Hoppin’ John with a side of Peas

If you are from the South Carolina coast, chances are that on New Year’s Day you eat Hoppin’ John and collards. The rice and beans bring good luck and the collards bring “greenbacks.” Even if you’re far from the beauty and mystery of coastal South Carolina, Hoppin’ John is a pleasure to make and an even greater pleasure to eat, especially on a damp or chilly day.

Hoppin’ John is yet another version of rice and legumes or “peas and rice, ” this time flavored with smoked pork. Black-e