This Slow Cooker Hoppin’ John is a warm and hearty dish made with black-eyed peas, rice, and smoky ham. It’s perfect for letting flavors blend together while you relax!
Honestly, the best part? You just toss everything in the slow cooker and let it work its magic. I love serving it with cornbread—it’s a match made in comfort food heaven!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Black-eyed peas: These are the star of the dish! They’re creamy and add a great texture. If you’re short on time, you could use canned black-eyed peas, but remember to rinse them well before adding.
Rice: Long-grain rice works best, but brown rice is a nutritious alternative. Note that brown rice takes longer to cook, so you might need to adjust the cooking time a bit. Quinoa is also a nice gluten-free option!
Smoked sausage: I like using andouille for its bold flavor, but kielbasa is milder and works great too. If you need a lighter option, try turkey sausage. For a vegetarian version, use smoked tempeh or mushrooms for a meaty texture.
Bell pepper: Green is traditional, but feel free to mix it up! Red, yellow, or even orange bell peppers can add sweetness and color. You can also skip it altogether if you’re not a fan.
Spices: The smoked paprika really gives depth to the dish. If you don’t have any, regular paprika or even chili powder can work. Just adjust the amount to your taste!
How Do I Properly Prepare Dried Black-eyed Peas?
Rinsing and sorting black-eyed peas is crucial to get rid of any dirt or small stones. Just rinse them under cool water in a colander. After rinsing, check for any damaged peas or debris and discard them. This simple step ensures your dish will be clean and delicious.
How Do I Get the Best Flavor from My Slow Cooker Hoppin’ John?
Using the slow cooker is a fantastic way to meld flavors together! Start by sautéing the onion and garlic in a skillet with a little olive oil if you prefer. This enhances their flavors before adding them to the slow cooker. Once combined, just let the cooker do its magic!
- Combine all ingredients in the slow cooker; no need to over-stir!
- Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours, checking towards the end to ensure the peas are tender and rice is cooked.
- Always remove the bay leaf before serving; it’s not meant to be eaten!
Adding olive oil at the end adds richness, but remember that it’s optional. You can also top it with fresh green onions or parsley for a nice touch! Enjoy your cooking!
How to Make Slow Cooker Hoppin’ John
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Main Dish:
- 1 cup dried black-eyed peas
- 1 cup long-grain rice (white or brown)
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, with juice
- 3 cups vegetable or chicken broth
- 1 pound smoked sausage (like andouille or kielbasa), sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (to taste)
- 1 bay leaf
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful slow cooker meal will take about 20 minutes to prepare, then you can set it to cook for 6-8 hours on low or 3-4 hours on high. Just let it simmer while you go about your day, and you’ll have a hearty meal waiting for you!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Black-Eyed Peas:
Start by rinsing the dried black-eyed peas under cold water. Look through them carefully to remove any stones or debris. This step ensures your dish is clean and ready to cook!
2. Combine Ingredients in the Slow Cooker:
In your slow cooker, mix together the rinsed black-eyed peas, rice, diced onion, diced bell pepper, diced tomatoes (including their juice), sliced smoked sausage, and minced garlic. Sprinkle in the dried thyme, smoked paprika, black pepper, and salt, then give everything a good stir to combine.
3. Add the Liquid:
Pour in the vegetable or chicken broth, making sure all the ingredients are submerged. Don’t forget to add the bay leaf! This will add a lovely flavor as it cooks.
4. Cooking Time:
Put the lid on the slow cooker and set it to cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. Check it occasionally; you’ll know it’s ready when the black-eyed peas are tender and the rice is cooked through. It will smell amazing!
5. Finishing Touches:
About 15 minutes before you’re ready to serve, you can stir in 2 tablespoons of olive oil for extra richness if you like. Just before serving, remember to remove the bay leaf—nobody wants to bite into that!
6. Serve and Enjoy:
Dish out your Slow Cooker Hoppin’ John while it’s hot. You can garnish it with some fresh green onions or parsley for a pop of color and extra flavor. Enjoy this hearty meal with your family or friends!
Happy cooking, and enjoy your delicious Slow Cooker Hoppin’ John!
Can I Use Canned Black-Eyed Peas Instead of Dried?
Yes, you can use canned black-eyed peas for a quicker option! If you do, skip the initial rinsing and sorting step, and add them to the slow cooker during the last hour of cooking to heat through instead of cooking them from the start.
What If I Don’t Have Smoked Sausage?
No worries! You can substitute it with any other cooked sausage, such as turkey sausage or even plant-based sausage for a vegetarian option. Just make sure to slice it and add it at the same point in the recipe as the smoked sausage.
Can I Make This Recipe Vegan?
Absolutely! Simply replace the smoked sausage with plant-based sausage and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. You can also omit the olive oil or use a vegan-friendly oil if desired.
How to Store Leftovers
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. To reheat, you can warm it in the microwave or on the stove with a splash of broth to loosen up the mixture if it thickens.
