Hoppin’ John with Greens: A Soul-Satisfying Slow Cooker Recipe

Looking for a hearty, flavorful, and incredibly easy meal that’s packed with tradition and good fortune? Look no further than this Hoppin’ John with Greens slow cooker recipe! This dish combines the classic flavors of Hoppin’ John – black-eyed peas, rice, and bacon – with the nutritional power of leafy greens, all cooked low and slow to create a symphony of textures and tastes.

Hoppin’ John, traditionally eaten on New Year’s Day in the Southern United States, is believed to bring prosperity and good luck in the year to come. The black-eyed peas symbolize coins, the greens represent paper money, and the rice stands for abundance. Adding greens to the traditional recipe not only boosts the nutritional value but also enhances the flavor profile, creating a truly unforgettable dish.

The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and the minimal effort required. Simply toss all the ingredients into your slow cooker, set it, and forget it! The slow cooker does all the work, infusing the ingredients with rich, smoky flavors that will tantalize your taste buds. This makes it a perfect meal for busy weeknights, holiday gatherings, or any occasion where you want a delicious and comforting dish without spending hours in the kitchen.

Why Choose a Slow Cooker for Hoppin’ John with Greens?

Using a slow cooker for this recipe offers several advantages:

• Convenience: As mentioned earlier, it’s a hands-off cooking method. Just dump the ingredients in, set the timer, and walk away.
• Flavor Development: The slow cooking process allows the flavors to meld and deepen, resulting in a richer and more complex taste. The bacon infuses the entire dish with its smoky goodness, while the spices and seasonings have ample time to permeate the peas and rice.
• Tender Peas and Greens: The gentle heat of the slow cooker ensures that the black-eyed peas become perfectly tender without turning mushy, and the greens wilt down to a silky, flavorful consistency.
• Nutrient Retention: Slow cooking helps to retain more nutrients compared to high-heat cooking methods.
• Perfect for Meal Prepping: This recipe is ideal for meal prepping. You can make a large batch on the weekend and enjoy it throughout the week.

Ingredients You’ll Need

• 1 pound dried black-eyed peas: Rinse them thoroughly before adding them to the slow cooker. You don’t need to soak them, but you can if you prefer a slightly softer texture. Soaking can also reduce the cooking time slightly.
• 6-8 slices bacon: Thick-cut bacon adds the best flavor. You can use regular bacon or even smoked bacon for an extra layer of smokiness. Diced.
• 1 large onion: Chopped. Yellow or white onion works well.
• 2-3 cloves garlic: Minced. Garlic is crucial for adding depth of flavor.
• 1 red bell pepper: Chopped. Adds sweetness and color. You can substitute with other colors of bell pepper if you prefer.
• 4 cups chicken broth: Low-sodium chicken broth is recommended so you can control the salt level. You can also use vegetable broth for a vegetarian option.
• 1 cup long-grain rice: Long-grain rice holds its shape well during slow cooking. Avoid using short-grain rice, as it can become mushy. Basmati or jasmine rice can also be used.
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme: Adds a classic Southern flavor.
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika: Enhances the smoky flavor.
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper: (Optional) Adds a touch of heat. Adjust to your preference.
• Salt and pepper: To taste. Be mindful of the salt content in the bacon and broth.
• 1 pound collard greens, kale, or turnip greens: Chopped. Collard greens are the most traditional choice, but kale or turnip greens also work well. Remove the tough stems before chopping the greens.
• 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar: Adds a brightness that balances the richness of the dish. (Optional)
• Hot sauce: For serving (Optional). A dash of hot sauce adds a fiery kick.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these simple steps to create a delicious and satisfying Hoppin’ John with Greens in your slow cooker:

1. Prepare the Ingredients: Rinse the black-eyed peas thoroughly under cold water. Chop the bacon, onion, bell pepper, and greens. Mince the garlic.
2. Layer the Ingredients: In a 6-quart or larger slow cooker, layer the ingredients in the following order: black-eyed peas, bacon, onion, garlic, bell pepper, chicken broth, rice, thyme, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper (if using).
3. Season: Season with salt and pepper to taste. Remember to be mindful of the salt content of the bacon and broth.
4. Cook: Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours. The cooking time may vary depending on your slow cooker. The black-eyed peas should be tender and the rice should be cooked through.
5. Add the Greens: During the last hour of cooking, stir in the chopped greens. This will allow them to wilt down and become tender without becoming overly mushy.
6. Finish and Serve: Once the greens are tender, stir in the apple cider vinegar (if using). Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed. Serve hot, with a dash of hot sauce if desired.

Tips and Variations

• Soaking the Peas: While not required, soaking the black-eyed peas for several hours or overnight can reduce the cooking time and make them slightly softer. If you soak them, reduce the amount of chicken broth by about 1 cup.
• Using Ham: For an even smokier flavor, you can substitute some of the bacon with diced ham. Ham hocks can also be added during the cooking process for extra flavor, but be sure to remove them before serving.
• Vegetarian Option: To make this recipe vegetarian, omit the bacon and use vegetable broth. You can add a teaspoon of liquid smoke to enhance the smoky flavor.
• Spicy Kick: For a spicier dish, add more cayenne pepper or a pinch of red pepper flakes. You can also add a chopped jalapeño pepper along with the onion and bell pepper.
• Adding Other Vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables to the slow cooker, such as carrots, celery, or diced tomatoes.
• Thickening the Dish: If the dish is too watery, you can thicken it by stirring in a tablespoon of cornstarch mixed with a tablespoon of cold water during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
• Make it Ahead: This dish can be made ahead of time and reheated. The flavors will actually improve overnight!

Serving Suggestions

Hoppin’ John with Greens is a complete meal in itself, but it can also be served as a side dish. Here are some serving suggestions:

• Cornbread: A classic Southern pairing! Serve with a slice of warm cornbread for a truly comforting meal.
• Coleslaw: The creamy coolness of coleslaw provides a nice contrast to the richness of the Hoppin’ John.
• Fried Chicken: Another Southern favorite that complements the flavors of Hoppin’ John.
• Grilled Sausage: Add some grilled sausage for extra protein and flavor.
• Salad: A simple green salad provides a light and refreshing side dish.

Nutritional Information (Approximate, per serving)

Note: This is an approximation and can vary depending on the specific ingredients and portion sizes used.

• Calories: 350-450
• Protein: 20-25g
• Fat: 15-20g
• Carbohydrates: 40-50g
• Fiber: 10-15g

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Hoppin’ John with Greens can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. It can also be frozen for up to 2-3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

Reheating Instructions

Stovetop: Reheat in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through.

Microwave: Reheat in the microwave on medium power, stirring occasionally, until heated through.

Slow Cooker: You can also reheat it in the slow cooker on low heat for 1-2 hours.

Enjoy!

This Hoppin’ John with Greens slow cooker recipe is a delicious and easy way to enjoy a traditional Southern dish. With its hearty flavors, nutritional benefits, and minimal effort required, it’s sure to become a family favorite. So, gather your ingredients, fire up your slow cooker, and get ready to enjoy a bowl of good luck and deliciousness!

More Southern-Inspired Recipes to Try

• Slow Cooker Pulled Pork
• Classic Southern Cornbread
• Shrimp and Grits
• Collard Greens with Smoked Turkey
• Pecan Pie

Recipe Card

Hoppin’ John with Greens Slow Cooker Recipe

Prep time: 15 minutes

Cook time: 6-8 hours on low, 3-4 hours on high

Serves: 6-8

Ingredients:

• 1 pound dried black-eyed peas, rinsed
• 6-8 slices bacon, diced
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 2-3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 red bell pepper, chopped
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup long-grain rice
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 pound collard greens, kale, or turnip greens, chopped
• 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar (optional)
• Hot sauce for serving (optional)

Instructions:

1. In a 6-quart or larger slow cooker, layer the ingredients in the following order: black-eyed peas, bacon, onion, garlic, bell pepper, chicken broth, rice, thyme, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper (if using).
2. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
3. Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours.
4. During the last hour of cooking, stir in the chopped greens.
5. Once the greens are tender, stir in the apple cider vinegar (if using).
6. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed.
7. Serve hot, with a dash of hot sauce if desired.

Notes:

• Soaking the peas overnight can reduce cooking time.
• Substitute some bacon with diced ham for extra flavor.
• For a vegetarian option, omit the bacon and use vegetable broth.