How to Make Instant Pot® Hoppin' John - A Step-by-Step Guide

Hoppin' John is a classic Southern dish with deep roots in African-American cuisine. Traditionally made with rice, black-eyed peas, and pork, this dish is said to bring good luck and prosperity in the New Year. It's a flavorful and hearty dish that has been enjoyed for generations, and it's no wonder why it has stood the test of time.

While Hoppin' John is typically made on the stovetop, we've adapted this timeless recipe for the Instant Pot® to make it even easier and faster to prepa...

Read more Snack recipes

Ingredients

  • 4 ½ cups water
  • ½ (16 ounce) package dry black-eyed peas - sorted, rinsed, and drained
  • 2 tablespoons salted butter
  • ½ medium onion, chopped
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 cups uncooked brown rice
  • 2 ½ cups chicken broth
  • 2 cups diced cooked ham
  • ½ cup chopped green onions
  • salt and ground black pepper to taste
  • 1 pinch cayenne pepper, or to taste

Information

  • Prep Time: 10 mins
  • Cook Time: 1 hr 25 mins
  • Additional Time: 10 mins
  • Total Time: 1 hr 45 mins
  • Servings: 8
  • Yield: 8 servings

  • Combine water and black-eyed peas in a multi-functional pressure cooker (such as Instant Pot®). Close and lock the lid. Select high pressure according to manufacturer's instructions; set timer for 15 minutes. Allow 10 to 15 minutes for pressure to build.
  • Select Keep Warm function for 5 minutes, then release pressure carefully using the quick-release method according to manufacturer's instructions, about 5 minutes. Unlock and remove the lid.
  • Drain peas and reserve cooking liquid. Rinse and dry the pot and return to the cooker.
  • Add onion, butter, and garlic to the cooker. Select Saute function and cook for 2 minutes. Add brown rice and mix well. Cook until rice is toasted, about 2 minutes. Add chicken broth, ham, green onions, salt, and pepper. Select high pressure according to manufacturer's instructions; set timer for 22 minutes. Allow 10 to 15 minutes for pressure to build.
  • Select Keep Warm function for 10 minutes, then release pressure carefully using the quick-release method according to manufacturer's instructions, about 5 minutes. Unlock and remove the lid.
  • Select Saute function and stir in reserved peas and cayenne. Add reserved liquid if needed, a little at a time. Finished dish should be moist, but not soupy. Cook until heated through, about 5 minutes.
  • Nutrition

    389 cal.

    • Total Fat: 11g
    • Saturated Fat: 4g
    • Cholesterol: 28mg
    • Sodium: 829mg
    • Total Carbohydrate: 55g
    • Dietary Fiber: 5g
    • Total Sugars: 3g
    • Protein: 17g
    • Vitamin C: 14mg
    • Calcium: 63mg
    • Iron: 4mg
    • Potassium: 583mg