🍀James Madison’s Favorite Iconic Southern Dish Might Just Bring You Good Luck 🍀
Before the White House had a kitchen staff, before Southern cooking was a national treasure, there was Hoppin’ John which is a simple but flavorful dish made from black-eyed peas, rice, and a bit of pork. And it just so happened to be a favorite of President James Madison, the Father of the Constitution himself.
Hoppin’ John has long been associated with good fortune, especially when eaten on New Year’s Day. But for Madison, it was likely more than a superstition. Raised in Virginia and married to the iconic Dolley Madison, he grew up surrounded by early Southern traditions that blended African, Native American, and European foodways.
This was a meal of nourishment and meaning. It was served in enslaved quarters and plantation houses alike and later became a symbol of Southern resilience and tradition. Madison’s fondness for it speaks volumes about the kinds of dishes that quietly shaped American history.
We recreated Hoppin’ John the traditional way: slow-simmered black-eyed peas, fragrant rice, savory pork and walked through its rich background in our latest blog post.
Read the full story and recipe here:
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