Slow Cooker Hoppin’ John
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.
8 Servings
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.