Name: Slow Cooker Hoppin’ John Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: PT-489789H24M31S
Total time: 6 h 10 min
Cuisine: Southern / American
Ingredients: 1 lb (450g) dried black-eyed peas, rinsed; 12 oz smoked sausage, sliced (or substitute ham hock or turkey); 1 medium onion, diced; 1 green bell pepper, diced; 2 celery stalks, diced; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tsp smoked paprika; 1 tsp dried thyme; ½ tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for heat); 1 bay leaf; Salt & black pepper to taste; 4 cups chicken broth (or vegetable broth); 1 cup water (add more if needed); 2 cups cooked long-grain rice (for serving); Sliced green onions (for garnish)

Description

This Slow Cooker Hoppin’ John is a hearty Southern dish made with black-eyed peas, smoked sausage, and vegetables, simmered slowly to develop rich, comforting flavors. Perfect for New Year’s Day tradition or any cozy meal, it pairs beautifully with rice and garnished green onions.

Ingredients

Black-Eyed Peas and Sausage

1 lb (450g) dried black-eyed peas, rinsed
12 oz smoked sausage, sliced (or substitute ham hock or turkey)

Vegetables and Aromatics

1 medium onion, diced
1 green bell pepper, diced
2 celery stalks, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced

Spices and Seasonings

1 tsp smoked paprika
1 tsp dried thyme
½ tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
1 bay leaf
Salt & black pepper to taste

Liquids and Serving

4 cups chicken broth (or vegetable broth)
1 cup water (add more if needed)
2 cups cooked long-grain rice (for serving)
Sliced green onions (for garnish)

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Instructions

Combine Ingredients: Add the rinsed black-eyed peas, sliced sausage, diced onion, green bell pepper, celery, minced garlic, smoked paprika, dried thyme, cayenne pepper (if using), bay leaf, chicken broth, and water into the slow cooker. Stir all ingredients together to evenly distribute the flavors.
Cook Slowly: Cover the slow cooker and set to cook on Low for 6–8 hours or on High for 3–4 hours, allowing the peas to soften and the flavors to meld into a rich, savory stew.
Season and Finish: Once the peas are tender, remove the bay leaf. Taste the dish and adjust seasoning with salt and black pepper as needed to suit your palate.
Serve: Spoon the hoppin’ John over cooked long-grain rice and garnish with sliced green onions. Serve hot for a comforting and traditional Southern meal.

Notes

Protein Options: Substitute smoked sausage with ham hock, smoked turkey leg, bacon, or plant-based sausage for a vegetarian version (use vegetable broth in that case).
Thicker Texture: For a creamier consistency, mash a small portion of the cooked peas and stir them back into the pot.
Storage: Refrigerate leftovers for up to 4 days or freeze (without rice) for up to 3 months for easy future meals.
Serving Suggestions: Traditionally paired with collard greens and cornbread to round out the Southern experience.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 6–8 hours
Category: Main Course
Method: Slow Cooking
Cuisine: Southern / American