Hoppin' John Greens

Hoppin' John Greens is a savory Southern American side dish made from leafy greens, typically collard, turnip, or mustard greens, slow-cooked with smoked pork, onions, and often served alongside the classic Hoppin' John (black-eyed peas and rice). It's a staple of soul food and traditional New Year's Day meals in the American South.

🍽️ Nutrition at a glance

This dish is low in carbohydrates and calories but a good source of plant-based protein and dietary fiber, especially when cooked with pork. It is particularly rich in vitamins A, C, and K, as well as minerals like iron and calcium.

Nutrition breakdown

Calories	120 kcal
Protein	8 g
Carbs	10 g
Fat	6 g
Fiber	5 g
Sugar	1 g
Sodium	480 mg
Vitamin K	450 mcg
Vitamin A	8000 IU
Vitamin C	35 mg
Iron	2.5 mg
Calcium	150 mg
Potassium	320 mg
Magnesium	30 mg
Folate	60 mcg

Per 1 cup (180 g), cooked · estimated, varies by recipe

💡 What's interesting

Culturally, eating greens on New Year's Day symbolizes wealth and prosperity for the coming year, as the green color represents paper money. Nutritionally, the slow-cooking method with acidic ingredients like vinegar helps make the iron in the greens more bioavailable for the body.