Hoppin' John - A Southern New Year's Day Tradition Recipe

This dish is traditionally served on New Year’s Day. The black eyed beans are thought to bring luck in the New Year. It is, however, popular year round…. and I would think the good luck will continue if you serve it after New Year’s I find in interesting the differences in foods and traditions that different regional areas have. Many are influenced by the ethnic background of those in the area. Hoppin’ John is no exception. A traditional Southern dish, Hoppin’ John has it’s roots in West Africa. It’s a version of beans and rice, typically made with black eyed peas, onions, peppers and either bacon or ham hocks, or smoked ham is also sometimes used. Ham hocks are usually used in Southern I made the pictured dish with ham…