Why You’ll Love This Vegetarian Hoppin’ John Recipe
When you try this Vegetarian Hoppin’ John recipe, you’ll be amazed at how flavorful and satisfying a meatless dish can be. I love how it combines hearty black-eyed peas with vibrant veggies, creating a comforting meal that warms the soul.
The blend of spices and the savory vegetarian sausage really bring everything to life. Plus, cooking it in a slow cooker means you can set it and forget it! It’s perfect for busy weeknights or serving at gatherings.
I always find myself going back for seconds, and I bet you’ll too. Give it a try—you won’t regret it!
Ingredients of Vegetarian Hoppin’ John
When it comes to making Vegetarian Hoppin’ John, having the right ingredients is key to creating that delicious, hearty dish we all love. The beauty of this recipe is that it’s packed with flavor and nutrition, all while being completely meat-free. Plus, it’s super easy to throw together, especially with the help of your trusty slow cooker.
So, what do you need to gather? Let’s take a look at the ingredient list.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
- 1 celery rib, chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 2 (15 1/2 ounce) cans black-eyed peas, drained and rinsed
- 1 (14 1/2 ounce) can tomatoes, drained and finely chopped
- 1 (4 ounce) can diced green chilies, drained
- 1 cup vegetable stock
- Salt, to taste
- Fresh ground black pepper, to taste
- 8 ounces vegetarian sausages, crumbled
- 3 cups cooked long-grain brown rice (or white rice)
Now, let’s talk about a few considerations regarding these ingredients. If you’re not a fan of black-eyed peas (though, honestly, who could dislike them?), you could switch them out for another type of bean, but I think you’re really missing out.
And feel free to adjust the spices and seasonings to match your taste buds. Maybe you like it a bit spicier? Toss in some red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce. No judgment here—cooking is all about making it your own.
Also, if you’re in a rush, using pre-cooked rice can save you some time, but the fresh stuff really does add that extra touch of homemade goodness.
How to Make Vegetarian Hoppin’ John
Making Vegetarian Hoppin’ John is a delightful journey that combines simple ingredients into a rich and hearty dish. To start, grab 2 tablespoons of olive oil—your trusty friend in the kitchen. Heat that in a skillet over medium heat, and toss in 1 medium yellow onion, chopped, along with 1 chopped celery rib. Cover that skillet up and let it cook for about 5 minutes until the veggies are nice and softened. The aroma wafting through your kitchen? That’s the smell of goodness coming together.
Now, add in 3 minced garlic cloves and 1 teaspoon of dried thyme. Stir it all around for just a minute. Don’t rush this part; let those flavors mingle and dance together.
Once you’ve brought out the flavors, it’s time for a little transfer. Pour this fragrant mixture into your slow cooker, where the real magic happens. Add in 2 cans (15 1/2 ounces each) of drained and rinsed black-eyed peas, 1 (14 1/2 ounce) can of drained and finely chopped tomatoes, and a 4-ounce can of drained diced green chilies.
Now, pour in 1 cup of vegetable stock, and season it all with salt and fresh ground black pepper to your liking. Give it a gentle stir, cover it up, and set your slow cooker to LOW for 4 to 6 hours. That’s right; let it simmer and bubble away while you go about your day.
About 15 minutes before you’re ready to serve, heat the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat, and cook 8 ounces of crumbled vegetarian sausages until they’re browned all over. This adds a nice texture and flavor that takes your dish to the next level.
Once that’s done, add the sausage to the slow cooker, along with 3 cups of cooked long-grain brown rice (or white rice if that’s your jam). Give everything a good stir to combine, and don’t forget to taste and adjust seasonings. You know what they say, a dish is only as good as its seasoning—so make it yours.
Just imagine serving this up, and your friends or family are going to wonder how you did it. Spoiler alert: it’s all in the slow cooker magic. Enjoy every bite!
Vegetarian Hoppin’ John Substitutions & Variations
While crafting my Vegetarian Hoppin’ John, I love exploring substitutions and variations that can elevate the dish.
For a smoky flavor, I sometimes add smoked paprika or liquid smoke. If I’m looking for a protein boost, tempeh or lentils work wonderfully instead of vegetarian sausage.
I’ve also swapped black-eyed peas for kidney or pinto beans, depending on what I’ve on hand. For added texture, I’ll toss in some chopped bell peppers or carrots.
Finally, if I want a kick, a pinch of cayenne or jalapeños can spice things up. The options are endless, and it’s all about personal taste!
Additional Tips & Notes
To make your Vegetarian Hoppin’ John even more delightful, consider prepping ingredients ahead of time.
Chop the onions, celery, and garlic the night before to save time. You can also rinse the black-eyed peas and store them in the fridge.
If you love spice, feel free to add jalapeños or hot sauce for an extra kick.
Leftovers taste even better the next day, so make a larger batch if you can!
Finally, don’t forget to adjust the seasoning before serving; sometimes, a pinch more salt or pepper can elevate the flavors beautifully.
Enjoy your cooking adventure!