Best Vegan Hoppin John Recipe for a Delicious Meal

Hoppin’ John is a beloved Southern classic, traditionally made with black-eyed peas, rice, and smoky pork. But for those embracing a plant-based lifestyle, this best vegan hoppin’ john recipe delivers all the soul-satisfying flavors without any animal products.

This dish is hearty, nutritious, and packed with vibrant spices that make it perfect for New Year’s Day or any day you crave comforting Southern fare. The combination of black-eyed peas and long-grain rice creates a perfect balance of texture, while the smoky, savory notes come from liquid smoke and a medley of fresh vegetables.

Whether you’re a vegan veteran or just dipping your toes into plant-based cooking, this recipe is sure to become a staple in your kitchen.

Ready to spice up your dinner table with a wholesome, flavorful, and easy-to-make dish? Let’s dive into why this vegan hoppin’ john recipe stands out and how you can make it your own!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This vegan hoppin’ john recipe is all about flavor, simplicity, and nutrition. It’s a one-pot wonder that’s perfect for busy weeknights or meal prep.

Using easily accessible ingredients, it offers the heartiness you expect from a traditional hoppin’ john but without the meat.

Rich, smoky flavor without any animal products comes from a clever use of liquid smoke and smoked paprika. The black-eyed peas offer a creamy texture and a great source of plant protein and fiber, making this dish both filling and nourishing.

Plus, the recipe is versatile—customize it with your favorite veggies or spices to suit your palate.

If you enjoy other plant-based dishes or want to explore more vegan soul food, check out these recipes: Jamaican Minced Beef Recipes, Julie Marie Eats Recipes, and Leche De Pantera Recipe.

Ingredients

• 1 cup dried black-eyed peas (or 2 cups canned, drained and rinsed)
• 1 cup long-grain white rice
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 green bell pepper, diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 4 cups vegetable broth
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon liquid smoke
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
• 1 bay leaf
• Optional: 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper for heat
• 2 green onions, thinly sliced for garnish
• Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish

Equipment

• Large pot or Dutch oven with lid
• Fine mesh sieve (if using dried peas)
• Cutting board and sharp knife
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Wooden spoon or spatula for stirring
• Colander (for rinsing peas and rice)
• Serving bowls

Instructions

1. Prep the black-eyed peas: If using dried black-eyed peas, rinse them well and soak overnight or for at least 6 hours. Drain and rinse before cooking. If using canned, simply drain and rinse.
2. Sauté the aromatics: In your large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, garlic, celery, and bell pepper. Cook, stirring frequently, until the vegetables are soft and fragrant, about 5-7 minutes.
3. Add spices and liquid smoke: Stir in the smoked paprika, dried thyme, black pepper, cayenne (if using), and liquid smoke. Cook for another 1-2 minutes to toast the spices and blend the flavors.
4. Add black-eyed peas and broth: Pour in the vegetable broth and add the bay leaf. Add the drained black-eyed peas. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and cover. Simmer for about 45 minutes if using dried peas, or 20 minutes if using canned, until peas are tender.
5. Add rice: Once peas are tender, stir in the rinsed rice. Cover and simmer gently for an additional 20 minutes, or until rice is cooked and all liquid is absorbed. Avoid lifting the lid too often to keep the steam inside.
6. Adjust seasoning: Remove the bay leaf. Taste and add salt and pepper as needed. If the mixture is too thick, add a splash of vegetable broth or water and stir gently.
7. Serve and garnish: Spoon the hoppin’ john into bowls and garnish with sliced green onions and fresh parsley for a burst of color and freshness.

Tips & Variations

For an extra smoky depth, try adding a smoked vegan sausage or smoked tofu cubes to the pot during the sauté step.

Want to make this hoppin’ john even more special? Here are some ideas:

• Use brown rice for a nuttier flavor and extra fiber. Just adjust cooking times accordingly (brown rice takes longer).
• Add a handful of chopped tomatoes or a splash of tomato juice for a tangy twist.
• Mix in kale or collard greens during the last 10 minutes of cooking for added nutrition and color.
• Try swapping vegetable broth for mushroom broth for a deeper umami flavor.
• Serve with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice to brighten the dish.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Suggestions

Hoppin’ John is incredibly versatile and pairs beautifully with a variety of sides. Consider serving it alongside some Magic Dough Recipe biscuits for a Southern-inspired feast.

A crisp green salad like the Kosher Sushi Salad Recipe provides a refreshing contrast.

If you’re hosting a larger meal, add some smoky vegan ribs or baked beans for an extra touch of comfort food delight. For a lighter meal, enjoy your hoppin’ john with steamed greens or roasted vegetables.

Conclusion

This vegan hoppin’ john recipe is a delightful way to enjoy a Southern classic without compromising your plant-based lifestyle. It’s rich, hearty, and full of layers of flavor, thanks to the smoky seasonings and fresh vegetables.

Whether you’re making it for New Year’s Day tradition or simply craving a comforting meal, this dish will hit all the right notes.

With straightforward ingredients and easy steps, even novice cooks can master this recipe. Plus, it’s adaptable—perfect for those who like to experiment with their meals.

Don’t forget to explore more delicious vegan recipes like our Jamaican Minced Beef Recipes or the decadent Leche De Pantera Recipe. Happy cooking and enjoy your hoppin’ john journey!

{“@context”: “https://schema.org/”, “@type”: “Recipe”, “name”: “Best Vegan Hoppin John Recipe”, “image”: [], “author”: {“@type”: “Organization”, “name”: “GluttonLv”}, “description”: “A hearty and flavorful vegan version of the classic Southern dish featuring black-eyed peas, rice, and smoky spices. Perfect for a comforting meal full of protein and fiber.”, “prepTime”: “PT15M”, “cookTime”: “PT45M”, “totalTime”: “PT60M”, “recipeYield”: “4 servings”, “recipeIngredient”: [“1 cup dried black-eyed peas, soaked overnight”, “1 cup long-grain brown rice”, “1 tablespoon olive oil”, “1 small onion, diced”, “1 celery stalk, diced”, “1 green bell pepper, diced”, “3 cloves garlic, minced”, “1 teaspoon smoked paprika”, “1/2 teaspoon dried thyme”, “2 cups vegetable broth”, “1 bay leaf”, “Salt and black pepper to taste”, “2 green onions, sliced (for garnish)”], “recipeInstructions”: [{“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Drain and rinse soaked black-eyed peas.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Heat olive oil in a pot over medium heat.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Saut\u00e9 onion, celery, and bell pepper until softened.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Add garlic, smoked paprika, and thyme; cook 1 minute.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Add black-eyed peas, vegetable broth, bay leaf, salt, and pepper.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Bring to a boil, then simmer covered for 30 minutes.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Add rice, stir, cover, and cook another 20 minutes until rice is tender.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Remove bay leaf, fluff with a fork, and garnish with green onions before serving.”}], “nutrition”: {“calories”: “350 kcal”, “proteinContent”: “15 g”, “fatContent”: “5 g”, “carbohydrateContent”: “60 g”}}