and beans over greens. (That rhymes).

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If you’ve tried this recipe, let me know how it turned out in the comments section below!

Also, let’s debate – is honey vegan? Are bees harmed in the making of honey? Comment below.

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2 Responses to “Hoppin’ John”

1. Mom says:

   September 30, 2009 at 9:32 pm

   I remember when you fixed this meal for us…. It was very good!!!
2. Fran Whalen says:

   October 16, 2009 at 9:22 am

   That dish looks great… Love the video.