Hoppin' John Recipe

Step 1

In a 5-quart Dutch oven, combine ham hock, bay leaves, and quartered onion, and top with 3 quarts of water. Set over high heat, bring to a boil, then cook at a boil for 5 minutes. Reduce heat to maintain a gentle boil, cover with the lid slightly ajar, and cook until the ham hock is fork-tender, about 3 hours; top up with boiling water as needed to keep the ham hock covered. Discard bay leaves. Transfer ham hock and onion to a heatproof plate or bowl to cool. Measure 2 quarts (1.9L) broth and return it to the Dutch oven; save any remaining broth for another use.

Step 2

Pull ham hock meat and skin from the bones. Roughly chop up any larger pieces, then return meat, skin, and bones along with the onion to the pot.

Step 3

Drain field peas from soaking water, rinse, and add to the pot.

Step 4

Add salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Set over high heat and return to a boil. Lower heat to maintain a gentle boil, cover with the lid slightly ajar, and cook until peas are al dente, about 45 minutes. About 15 minutes before peas are al dente, preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Add parboiled rice to pot, stir to combine, then return to a full boil over high heat and cook for 1 minute, then turn off heat.

Step 5

Stir the pot well to incorporate the ingredients, cover fully with lid, and cook in oven for 30 minutes. Remove from the oven and let rest, covered, for 5 minutes.

Step 6

Fluff with a fork, and serve right away.