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
- Add all the ingredients except the rice to the slow cooker. Stir to mix well.
- 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.
- Using tongs, carefully remove the ham hock. Shred the meat and stir the shredded meat back to into the slow cooker.
Instant Pot
- Rinse the black-eyed peas. No need to pre-soak.
- 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.
- Add the broth & water and deglaze the bottom of the pressure cooker by scraping all the bits off with a wooden spoon.
- Add black-eyed peas, thyme, salt & pepper. Stir to mix well. Add the ham hock and smoked sausage.
- Close lid and seal valve. Cook high pressure for 35 minutes. Natural release pressure for 10 minutes then quick release any remaining pressure.
- 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