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Slow Cooker Hoppin’ John

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Slow Cooker Hoppin’ John is a classic Southern comfort dish made easy—featuring tender black-eyed peas, smoky spices, and rice slow-cooked to perfection. Traditionally served for good luck on New Year’s Day, this hearty and flavorful meal is perfect for cozy dinners any time of year.

Ingredients

  • 1 lb dried black-eyed peas, rinsed and sorted
  • 8 oz smoked sausage or vegan sausage (optional), sliced
  • 1 yellow onion, diced
  • 2 stalks celery, chopped
  • 1 green bell pepper, chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup long-grain white rice (or brown rice)
  • 4 cups vegetable or chicken broth
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1 tsp dried thyme
  • 1 bay leaf
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • Hot sauce or cayenne pepper (optional)
  • Chopped scallions or parsley, for garnish

Instructions

  1. Rinse and sort the black-eyed peas, removing any debris.
  2. In a slow cooker, combine peas, onion, celery, bell pepper, garlic, sausage (if using), smoked paprika, thyme, bay leaf, salt, and pepper.
  3. Pour in the broth and stir well to combine.
  4. Cover and cook on low for 7–8 hours or high for 3–4 hours, until peas are tender.
  5. Remove the bay leaf, then stir in the uncooked rice. Add extra broth if needed to cover the rice.
  6. Cover again and cook on high for 30–40 minutes, until the rice is cooked and mixture has thickened.
  7. Adjust seasoning to taste, adding hot sauce or cayenne if desired.
  8. Serve warm, garnished with chopped scallions or parsley.

Notes

  • No need to soak peas when cooking in a slow cooker, though soaking overnight can reduce cooking time.
  • For a vegan version, use vegetable broth and plant-based sausage or smoked tempeh.
  • Brown rice may require 15–20 minutes longer to cook.
  • Pairs perfectly with collard greens and cornbread for a complete Southern meal.
  • Leftovers reheat beautifully and taste even better the next day as flavors meld.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://thefamilycooking.com/slow-cooker-hoppin-john/