Description
A hearty Southern comfort food classic made with black-eyed peas, smoked sausage, and aromatic vegetables. This slow cooker version is easy to prepare and perfect for a cozy family meal or New Year’s tradition.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 pound dried black-eyed peas, rinsed and sorted
- 12 ounces smoked sausage, sliced
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 6 cups chicken broth
Spices & Seasonings
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 bay leaf
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon salt, or to taste
To Serve
- 2 cups cooked white rice
- 2 green onions, sliced for garnish
Instructions
- Combine Ingredients: Add black-eyed peas, sausage, onion, bell pepper, celery, garlic, broth, smoked paprika, thyme, bay leaf, black pepper, and salt to the slow cooker.
- Mix Thoroughly: Stir well to combine all ingredients evenly in the slow cooker.
- Slow Cook: Cover and cook on Low for 7 to 8 hours or on High for 4 to 5 hours, until the black-eyed peas are tender and flavors have melded together.
- Remove Bay Leaf: Carefully remove the bay leaf from the mixture and discard it.
- Adjust Seasoning: Taste the dish and adjust salt or pepper as needed for preferred flavor balance.
- Serve: Spoon the hoppin’ John mixture over cooked white rice.
- Garnish and Enjoy: Top with sliced green onions and serve warm for a comforting meal.
Notes
- Using Andouille sausage adds an extra smoky flavor that enhances the dish.
- To make a vegetarian version, omit the sausage and substitute vegetable broth for the chicken broth.
- Leftovers freeze well and can be reheated for convenient future meals.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 7 hours 30 minutes (average between Low and High settings)
- Category: Main Course, Slow Cooker
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Southern American
