Vegetarian Hoppin John (Print Version)

Hearty Southern black-eyed peas with vegetables and smoked paprika over fluffy 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 - ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
12 - 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
13 - 1½ 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 - ¼ 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, black pepper, and salt. Stir thoroughly to coat vegetables in spices.
04 - Pour in drained black-eyed peas, vegetable broth, soy sauce, and bay leaves. Stir to combine all ingredients evenly.
05 - Bring to a gentle simmer, reduce heat to low, and cook uncovered for 20–25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the mixture thickens and flavors meld together.
06 - Remove bay leaves. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
07 - Spoon Hoppin John over warm cooked rice. Garnish with fresh parsley or cilantro, green onions, and a squeeze of lemon if desired.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • Fully Plant-Based: A delicious vegan alternative to the traditional pork-heavy version.
  • Deeply Smoky: Smoked paprika and warm spices provide a rich flavor profile.
  • Quick and Easy: Uses canned beans and simple prep to go from kitchen to table in 50 minutes.
  • Nutritious: High in fiber and protein while remaining naturally gluten-free.
02 -
  • Allergen Care: Always check canned black-eyed peas and broth ingredients for hidden allergens. Use tamari for a certified gluten-free version.
  • Equipment: Using a heavy-bottomed Dutch oven helps distribute heat evenly and prevents the bottom from scorching during the simmer.
  • Meal Prep: This dish tastes even better the next day as the flavors continue to meld in the refrigerator.
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