Slow Cooker Hoppin’ John – Experience the enchantment of Slow Cooker Hoppin’ John, a comforting dish that’s sure to delight your taste buds. This recipe combines the flavors of smoked sausage, black-eyed peas and fragrant vegetables to create a symphony of tastes that truly captures the essence of Southern cuisine. With the added convenience of a slow cooker this dish guarantees a stress-free cooking adventure.
I still remember the time I attempted this recipe captivated by its history and the promise of bold flavors. The anticipation grew as the ingredients simmered slowly in the slow cooker filling my kitchen with an aroma. It was love, at first bite! The smoky sausage, black-eyed peas and perfectly cooked rice blended together harmoniously to create an explosion of flavors that left everyone craving for more. Even my husband, who is quite discerning when it comes to new dishes and my little one couldn’t resist the allure of this Hoppin’ John. Since then it has become a recipe in our family and a feature, on our dinner table.
What makes this Slow Cooker Hoppin’ John truly exceptional?
What makes this Slow Cooker Hoppin’ John truly exceptional is its simplicity coupled with its depth of flavor. With a minimal preparation and the convenience of a slow cooker you can whip up a meal that has all the deliciousness of one that’s been cooking for hours. It’s an option, for families on the go guaranteeing a comforting and satisfying dinner awaits at day’s end. The combination of Cajun spices adds a burst of flavor making it a favorite, among those who appreciate some spice in their food.
What You Need To Make This Slow Cooker Hoppin’ John Recipe?
Smoked Sausage: For the smoked sausage it’s best to choose a high-quality one to make sure the dish is bursting with flavor. The smoky and savory flavors of the sausage will infuse into the dish giving it an irresistible taste.
Black-Eyed Peas: Using canned black-eyed peas can save you time and they add a delightful creaminess, to the dish. Make sure not to drain them so that you can utilize their liquid, which will enhance the taste of the Hoppin’ John.
Diced Tomatoes and Green Chiles: To bring a zesty and mildly spicy kick to the dish go for tomatoes and green chiles. Every bite will awaken your palate with its flavors. The juices from the can also contribute flavor and moisture creating a sauce that coats all of the ingredients.
Beef Broth: When it comes to beef broth choosing a good quality one is crucial. It acts as the base for this dish bringing all of the flavors together while adding a depth that complements other ingredients perfectly.
Finely Chopped Onion: For chopped onion its natural sweetness helps balance out any heat, from Cajun spices. Its fine chop ensures that it blends seamlessly into the dish without overpowering its texture providing an added layer of flavor.
Chopped Green Bell Pepper: Lastly don’t forget about chopped green bell pepper. The bell pepper adds a texture and a fresh plant-based sweetness that balances out the rich and spicy elements in this dish.
Cajun/Creole Seasoning: This combination of spices is what gives the dish its heart bringing in a peppery kick, along with a complexity that sets Slow Cooker Hoppin’ John apart. You can adjust the amount to match your level of spiciness.
Garlic Powder: Adding garlic powder brings an aromatic warmth that complements the spices and adds an extra layer of flavor without requiring fresh garlic.
Black Pepper: Ground black pepper brings heat and a strong aroma that enhances the spiciness of the dish.
Boil-in-Bag Rice: This type of rice is incredibly convenient as it cooks quickly while ensuring perfect texture. It soaks up all the broth becoming tender and delicious as it becomes a part of Hoppin’ John.
Steps To Make Slow Cooker Hoppin’ John:
Step 1: Start by cooking the sliced smoked sausage in a skillet, over medium heat until it turns brown, which usually takes about 5 minutes. However, if you’re short, on time you can skip this step without compromising the deliciousness of the dish.
Step 2: Next, transfer the sausage into your slow cooker.
Step 3: Into the slow cooker add the black-eyed peas, diced tomatoes and green chiles, beef broth, finely chopped onion, chopped green bell pepper, Cajun seasoning, garlic powder and black pepper.
Step 4: Give everything a mix, cover it with the lid of your slow cooker and set it to LOW. Let it work its magic for 6 hours.
Step 5: Once 6 hours have passed, introduce the rice into the mixture. Stir well to combine all ingredients. Cover again. Switch your cooker to HIGH.
Step 6: Allow it to cook for 20 minutes or until the rice becomes tender and absorbs all those flavors.
Step 7: Give everything one stir before serving. There you have it! Your Slow Cooker Hoppin’ John is now ready to be enjoyed.
Tip:
For an instant lift of freshness, sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over your Slow Cooker Hoppin’ John just before serving. This simple touch adds a burst of color and a subtle herby flavor, enhancing the overall taste and presentation of your dish.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I use fresh black-eyed peas instead of canned?
Of course! Just make sure to cook them before adding them to the slow cooker.
Can I make this dish spicier?
Absolutely! Feel free to adjust the amount of Cajun/Creole seasoning according to your level of heat.
Is it possible to prepare this dish in advance?
Definitely! Slow Cooker Hoppin’ John reheats wonderfully. Simply store it in an airtight container, in the refrigerator. Warm it up on the stove or, in the microwave when you’re ready to serve.
Slow Cooker Hoppin’ John
- Total Time: 6 hours 25 minutes
- Yield: 8 people 1x
Description
Immerse yourself in the comforting hug of Slow Cooker Hoppin’ John, a dish that goes beyond the ordinary with its blend of flavors and easy preparation. Imagine slices of savory sausage mingling with earthy black-eyed peas all immersed in a flavorful broth infused with Cajun spices, garlic and a touch of black pepper. The tender bites of green bell pepper and onion bring a touch of sweetness and crispness creating a balance that dances on your taste buds. As the rice soaks up all these flavors transforming into grains of pure comfort this dish becomes a tribute, to Southern cuisine that invites you to relish each mouthful with delight and satisfaction. Whether it’s for busy days or special get-togethers this Slow Cooker Hoppin’ John is more, than a meal; it’s an unforgettable experience that embraces you warmly and leaves behind a lingering feeling of contentment.
Ingredients
1 pound smoked sausage, sliced
4 15-ounce cans black-eyed peas, undrained
2 10-ounce cans diced tomatoes and green chiles, undrained
3 cups beef broth
1 cup finely chopped onion
¾ cup chopped green bell pepper
2 teaspoons Cajun/Creole seasoning
½ teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon black pepper
1 family-size package boil-in-bag rice, uncooked (about 1–½ cups uncooked)
Instructions
Heat the smoked sausage slices in a skillet, over medium heat for approximately 5 minutes until they turn a nice brown color.
Transfer the sausage to your slow cooker. Add the peas (without draining), diced tomatoes and green chiles (also without draining), beef broth, chopped onion, chopped green bell pepper, Cajun/Creole seasoning, garlic powder and black pepper. Mix everything together.
Cover the cooker with its lid. Set it to cook on LOW for 6 hours.
After 6 hours add the rice from the boil-in-bag package. Stir it in. Cover the slow cooker again.
Increase the cooker setting to HIGH. Let it cook for another 20 minutes or until the rice is fully cooked and tender.
Give everything a stir before serving your delicious Hoppin’ John hot! Enjoy!
Notes
Transforming this comforting Slow Cooker Hoppin’ John into a gluten-free delight is as simple as a few thoughtful ingredient swaps. First, ensure your smoked sausage is labeled gluten-free, as some varieties may contain gluten fillers. Next, swap out the regular beef broth for a certified gluten-free version to ensure no cross-contamination. Lastly, when it comes to the boil-in-bag rice, opt for a gluten-free labeled brand, or better yet, use your favorite type of gluten-free rice, adjusting the cooking time as needed. With these easy modifications, you can savor the rich, savory flavors of this Southern classic with confidence, knowing it suits your gluten-free lifestyle beautifully.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours 20 minutes
My name is Natasha and I am the owner of nodashofgluten.com, a blog dedicated to all kinds of recipes. On my website, you can find classic dishes, vegetarian delights, creative snacks, Gluten-free recipes, and desserts – all proving that cooking isn’t as hard as it seems! With easy-to-follow instructions and tips on how to make your meals even better, I strive to help everyone become master chefs in their own kitchen. Come join me at nodashofgluten.com for some delicious fun!
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