Hoppin’ John with an Indian Twist: A Festive and Nutritious New Year’s Dish! Ring in the New Year with a unique and flavorful spin on the classic USA New Year’s dish—Hoppin’ John! This hearty, comforting recipe symbolizes prosperity, happiness, and good luck for the year ahead, now made even more vibrant with a touch of Indian (Desi) spices and style. This dish combines the best of both worlds: the traditional long-grain rice and black-eyed peas (symbolizing coins and wealth) are paired with bold Indian flavors and nutrient-packed greens. With collard greens, mustard greens, and turnip greens as the base, this dish bursts with vitamins and minerals, making it a complete and wholesome meal. Tamarind, green chilies, cumin, saffron, and Cajun seasoning (optional) add a delightful tangy, spicy kick to this rich, aromatic recipe. Not only is this meal delicious, but it’s also incredibly healthy, coming in at just 216 calories per serving! Easy to make in an Instapot and perfect for serving a crowd, this recipe is a fantastic way to welcome the New Year. Serve it hot with a cooling raita on the side for the ultimate festive experience.
USA Traditional New Years’s food! Hopping John; the Indian (Desi)m style
Ingredients
Ingredients:
- Long grain rice: 1.5 cups
- Black-eyed peas: 1 cup soaked overnight
- Tamarind: Lemon-sized
- Bay leaves: 3-4
- Onions preferably red: 2 cups, chopped
- Chives green garlic: 1 bunch, chopped into small rounds
- Vegetables chopped:
- Collard greens or Bachaali kuura/Paala kuura in Telugu, Amarnath patte in Hindi: ½ bunch
- Mustard greens Sarson ka saag in Hindi, Aava kuura in Telugu: ½ bunch
- Turnip greens Mullangi kuura in Telugu, Mooli ke patte in Hindi: ½ bunch
- Capsicum bell pepper – red or orange preferred: 1, chopped
- Green beans: 20 chopped
- Garlic cloves: 4-5 chopped
Seasonings:
- Jeera cumin: ½ teaspoon
- Saffron: A pinch
- Green chilies: 2-4 chopped (to taste)
- Cajun seasoning: 1 teaspoon optional
Instructions
Instructions:
Prep Work:
- Soak the black-eyed peas overnight.
- Wash the rice thoroughly.
- Chop the greens (collard, mustard, turnip) very thinly.
- Cook the Beans and Greens:
- In the Instapot, layer the black-eyed peas at the bottom.
- In a separate container, combine the chopped greens, green beans, tamarind, turmeric, and salt. Pressure cook for 12-15 minutes.
Cook the Rice:
- Cook the long-grain rice in the Instapot using the rice settings.
Prepare the Seasoning Base:
- In a pot, heat 3 tablespoons of oil.
- Add cumin seeds, chopped garlic, and bay leaves. Sauté until aromatic.
- Add the chopped onions and sauté until light brown.
- Stir in the chopped capsicum, chives, and green chilies. Add salt to taste and cook for a few more minutes.
- Combine Everything:
- Add the cooked rice, beans, and greens to the pot.
- Mix well until everything is evenly combined.
Garnish and Serve:
- Serve hot, garnished with fresh chives on top.
- Pair with a side of cooling raita for a balanced and flavorful meal.
Notes
Protein: ~7 g
Carbohydrates: ~45 g
Dietary Fiber: ~5 g
Sugar: ~4 g
Fat: ~6 g
Saturated Fat: ~0.8 g
Cholesterol: 0 mg
Sodium: ~300 mg (varies based on salt added)
Potassium: ~400 mg
Vitamin A: ~35% of Daily Value (from greens, bell peppers, chives)
Vitamin C: ~50% of Daily Value (from capsicum and greens)
Iron: ~15% of Daily Value (from greens, black-eyed peas)
Calcium: ~8% of Daily Value