Barley Hoppin’ John
Beyond Traditional: A Delicious Twist on Hoppin’ John with Barley
Looking for a hearty, flavorful, and slightly different take on the classic Southern dish, Hoppin’ John? Our Barley Hoppin’ John recipe offers a comforting and nutritious meal that’s perfect for a chilly evening or a satisfying weeknight dinner. While traditional Hoppin’ John features black-eyed peas, we’ve swapped them out for pearl barley, creating a wonderfully chewy texture and a boost of fiber. Don’t worry, we’ve kept all the soul and flavor you expect!
This adaptation maintains the essence of good luck and prosperity traditionally associated with Hoppin’ John, making it a wonderful dish to enjoy around the New Year – or any time you need a little extra good fortune! The combination of savory barley, tender black beans, and a hint of spice creates a truly unforgettable meal.
What makes this Barley Hoppin’ John special?
- Hearty & Filling: Barley adds a substantial texture that keeps you satisfied.
- Nutritious: Packed with fiber, protein, and essential nutrients.
- Flavorful: The simple combination of ingredients creates a surprisingly complex and delicious flavor profile.
- Adaptable: Easily customizable to your spice preference – add more red pepper flakes for an extra kick!
Serving Suggestions:
This Barley Hoppin’ John is delicious on its own, but it also pairs well with cornbread, collard greens, or a simple side salad. For a complete meal, consider adding some grilled chicken or fish.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Q: Can I use quick-cooking barley?
A: While you can use quick-cooking barley, the texture won’t be as satisfying. We recommend pearl barley for the best results.
Q: Can I make this vegetarian/vegan?
A: Yes! This recipe is naturally vegetarian. To make it vegan, ensure your bouillon cubes are vegetable-based.
Q: Can I soak the barley and beans for a shorter time?
A: Soaking overnight is ideal for softening the barley and reducing cooking time, but if you’re short on time, you can soak them for at least 4 hours.
Q: What if I don’t have celery seed?
A: You can substitute with a pinch of dried celery flakes or omit it altogether. It adds a subtle savory note, but it’s not essential.
Q: Can I add any other vegetables?
A: Absolutely! Feel free to add diced carrots, bell peppers (different colors!), or even a handful of chopped spinach during the last few minutes of cooking.
We hope you enjoy this delicious and unique take on a classic Southern dish! Let us know what you think in the comments below.
Barley Hoppin' John (Adapted)
Ingredients
- 1 medium onion diced
- 1 medium red bell pepper diced
- 1 cup pearl barley soaked overnight
- 1 cup black beans soaked overnight and cooked
- 14 ounces water
- 2 cubes bouillon
- 1/2 teaspoon celery seed
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes optional
Instructions
- Sauté the onion and red bell pepper until softened.
- Add the soaked barley, water, bouillon cubes, celery seed, and red pepper flakes (if using).
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for approximately 60 minutes, or until the barley is tender.
- Stir in the cooked black beans during the last 10 minutes of cooking.
- Serve hot.
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