Slow cooker hoppin john

Craving a taste of the South without the fuss? Our slow cooker hoppin john is your answer! This recipe takes a beloved classic and transforms it into a quick, healthy, and incredibly flavorful meal with minimal effort. Imagine coming home to the comforting aroma of tender black-eyed peas, smoky ham, and vibrant vegetables, all slow-cooked to perfection. This isn’t just a meal; it’s a hug in a bowl, reminding me of cozy Sunday dinners at Grandma’s house, where good food and even better company were always on the menu.

Why You Will Love This Recipe

Growing up in the Lowcountry of South Carolina, New Year’s Day wasn’t just about resolutions; it was about the promise of good luck and prosperity, symbolized by a steaming bowl of Hoppin’ John. I remember my grandmother, a woman whose kitchen always smelled of love and spices, meticulously preparing her Hoppin’ John. It was an all-day affair, simmering on the stovetop, filling the house with an irresistible aroma. As I got older and my life grew busier, I longed for that same comforting taste but without the extensive cooking time. That’s when I discovered the magic of adapting her recipe for the slow cooker. Now, I can recreate those cherished memories, enjoying the same rich, smoky, and deeply satisfying flavors with a fraction of the hands-on effort. It’s a taste of home in every healthy, hearty spoonful, proving that tradition can evolve without losing its soul.

Ingredients

• For the Hoppin’ John Base:
  • 1 pound dried black-eyed peas, rinsed and sorted
  • 6 cups low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth
  • 1 pound smoked ham hock or 1 cup diced smoked ham
  • 1 large yellow onion, chopped
  • 1 green bell pepper, chopped
  • 2 celery stalks, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for a kick)
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
• For Serving (Optional):
  • Cooked white or brown rice
  • Fresh chopped scallions or parsley
  • Hot sauce or pickled jalapeños

• 1 pound dried black-eyed peas, rinsed and sorted
• 6 cups low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth
• 1 pound smoked ham hock or 1 cup diced smoked ham
• 1 large yellow onion, chopped
• 2 celery stalks, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for a kick)
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
• Cooked white or brown rice
• Fresh chopped scallions or parsley
• Hot sauce or pickled jalapeños

Step-by-Step Instructions for Making the Recipe

1. Rinse the dried black-eyed peas thoroughly under cold water. Sort through them to remove any small stones or debris.
2. Combine all ingredients in your slow cooker: the rinsed black-eyed peas, chicken or vegetable broth, ham hock (or diced ham), chopped onion, green bell pepper, celery, minced garlic, diced tomatoes (undrained), dried thyme, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper (if using).
3. Stir everything together gently to ensure the seasonings are well distributed.
4. Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours, until the black-eyed peas are tender and the ham hock is easily shredded.
5. Carefully remove the ham hock from the slow cooker. Shred the meat from the bone, discarding the bone and any excess fat, then return the shredded ham to the slow cooker. If using diced ham, no need for this step.
6. Taste the Hoppin’ John and adjust seasonings as needed, adding salt and freshly ground black pepper to your preference.
7. Serve warm over a bed of cooked rice, garnished with fresh chopped scallions or parsley. Add a dash of hot sauce or pickled jalapeños for an extra kick!

Slow Cooker Hoppin’ John

This easy Slow Cooker Hoppin’ John recipe is a traditional Southern dish made with black-eyed peas, rice, and savory seasonings. It’s often served on New Year’s Day for good luck and prosperity. This crockpot version makes it incredibly simple to prepare, letting your slow cooker do all the work.

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Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 6 minutes mins

Total Time 6 minutes mins

Servings: 6 servings

Course: Main Course, Side Dish

Cuisine: American, Southern

Calories: 350

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Hoppin’ John Ingredients

• 1 pound dried black-eyed peas rinsed and sorted
• 1 cup diced onion
• 1/2 cup diced celery
• 1/2 cup diced green bell pepper
• 2 cloves minced garlic
• 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth low sodium
• 1/2 pound smoked ham hock or bacon diced
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 cup uncooked long-grain white rice
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley or green onions for garnish (optional)

Equipment

• slow cooker
• Cutting Board
• knife

Method

 

1. Rinse the dried black-eyed peas thoroughly under cold water and sort through them to remove any small stones or debris. Drain and set aside.
2. In a large slow cooker, combine the rinsed black-eyed peas, diced onion, celery, green bell pepper, minced garlic, broth, smoked ham hock (or diced bacon), smoked paprika, dried thyme, cayenne pepper (if using), and bay leaf. Stir gently to combine all ingredients.
3. Cover the slow cooker and cook on LOW for 6-8 hours or on HIGH for 3-4 hours, or until the black-eyed peas are tender. If using a ham hock, remove it from the slow cooker, shred the meat, and discard the bone and skin. Return the shredded meat to the slow cooker.
4. About 30-45 minutes before serving, stir in the uncooked long-grain white rice. Ensure there is enough liquid; if the mixture seems too thick, add a little more broth or water. Continue cooking until the rice is tender and has absorbed the liquid. Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Remove the bay leaf before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley or green onions, if desired, and serve warm.

Notes

For a vegetarian version, omit the ham hock/bacon and use vegetable broth. You can add a tablespoon of liquid smoke for a smoky flavor. Soaking the black-eyed peas overnight can reduce cooking time, but it’s not strictly necessary for slow cooker recipes.

Expert Tips for Best Results

For an even richer flavor in your slow cooker hoppin john, consider browning your ham hock or diced ham in a skillet before adding it to the slow cooker. This step enhances the smoky depth, creating delicious caramelized bits that permeate the entire dish. Don’t skip rinsing and sorting your black-eyed peas; this ensures no unwanted debris ends up in your meal. For those who prefer a thicker consistency, you can mash a small portion of the cooked peas against the side of the slow cooker with a spoon, allowing their starch to naturally thicken the stew. Always taste and adjust your seasonings at the end. The salt content of ham can vary greatly, so adding salt toward the end prevents an overly salty dish. A dash of apple cider vinegar at the very end can also brighten the flavors beautifully.

Serving Suggestions

While slow cooker hoppin john is traditionally served over white rice for an extra dose of “luck” (representing money), don’t feel limited. Brown rice offers a nuttier, healthier alternative that pairs wonderfully with the smoky flavors. For a complete Southern feast, serve your slow cooker hoppin john alongside some tender collard greens, simmered with a touch of ham hock or bacon for that quintessential Southern taste. A slice of warm, buttery cornbread is also a must-have for soaking up all the delicious broth. For a lighter touch, a crisp green salad with a vibrant vinaigrette can provide a refreshing contrast. And, of course, a bottle of your favorite hot sauce and some pickled jalapeños on the side allow everyone to customize their level of spice.

Conclusion

This slow cooker hoppin john recipe is more than just a meal; it’s a celebration of tradition, convenience, and wholesome flavor. By harnessing the power of your slow cooker, you can transform simple ingredients into a dish that’s rich in history and deliciousness, with minimal effort. Whether you’re making it for good luck on New Year’s Day or simply craving a comforting, hearty, and healthy weeknight dinner, this recipe delivers every time. It’s proof that a truly satisfying meal doesn’t have to be complicated. So, gather your ingredients, set your slow cooker, and prepare to enjoy a taste of the South that will warm your soul and nourish your body. This slow cooker hoppin john is poised to become a beloved staple in your culinary repertoire.

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