Savory Vegetarian Hoppin' John with Brown Rice
Enjoy a comforting bowl of Savory Vegetarian Hoppin' John, a classic Southern dish reimagined for plant-based eaters! This hearty recipe features black-eyed peas, aromatic vegetables, and flavorful spices, combined with crumbled vegetarian sausage and served over a bed of nutritionally-rich brown rice. It's a perfect meal for family gatherings or a cozy weeknight dinner. Packed with protein and flavors, this dish offers a delightful taste of tradition while catering to vegan diets. Share it with friends and family, and make it a new staple in your kitchen!
6
Servings
200
Calories
13
Ingredients
Ingredients
olive oil
2 tablespoons (divided)
yellow onion
1 medium (chopped)
celery rib
1 (chopped)
garlic cloves
3 (minced)
dried thyme
1 teaspoon (dry)
black-eyed peas
2 (15 1/2 ounce) cans (drained and rinsed)
canned tomatoes
1 (14 1/2 ounce) can (drained and finely chopped)
diced green chilies
1 (4 ounce) can (drained)
vegetable stock
1 cup (liquid)
salt
to taste (unprepared)
black pepper
to taste (freshly ground)
vegetarian sausages
8 ounces (crumbled)
long-grain brown rice
3 cups (cooked)
Instructions
1
In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Once hot, add the chopped onion and celery. Cover and sauté for about 5 minutes, or until the vegetables are softened.
2
Stir in the minced garlic and dried thyme, allowing them to cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
3
Transfer the sautéed mixture to a slow cooker. Add in the drained black-eyed peas, chopped tomatoes, diced green chilies, and vegetable stock. Season to taste with salt and freshly ground black pepper before stirring well to combine.
4
Cover the slow cooker and cook on the LOW setting for 4 to 6 hours, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully.
5
About 15 minutes before you are ready to serve the dish, heat the remaining tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the crumbled vegetarian sausage and cook, stirring occasionally, until browned all over.
6
Once browned, add the cooked sausage to the slow cooker along with the cooked long-grain brown rice. Stir to combine thoroughly. Taste the dish and adjust the seasonings if necessary before serving hot.
Nutrition Information
3g
Fat
37g
Carbs
8g
Protein
6g
Fiber
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Vegetarian Hoppin' John?
It is a plant-based reimagining of the classic Southern dish, featuring black-eyed peas, aromatic vegetables, and flavorful spices served over brown rice.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe makes 6 servings.
Is this Hoppin' John recipe vegan-friendly?
Yes, the recipe is categorized as vegan and uses vegetable stock and vegetarian sausage.
How many calories are in a serving of this dish?
Each serving contains approximately 200 calories.
What is the total fat content per serving?
There are 3 grams of fat per serving.
How much protein does this recipe offer?
This dish provides 8 grams of protein per serving.
Is this a high-fiber meal?
Yes, it contains 6 grams of fiber per serving, making it a hearty and healthy option.
How long do I cook this in the slow cooker?
The black-eyed pea mixture should be cooked on the LOW setting for 4 to 6 hours.
Do I need to cook the rice separately?
Yes, the recipe requires 3 cups of already cooked long-grain brown rice to be added at the end.
Can I use white rice instead of brown rice?
While the recipe calls for brown rice for its nutritional benefits, you can substitute it with cooked white rice if preferred.
How do I prepare the vegetarian sausage?
The sausage should be crumbled and browned in a skillet with olive oil for about 15 minutes before serving.
What vegetables are included in the base?
The base consists of yellow onion, celery, garlic, canned tomatoes, and diced green chilies.
What spices are used for seasoning?
The dish is seasoned with dried thyme, salt, and freshly ground black pepper.
Do I need to sauté the vegetables before putting them in the slow cooker?
Yes, you should sauté the onion and celery for 5 minutes, then add garlic and thyme for 1-2 minutes before transferring to the slow cooker.
Can I use fresh black-eyed peas instead of canned?
The recipe calls for two 15.5-ounce cans that are drained and rinsed. If using fresh or dried peas, they must be pre-soaked and cooked accordingly before following the slow cooker steps.
What kind of vegetable stock should I use?
Any standard liquid vegetable stock will work for this recipe.
Is this recipe considered healthy?
Yes, it is tagged as healthy and focuses on whole grains, legumes, and vegetables.
Can I make this dish on the stovetop instead of a slow cooker?
Yes, you can simmer the mixture on low heat in a covered pot for about 45-60 minutes until the flavors meld, instead of using a slow cooker.
Are the green chilies spicy?
Canned diced green chilies are generally mild, but you can choose a 'hot' variety if you prefer more heat.
How much garlic is required?
The recipe calls for 3 minced garlic cloves.
What type of onion is best?
One medium yellow onion is recommended for its balanced flavor.
How much vegetable stock is needed?
The recipe requires 1 cup of vegetable stock.
Should the canned tomatoes be drained?
Yes, the canned tomatoes should be drained and finely chopped before being added.
Is it necessary to brown the vegetarian sausage?
Browning the sausage in a skillet helps develop flavor and texture before it is mixed into the dish.
Can I add extra vegetables?
Certainly! Bell peppers or carrots would be excellent additions to the initial sauté.
How many carbohydrates are in a serving?
There are 37 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
Can this recipe be frozen?
Yes, the cooked dish can be frozen in airtight containers for future meals.
What is the preparation for the celery?
One celery rib should be chopped before sautéing.
How much olive oil is used?
A total of 2 tablespoons of olive oil is used, divided between the vegetable sauté and the sausage browning.
Is this a traditional Southern recipe?
It is a vegetarian and vegan adaptation of a traditional Southern favorite, maintaining the classic soul food spirit.