Pin It Vegetarian Hoppin' John is a hearty, flavorful Southern classic reimagined in a fully plant-based version. This easy-to-prepare main dish captures the soul of traditional comfort food, featuring black-eyed peas and vegetables seasoned with smoked paprika for incredible depth. Naturally vegan and gluten-free, it is a nourishing meal that serves four people perfectly.
Pin It Whether you are celebrating a tradition or simply looking for a wholesome weeknight dinner, this dish delivers. The combination of aromatic vegetables, savory spices, and tender legumes served over fluffy rice makes for a satisfying and colorful meal that everyone at the table will enjoy.
Ingredients
- Vegetables & Aromatics
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- Legumes
- 2 cans (15 oz each) black-eyed peas, drained and rinsed
- Seasonings
- 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
- Liquids
- 2 cups low-sodium vegetable broth
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce or tamari
- To Serve
- 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
- 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
- Stir in garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Step 3
- Add smoked paprika, thyme, oregano, cumin, cayenne, black pepper, and salt. Stir well to coat the vegetables in the spices.
- Step 4
- Pour in the drained black-eyed peas, vegetable broth, soy sauce, and add bay leaves. Stir to combine.
- Step 5
- Bring to a gentle simmer, reduce heat, and cook uncovered for 20–25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the mixture thickens and flavors meld.
- Step 4
- Discard bay leaves. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
- Step 5
- 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 perfect consistency, let the mixture simmer uncovered for the full duration. This allows the liquid to reduce slightly, intensifying the smoky flavors of the paprika and thyme. Always remember to remove the bay leaves before serving to ensure a smooth dining experience.
Varianten und Anpassungen
This recipe is very flexible; you can swap the black-eyed peas for pinto or kidney beans if preferred. For a soy-free option, use coconut aminos instead of soy sauce. If you require a gluten-free meal, ensure you use tamari and check that your canned legumes and vegetable broth are certified gluten-free.
Serviervorschläge
Serve your Hoppin' John over a generous portion of cooked long-grain white or brown rice. It pairs excellently with a side of sautéed collard greens and your favorite hot sauce. The fresh garnish of green onions and lemon wedges provides a bright contrast to the hearty, savory base.
Pin It Each serving of this nutritious Vegetarian Hoppin' John provides 370 calories, 6 g of total fat, 68 g of carbohydrates, and 13 g of protein. It is a well-balanced and flavorful dish that brings the warmth of the South to any table.
Recipe FAQs
- → What makes Hoppin John traditionally Southern?
Hoppin' John originated in the Lowcountry of South Carolina and Georgia, combining black-eyed peas with rice for a one-pot dish that symbolizes prosperity and good luck. The holy trinity of onion, bell pepper, and celery provides the aromatic base fundamental to Southern cooking.
- → Can I use dried black-eyed peas instead of canned?
Absolutely. Soak dried black-eyed peas overnight, then simmer for about 45-60 minutes until tender before adding them to the vegetables and spices. You'll need roughly 1½ cups dried peas to equal the two 15-ounce cans called for in this preparation.
- → How do I store leftovers?
Store the black-eyed pea mixture and rice separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of vegetable broth or water to restore creaminess. The flavors often deepen and improve after a day.
- → What can I serve alongside this dish?
Collard greens or mustard greens braised with vinegar make a classic Southern pairing. Cornbread, fresh sliced tomatoes, or a simple cucumber salad also complement the hearty, smoky flavors beautifully. Hot sauce on the side adds customizable heat.
- → Is this suitable for meal prep?
This dish excels for meal prep. The black-eyed pea mixture freezes well for up to 3 months—just cool completely before freezing. Portion with cooked rice in individual containers for easy grab-and-go lunches throughout the week.