Vegetarian Hoppin John

Celebrate Southern comfort food with a plant-based twist by trying our Vegetarian Hoppin’ John recipe! This hearty, one-pot dish combines tender black-eyed peas, aromatic vegetables, perfectly seasoned rice, and a medley of bold spices like smoked paprika and thyme for a flavorful feast that’s both nutritious and satisfying. Ready in just 50 minutes, this vegan-friendly version of the traditional New Year’s classic is packed with wholesome ingredients and is simmered in rich vegetable broth for a depth of flavor you’ll love. Serve it warm with fresh parsley, green onions, or a splash of hot sauce for a customizable, crowd-pleasing meal that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or a festive gathering. Whether you’re embracing the tradition of good luck or simply savoring its irresistible taste, this Vegetarian Hoppin’ John recipe is a must-try!

Nutriscore Rating: 82/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:35 mins

Total Time:50 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons Olive oil
• 1 large Yellow onion, diced
• 2 Celery stalks, diced
• 1 medium Green bell pepper, diced
• 4 Garlic cloves, minced
• 1 teaspoon Dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon Smoked paprika
• 0.25 teaspoon Cayenne pepper (optional)
• 1 Bay leaf
• 4 cups Vegetable broth
• 2 cups Cooked black-eyed peas (drained and rinsed if using canned)
• 1 cup Parboiled or long-grain white rice, rinsed
• 1 teaspoon Salt
• 0.5 teaspoon Black pepper
• 2 tablespoons Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
• 2 Green onions, sliced (optional, for garnish)
• 0 Hot sauce (optional, for serving)

Directions

Step 1

Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat.

Step 2

Add the diced onion, celery, and green bell pepper. Sauté for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until vegetables are softened.

Step 3

Stir in the minced garlic, dried thyme, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper (if using), and bay leaf. Cook for 1-2 minutes, until fragrant.

Step 4

Pour in the vegetable broth and bring to a boil.

Step 5

Add the black-eyed peas, rice, salt, and black pepper. Stir well to combine.

Step 6

Lower the heat to a simmer, cover the pot, and cook for 20-25 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.

Step 7

Remove the bay leaf and fluff the mixture with a fork.

Step 8

Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt or pepper, if needed.

Step 9

Serve hot, garnished with chopped parsley and green onions if desired. Add a drizzle of hot sauce for extra kick.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(2158.4g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1552.8

Total Fat 40.0g	0%
Saturated Fat 7.0g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 5.5g
Cholesterol 0mg	0%
Sodium 4930.2mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 245.3g	0%
Dietary Fiber 53.3g	0%
Total Sugars 43.3g
Protein 62.4g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 537.9mg	0%
Iron 20.9mg	0%
Potassium 4254.7mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 22.6%

Protein: 15.7%

Carbs: 61.7%