Vegetarian Hoppin John (Print Version)

Hearty Southern-style black-eyed peas with vegetables and smoked paprika served over rice

# What You'll Need:

→ Vegetables & Aromatics

01 - 1 tablespoon olive oil
02 - 1 medium onion, diced
03 - 1 green bell pepper, diced
04 - 2 celery stalks, diced
05 - 3 cloves garlic, minced

→ Legumes

06 - 2 cans (15 oz each) black-eyed peas, drained and rinsed

→ Seasonings

07 - 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
08 - 1 teaspoon dried thyme
09 - 1 teaspoon dried oregano
10 - 1 teaspoon ground cumin
11 - 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper, optional
12 - 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
13 - 1.5 teaspoons sea salt
14 - 2 bay leaves

→ Liquids

15 - 2 cups low-sodium vegetable broth
16 - 1 tablespoon soy sauce or tamari

→ To Serve

17 - 4 cups cooked long-grain white or brown rice
18 - 1/4 cup fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped
19 - 2 green onions, thinly sliced
20 - Lemon wedges, optional

# How to Make It:

01 - Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add diced onion, bell pepper, and celery. Sauté for 5-6 minutes until vegetables are softened.
02 - Stir in minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
03 - Add smoked paprika, thyme, oregano, cumin, cayenne pepper, black pepper, and salt. Stir well to coat vegetables evenly with spices.
04 - Pour in drained black-eyed peas, vegetable broth, soy sauce, and bay leaves. Stir to combine thoroughly.
05 - Bring to a gentle simmer, reduce heat to low, and cook uncovered for 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until mixture thickens and flavors meld together.
06 - Discard bay leaves. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
07 - Spoon prepared mixture over warm cooked rice. Garnish with fresh parsley or cilantro, green onions, and lemon squeeze if desired.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • Fully plant-based, vegan, and naturally gluten-free.
  • Rich, smoky flavor achieved through a blend of spices like smoked paprika and cumin.
  • A budget-friendly meal that uses nutritious black-eyed peas and pantry staples.
  • Easy to prepare in just 50 minutes for a complete main dish.
02 -
  • Ensure your black-eyed peas are thoroughly rinsed to keep the broth clear and control the sodium level.
  • If the mixture becomes too thick during the simmering process, add a small splash of vegetable broth to reach your desired consistency.
  • Long-grain white or brown rice both work perfectly; just ensure the rice is warm and fluffy before serving.
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