Description
This delicious Hoppin John with Sausage recipe combines smoky sausages, tender black-eyed peas, and flavorful vegetables slow-cooked to perfection for a hearty and comforting dish. Traditionally served for prosperity, this Southern classic is enriched with Cajun seasonings and served with fluffy boil-in-bag rice, making it both convenient and full of bold, satisfying flavors.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1 pound Smoked Sausages (can substitute smoked turkey sausage or ham hock)
- 2 cups Black-Eyed Peas (canned or dried and soaked overnight)
- 1 can Diced Tomatoes and Green Chilies (cherry tomatoes for milder taste)
- 4 cups Beef Broth (or chicken broth as alternative)
- 1 medium White Onion (or shallots)
- 1 medium Green Bell Pepper (celery can be added for deeper Cajun flavor)
- 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder (fresh garlic optional)
- 1 teaspoon Ground Black Pepper (adjust to taste)
- 2 tablespoons Cajun Seasoning (Creole seasoning can be used)
- 1 package Boil-in-Bag Rice (quick-cooking rice preferred)
Instructions
- Gather Ingredients: Collect all ingredients including smoked sausages, black-eyed peas, diced tomatoes with green chilies, broth, onion, bell pepper, and seasonings, preparing them for the cooking process.
- Brown the Sausage: Heat a non-stick skillet over medium-high heat and brown the sliced smoked sausages for 5-7 minutes until caramelized. This step develops deep flavors. Transfer the browned sausage to the Crockpot or slow cooker.
- Combine Ingredients: Add the black-eyed peas, diced tomatoes with green chilies, beef broth, chopped white onion, diced green bell pepper, garlic powder, ground black pepper, and Cajun seasoning into the slow cooker. Stir thoroughly to mix all components evenly.
- Cook Low and Slow: Cover the slow cooker and cook the mixture on Low heat setting for approximately 6 hours. This slow cooking tenderizes the peas and allows flavors to meld beautifully.
- Add Rice: After 6 hours, stir in the uncooked boil-in-bag rice. Cover the slow cooker again, switch the heat setting to High, and cook for an additional 20 minutes or until the rice is tender and fully cooked.
Notes
- For an authentic smoky flavor, consider using ham hock instead of sausage.
- If using dried black-eyed peas, soak them overnight to reduce cooking time and improve texture.
- Fresh garlic can be substituted for garlic powder for a stronger aroma and taste.
- Adjust the Cajun seasoning quantity to suit your preferred spice level.
- Boil-in-bag rice is recommended for convenience, but any quick-cooking rice will work.
