Slow Cooker Hoppin’ John

Introduction

Slow Cooker Hoppin’ John is a hearty, flavorful dish that brings the comforting taste of Southern tradition into your home without the pork or bacon. This version of the classic dish is packed with tender black-eyed peas, aromatic vegetables, and savory spices, all slow-cooked to perfection. Hoppin’ John is a dish often enjoyed on New Year’s Day for luck, but it’s delicious any time you’re craving a flavorful, filling meal. With minimal effort and a slow cooker, you can create a wholesome and satisfying meal the whole family will enjoy.

I remember the first time I made it on a cozy winter evening. The slow cooker filled the kitchen with the most inviting aroma, and when it was ready, everyone eagerly gathered around the table. The rich, savory flavor of the dish was a hit, and it quickly became a comforting favorite. What I love about Slow Cooker Hoppin’ John is how easy it is to make—just toss everything into the slow cooker and let it do the work. Whether you’re enjoying it as a traditional New Year’s dish or savoring it on a busy weeknight, this meal is always a crowd-pleaser.

Perfect for:

• Family dinners
• Meal prep
• Cozy weeknight meals
• Vegetarians and vegans (with simple modifications)
• New Year’s Day celebrations (for good luck!)

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Here’s why Slow Cooker Hoppin’ John will quickly become your go-to dish:

• Hearty and Nutritious: Packed with fiber-rich black-eyed peas, hearty vegetables, and nutritious spices, this dish is both filling and healthy.
• Easy to Make: Simply add your ingredients to the slow cooker, set it, and let the magic happen. It’s the perfect no-fuss meal for busy days.
• Versatile: You can customize this recipe with your favorite vegetables, seasonings, or even swap out the beans to make it your own.
• Perfect for Leftovers: This dish makes fantastic leftovers, improving in flavor as it sits.
• No Pork or Bacon: This version maintains the soul-warming essence of Hoppin’ John without the traditional pork or bacon, making it suitable for a variety of dietary preferences.

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Total Time: 7-8 hours (slow cook time)
• Preparation Time: 15 minutes
• Cooking Time: 7-8 hours on low
• Servings: 6 servings
• Calories per serving: Approximately 250-300 calories
• Key Nutrients: Protein: 12g, Carbs: 40g, Fat: 3g

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients to make your Slow Cooker Hoppin’ John:

For the Base:

• 1 ½ cups dried black-eyed peas, rinsed and sorted
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 1 green bell pepper, diced
• 2 medium tomatoes, diced (or 1 can of diced tomatoes)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup vegetable broth
• 2 cups water
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 bay leaf
• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
• ½ teaspoon ground cumin
• ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
• Salt to taste
• 1 tablespoon olive oil (for sautéing)

For the Rice:

• 1 cup long-grain white rice (or brown rice for a healthier option)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 2 cups water or vegetable broth

Ingredient Highlights

• Black-Eyed Peas: A Southern staple, these beans are high in protein and fiber, making them a nutritious and hearty base for the dish.
• Bell Pepper and Onion: These vegetables add depth and flavor to the dish, giving it a savory foundation.
• Tomatoes: Fresh or canned tomatoes add a touch of sweetness and acidity, balancing the richness of the peas.
• Vegetable Broth: Enhances the flavor of the dish with a savory, well-seasoned base.
• Smoked Paprika and Cumin: These spices give the dish a smoky, earthy flavor, replacing the traditional pork flavor.
• Rice: Adds bulk and helps absorb the flavorful broth.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Here’s how to make Slow Cooker Hoppin’ John:

Prepare the Ingredients:

1. Rinse the Beans: Rinse the dried black-eyed peas under cold water to remove any debris, then set them aside.
2. Sauté the Vegetables: In a medium skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion, bell pepper, and garlic. Sauté for 3-4 minutes, until softened and fragrant.
3. Add the Seasonings: Stir in the smoked paprika, cumin, thyme, and bay leaf. Cook for an additional minute to bloom the spices, then remove from heat.

Slow Cook the Hoppin’ John:

4. Combine in the Slow Cooker: Add the rinsed black-eyed peas, sautéed vegetables, diced tomatoes, vegetable broth, and water to the slow cooker. Stir to combine and season with salt and black pepper to taste.
5. Set the Slow Cooker: Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 7-8 hours, or until the peas are tender and the broth has thickened slightly. Stir occasionally, and if the peas seem dry, add a little more water or broth.

Prepare the Rice:

6. Cook the Rice: About 20 minutes before serving, cook the rice according to package instructions. For extra flavor, sauté the rice in 1 tablespoon of olive oil before adding the water or broth.
7. Fluff and Set Aside: Once cooked, fluff the rice with a fork and set aside.

Serve and Garnish:

8. Combine the Rice and Hoppin’ John: Spoon a serving of rice into bowls and ladle the Hoppin’ John mixture over the top. Optionally, garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro for a burst of color.
9. Serve Warm: Serve the dish warm with cornbread, sautéed greens, or your favorite side dish.

How to Serve

Slow Cooker Hoppin’ John is a versatile dish that pairs well with many sides:

• With Sautéed Greens: Collard greens, kale, or spinach pair wonderfully with this dish for a true Southern meal.
• With Cornbread: Serve with a slice of cornbread or cornbread muffins for a comforting, Southern-style meal.
• As a Main Dish: This can be served as a complete meal with the rice and beans providing protein, fiber, and carbs.
• For Leftovers: This dish makes for fantastic leftovers and can be eaten as is, or repurposed into burritos, wraps, or salads.

Additional Tips

Here are some tips to make sure your Slow Cooker Hoppin’ John turns out perfectly:

• Use Fresh Beans: If you can, use fresh dried beans rather than older beans. Older beans can take longer to cook and may not soften as well.
• Adjust the Spice Level: If you like it spicy, consider adding a chopped jalapeño or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the mix.
• Add Extra Vegetables: Feel free to add extra vegetables like carrots, celery, or even sweet potatoes for additional flavor and nutrition.
• Soak the Beans: If you’re short on time, soak the black-eyed peas overnight to reduce cooking time in the slow cooker. Drain them before adding them to the crockpot.

Recipe Variations

Here are 5 variations you can try for Slow Cooker Hoppin’ John:

• Spicy Hoppin’ John: Add a chopped jalapeño or extra cayenne pepper for some heat.
• Vegan Hoppin’ John: Skip the olive oil for sautéing and add additional vegetable broth for a lighter, vegan-friendly version.
• Sweet Hoppin’ John: Add 1 tablespoon of brown sugar or a drizzle of maple syrup for a subtle sweetness.
• Smoky Hoppin’ John: Use smoked salt or a few drops of liquid smoke to enhance the smokiness without pork.
• Coconut Hoppin’ John: Add ½ cup of coconut milk in place of some of the vegetable broth for a rich, creamy twist.

Freezing and Storage

• Freezing: Leftovers can be frozen for up to 3 months. Allow the dish to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container or freezer bag.
• Storage: Store in the fridge for up to 5 days. Reheat thoroughly before serving.

Special Equipment

Here are some special equipment items to make preparing your Slow Cooker Hoppin’ John easier:

• Slow Cooker: A slow cooker is essential for this recipe to develop deep, rich flavors with minimal effort.
• Sauté Pan: For sautéing the vegetables and spices before adding them to the slow cooker.
• Rice Cooker: A rice cooker can help make cooking the rice easier, especially if you’re making a larger batch.

FAQ Section

1. Can I use canned black-eyed peas?
   Yes, you can substitute canned black-eyed peas for dried ones. Just reduce the cooking time in the slow cooker, as canned peas are already cooked.
2. Can I make this without the rice?
   Yes, you can serve the Hoppin’ John without rice for a lower-carb option or over quinoa, couscous, or another grain of your choice.
3. Can I add meat to this recipe?
   While this version is pork-free, you can add chicken, turkey sausage, or another meat if desired.
4. How do I know when the beans are done?
   The beans are done when they are tender and fully cooked through, which can take anywhere from 7-8 hours on low in the slow cooker.
5. Can I make this in advance?
   Yes, this dish keeps well and is even better the next day as the flavors have more time to meld.

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Conclusion

Slow Cooker Hoppin’ John is a comforting, soul-satisfying dish that brings the best of Southern flavors to your table without pork or bacon. This hearty, plant-based recipe is easy to make, full of nutrients, and perfect for meal prepping or serving a crowd. Whether you’re enjoying it as a traditional New Year’s dish or simply looking for a flavorful dinner, Hoppin’ John will become a beloved addition to your recipe collection.

The combination of black-eyed peas, rice, and savory seasonings creates a dish that’s both satisfying and nourishing, with layers of flavor that get even better the longer it cooks. The slow cooker does all the work, making it a convenient option for busy days or special gatherings.

I’d love to see how your Slow Cooker Hoppin’ John turns out! Snap a photo, share it on social media, and tag me—I can’t wait to see your delicious creations. Happy cooking!