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
Instructions
Prepare the Ingredients:
Rinse the Beans: Rinse the dried black-eyed peas under cold water to remove any debris, then set them aside.
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.
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:
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.
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:
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.
Fluff and Set Aside: Once cooked, fluff the rice with a fork and set aside.
Serve and Garnish:
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.
Serve Warm: Serve the dish warm with cornbread, sautéed greens, or your favorite side dish.