Hoppin’ John is a traditional southern dish usually served on New Year’s Day, since the black-eye peas are supposed to bring good luck through the year. The following is an easy version of Hoppin’ John made in the Instant Pot. It can be made ahead and reheated, if necessary, and should be served with cornbread. Instant Pot Hoppin’ John can be served as a main dish, but if you’re entertaining, it also makes a good side dish on a buffet or along with broiled or grilled meat, chicken, or fish. This dish is good enough that you’ll probably want to serve it year round. If you have leftover ham, you can double or triple the amount to make a more hearty dish.

This recipe was loosely adapted from a favorite southern cookbook, Southern Smoke: Barbecue, Traditions, and Treasured Recipes Reimagined for Today, by Matthew Register. For those of you who love traditional southern food (and who doesn’t), this cookbook is highly recommended.

12 Servings
2 tablespoons butter
8 ounces lean ham, cut into 1/4" dice
1 cup celery, finely chopped
1 cup onions, finely chopped
1 green bell pepper, cored, seeded, and finely chopped
2 to 5 fresh jalapeno peppers, seeded and finely chopped (or use another green bell pepper for less heat)
2 cloves garlic, finely minced
2 15 oz. can black-eyed peas, drained and rinsed
2 bay leaves
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1 1/2 cups Converted Rice
4 cups chicken broth

1 pound frozen cut okra

1. Melt the butter in the Instant Pot on the sauté setting.
2. Add the ham and stir until lightly browned.
3. Add the remaining ingredients except okra.
4. Cover, set the valve to sealing, and set the Instant Pot to the rice setting.
5. When the cycle is finished, release the pressure, remove the lid, and stir.
6. Stir in the okra and let sit 10 minutes.
7. Remove the bay leaves and stir again before serving.

Amount Per Serving
Calories 214 Calories from Fat 36
Percent Total Calories From: Fat 17% Protein 18% Carb. 65%

Nutrient Amount per Serving
Total Fat 4 g
Saturated Fat 2 g
Cholesterol 13 mg
Sodium 1079 mg
Total Carbohydrate 35 g
Dietary Fiber 1 g
Sugars 0 g
Protein 10 g

Vitamin A 25% Vitamin C 64% Calcium 0% Iron 17%