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Slow Cooker Hoppin’ John

Ingredients

Scale

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

Instructions

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:

  1. 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.
  2. 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:

  1. 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.
  2. Fluff and Set Aside: Once cooked, fluff the rice with a fork and set aside.

Serve and Garnish:

  1. 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.
  2. Serve Warm: Serve the dish warm with cornbread, sautéed greens, or your favorite side dish.

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