Save to Pinterest This Vegetarian Hoppin John is a soulful Southern classic reimagined for the modern plant-based kitchen. Traditionally served for luck and prosperity, this version swaps the ham hock for smoky paprika and aromatic vegetables, delivering a deep, savory flavor that satisfies without the meat. It is a hearty, flavorful dish featuring black-eyed peas, vegetables, and smoked paprika for depth, served over fluffy rice and finished with fresh herbs.
Save to Pinterest Whether you are honoring a New Year's tradition or simply seeking a comforting weeknight dinner, this recipe brings the "holy trinity" of Southern cooking—onion, bell pepper, and celery—together with protein-rich legumes. The result is a vibrant, smoky stew that feels like it has been simmering all day long.
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cans (15 oz each) black-eyed peas, drained and rinsed
- 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
- 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1½ teaspoons sea salt
- 2 bay leaves
- 2 cups low-sodium vegetable broth
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce or tamari
- 4 cups cooked long-grain white or brown rice
- ¼ cup fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped
- 2 green onions, thinly sliced
- Lemon wedges (optional)
Instructions
- Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics
- Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add onion, bell pepper, and celery. Sauté for 5–6 minutes until softened.
- Step 2: Add Garlic
- Stir in garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Step 3: Season the Vegetables
- Add smoked paprika, thyme, oregano, cumin, cayenne, black pepper, and salt. Stir well to coat the vegetables in the spices.
- Step 4: Combine Ingredients
- Pour in the drained black-eyed peas, vegetable broth, soy sauce, and add bay leaves. Stir to combine.
- Step 5: Simmer
- Bring to a gentle simmer, reduce heat, and cook uncovered for 20–25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the mixture thickens and flavors meld.
- Step 6: Adjust Seasoning
- Discard bay leaves. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
- Step 7: Serve
- Spoon Hoppin John over warm cooked rice. Garnish with fresh parsley or cilantro, green onions, and a squeeze of lemon if desired.
Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung
To achieve the best texture, use a large pot or Dutch oven and a wooden spoon for stirring. Prepare your ingredients with a chef's knife and cutting board beforehand to ensure a smooth cooking process. Simmering uncovered is key to allowing the liquid to reduce and the flavors to concentrate.
Varianten und Anpassungen
For extra smokiness, add a dash of liquid smoke or use chipotle powder instead of cayenne. You can swap black-eyed peas for other legumes like pinto or kidney beans if preferred. To make the dish soy-free, substitute the soy sauce or tamari with coconut aminos. Always check canned bean and broth labels for hidden allergens.
Serviervorschläge
Serve this hearty bowl alongside collard greens or your favorite hot sauce for an authentic Southern experience. The addition of fresh parsley, cilantro, and green onions provides a bright finish, while a squeeze of lemon juice can lift the earthy flavors of the black-eyed peas.
Save to Pinterest This Vegetarian Hoppin John is a testament to how simple ingredients like beans, rice, and spices can create a nutritious and deeply satisfying meal. Enjoy this bowl of comfort that brings a taste of the South to your table in every spoonful.
Questions & Answers About This Recipe
- → What makes this version vegetarian?
This plant-based version replaces traditional pork or bacon with smoked paprika and soy sauce for depth and umami. The combination of aromatic vegetables, dried herbs, and spices creates the same rich, savory profile without any animal products.
- → Can I use dried black-eyed peas instead of canned?
Absolutely. Soak 1 cup dried black-eyed peas overnight, then simmer for about 45-60 minutes until tender before adding them to the dish. You may need to adjust the cooking time and add more vegetable broth as the dried peas absorb more liquid.
- → Is Hoppin John traditionally served for any occasion?
Hoppin' John is a classic Southern dish often served on New Year's Day, as black-eyed peas are thought to bring prosperity and good luck in the coming year. However, this hearty bowl makes a satisfying meal any time of year.
- → What can I serve alongside this dish?
Collard greens, sautéed kale, or cornbread make excellent accompaniments. A simple green salad with vinaigrette adds freshness, and hot sauce on the side lets diners adjust the heat to their preference.
- → How long does this keep in the refrigerator?
This dish stores beautifully for 4-5 days in an airtight container. The flavors continue to develop and meld over time, often tasting even better the next day. Reheat gently with a splash of water or broth to restore the creamy consistency.