This article explores the tradition of eating Hoppin' John on New Year's Day, both for its superstitious significance and its practical culinary appeal.
My family is superstitious. We hold our breath when driving through tunnels, we knock on wood, we say, 'bread and butter' when something splits us up while we're walking (in order to avoid a fight; it's a strange practice, but it works every time). And our tastiest superstitious tradition is eating Hoppin' John on New Year's Day.
This classic Southern dish, a one-pot meal of black-eyed peas, ham hock, and rice, is believed by many (not just the Sterlings) to ensure wealth and bring good luck in the upcoming year. There are other, more tangible reasons to make Hoppin' John on January 1: There's minimal chopping and a bit of meditational stirring, so you can make it with any level of post-party hangover. It creates just the right cozy atmosphere: The rendered ham hock (or bacon or sausage, depending on your pork preferences) fills the house with delicious, meaty smells, and the simmering pot of peas warms the kitchen. Plus it's creamy, savory, and filling without being so unhealthy that it ruins any chance of keeping your resolutions
SUPERSITIONS TRADITIONS FOOD LUCK NEWYEAR
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Charleston Restaurant Offers Year-Round Hoppin' JohnDave's Carry-Out in Charleston, South Carolina, serves up a unique take on the traditional New Year's dish, Hoppin' John, adding a twist with cumin, coriander, and other spices.
Read more »
Talking SCHOP! Hoppin’ John: A 2025 renaissanceFor the first time in a spell, I present Hoppin’ John: The Renaissance!I have updated the following recipe for myriad reasons.
Read more »
What's Open and Closed on New Year's Eve and New Year's Day 2024This article lists the operating hours of various businesses like retailers, grocery stores, pharmacies, delivery services, and banks on New Year's Eve and New Year's Day 2024.
Read more »
New Year's Day vs. New Year's Eve: Federal Holidays and ObservancesThis article clarifies the difference between New Year's Day and New Year's Eve regarding their status as federal holidays in the United States. It explains the implications for government services and provides information on other holidays observed in January, including Martin Luther King Jr. Day and Inauguration Day.
Read more »
Crying into the New Year: Taiwan's Unique New Year's Eve TraditionA student's lighthearted Facebook event encouraging people to cry in a Taipei park on New Year's Eve has become a viral cultural phenomenon.
Read more »
What's Open and Closed on New Year's Eve and New Year's DayFind out which businesses will be open and closed on New Year's Eve and New Year's Day, including stores, banks, government offices, schools, and the U.S. Postal Service.
Read more »