Served alongside a side ofcollard greensandcornbread, this meal signifies a year filled with good fortune and security.

Learn how to make Hoppin' John, and find your new favorite kind of comfort food.

Earlier recipes dating back to the 1800s called for cowpeas, red peas, or field peas.

Southern Living Classic Hoppin John in a bowl to serve with hot sauce on the side

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For a complete New Year’s Day spread, you’ll need some pork, too.

TryPork Chops with Dijon-Buttermilk Saucefor a dinner-style meal.Maple-Bourbon Glazed Hamis traditional.Smothered Pork Chopsare deeply comforting and rich.

Hoppin' John leftovers can be reheated in the microwave or over the stovetop on low heat.

Classic Hoppin’ John

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Cook, stirring occasionally, until onion is tender, about 8 minutes.

Reduce heat to medium-low, and simmer until peas are tender, about 40 minutes.

Drain pea mixture:

Drain pea mixture, reserving cooking liquid.

Southern Living Classic Hoppin John cooking the bacon

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Return pea mixture and 1 cup of the cooking liquid to Dutch oven.

Cover to keep warm; set aside.

Cook rice:

Heat oil in a medium saucepan over medium-high.

Southern Living Classic Hoppin John adding the vegetables

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Add rice and cook, stirring often, until fragrant and lightly toasted, 3 to 4 minutes.

Stir in 3 cups of the reserved cooking liquid and remaining 1/2 teaspoon salt.

Fluff rice with a fork.

Southern Living Classic Hoppin John adding the broth and the peas

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Combine rice and pea mixture:

Gently stir into pea mixture in Dutch oven.

Stir in remaining cooking liquid, 1/4 cup at a time, until desired consistency is reached.

Sprinkle servings with sliced fresh scallions.

Southern Living Classic Hoppin John drained

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Southern Living Classic Hoppin John toasting rice

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Southern Living Classic Hoppin John fluffing the cooked rice with a fork

Credit:Stacy K. Allen, Food Stylist: Ruth Blackburn, Prop Stylist: Christina Daley

Southern Living Classic Hoppin John drained with rice added

Credit:Stacy K. Allen, Food Stylist: Ruth Blackburn, Prop Stylist: Christina Daley