Slow Cooker Hoppin’ John

Slow cooker Hoppin’ John is a hearty & flavorful recipe that uses simple, affordable ingredients. Black-eyed peas, ham hocks, and smoked sausage cook together in this New Year’s meal. The best part…there’s no need to presoak the black-eyed peas when making this crockpot hoppin’ John; simply add the ingredients & let it cook. Instructions to make this easy black-eyed peas recipe in the Instant Pot are also included.

Ingredients for Crock-Pot Hoppin’ John

• Black-Eyed Peas
• Ham Hocks
• Smoked Sausage
• Onion
• Bell Pepper
• Garlic
• Broth/Water
• Seasonings
• Cooked Rice

How To Make Hoppin’ John In The Crockpot

Slow Cooker

1. Add all the ingredients except the rice to the slow cooker. Stir to mix well.
2. Cook HIGH 5-6 hours or LOW 10-12. Cook until the black-eyed peas are tender. You may need more time depending on how your slow cooker heats.
3. Using tongs, carefully remove the ham hock. Shred the meat and stir the shredded meat back to into the slow cooker.

Instant Pot

1. Rinse the black-eyed peas. No need to pre-soak.
2. Turn on the pressure cooker and select sauté. Once hot add the oil & the onion & bell pepper and cook a few minutes until soft. Add garlic and cook an additional minute. Turn off the pressure cooker.
3. Add the broth & water and deglaze the bottom of the pressure cooker by scraping all the bits off with a wooden spoon.
4. Add black-eyed peas, thyme, salt & pepper. Stir to mix well. Add the ham hock and smoked sausage.
5. Close lid and seal valve. Cook high pressure for 35 minutes. Natural release pressure for 10 minutes then quick release any remaining pressure.
6. Using tongs, carefully remove the ham hock. Shred the meat and stir the shredded meat back to into the Instant Pot.

What’s Hoppin’ John?

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While it’s popular throughout the South, Hoppin’ John is usually associated with the Carolinas. What I love about a Hoppin John is that it’s one of those recipes where everyone has their own version. There are many variations of Hoppin’ Johns out there & I encourage you to make tweaks to this recipe as needed. In addition to black-eyed peas, ham hock & onion are also commonly used. This slow cooker version also uses smoked sausage and bell pepper.

Why We Eat Hoppin’ John For New Years

A popular southern tradition is to eat black-eyed peas on New Year’s day. There a variations to the reasoning behind it but the essence is that since they look like coins, they symbolize prosperity and good luck. Eating black-eyed peas along with greens means for a financially prosperous New Year.

What Are Black Eyed-Peas

Black-eyed peas (aka cow peas) are the main ingredient in a Hoppin’ John. They are legumes and as-is, they are healthy. Black-eyed peas are a great source of fiber, protein, and complex carbs which provides energy and can aid weight loss.

What Type Of Black-Eyed Peas To Use

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This hoppin’ John recipe calls for dry black-eyed peas. After you rinse the black-eyed peas, add them directly to the slow cooker. No pre-soak! You can use canned peas. If you choose to use canned peas, be sure to buy enough. 15-ounces of canned black-eyed peas is not the same as 16 ounces of dry black-eyed peas. I suggest at least 4 15-ounce cans of black-eyed peas and a cooking time of 2-4 hours on low. Also, if you use canned black eyed peas be sure to drain & rinse them before you add them to the crockpot. Personally I think dry black-eyed peas work best with this recipe.

What Type Of Meat To Use

This crockpot Hoppin’ John recipe uses a combination of smoked sausage & ham hock meat. Substitute another smoked meat for the ham hock like smoked turkey. To make this a vegan/vegetarian, simply omit the meat all together.

FAQs & Tips

• Hoppin’ John is usually served over rice. In this case, the rice is cooked separately. Some people like to stir the rice directly into the pot. Personally, I like to serve the Hoppin-John on top of the rice. You can also serve it on the side.
• The dish will thicken as it cools.
• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or in the freezer for to 3 months.
• I used a 6-quart slow cooker or Instant Pot.

Southern Recipes

• Greens with Ham Hocks
• Black-Eyed Peas
• Soul Food Soup
• Grits
• Okra with Tomatoes & Chicken
• Low-Country Boil

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Categories: Recipe