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Hoppin John Stew shared with cornbread in a bowl.
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Vegetarian Hoppin John Stew

*Advance Prep - soak the peas overnight - see notes for no soak.*
Traditionally made in celebration of the New Year, and to bring good luck, Hoppin John Stew is a favorite during the coldest months of the year. Hearty and comforting, serve with a side of cornbread to complete this filling meal. [ watch the recipe VIDEO below! ]
Course Dinner, Lunch
Cuisine American
Diet Vegan, Vegetarian
Keyword Vegan Hoppin John Stew, Vegetarian Hoppin John Stew
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 50 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Servings 6 Servings
Calories 212kcal
Author Traci York

Ingredients

  • 1 1/2 C (275g) Dry Black Eyed Peas *soaked overnight, at least 8 hours
  • 2 Tbs Vegetable Oil I use coconut or olive
  • 1 1/4 C (165g) Yellow Onion medium dice, about 1/2 a medium onion
  • 1 1/4 C (145g) Green Bell Pepper medium dice, about one medium bell
  • 3/4 C (75g) Celery medium chop, about two ribs
  • 1 tsp Smoky Paprika
  • 1/4 tsp Red Pepper Flakes or chili flakes
  • 5 C (2.7kg) Water
  • 1, 14.5 oz (411g) Can of Fire Roasted Tomatoes and all their juices
  • 1 1/2 Tbs Minced Garlic about three large cloves
  • 1 Bay Leaf
  • 2 tsp Fine Sea Salt
  • 1/2 tsp Ground Black Pepper
  • 3/4 tsp Liquid Smoke gluten free if needed
  • 1 lb (450g) Collard Greens tough stems removed, chopped into bite size pieces and thoroughly washed, about two bundles
  • 1 tsp Apple Cider Vinegar
  • Tabasco to taste
  • Chopped fresh parsley for garnish

For the Rice:

Instructions

  • *Advance Prep*  Cover the black eyed peas with enough water to cover by about 3". Let soak overnight or at least 8 hours. Drain and rinse. *See note if you forget to soak.
  • In a large stock pot or Dutch oven add the oil and heat on medium until shimmering. Add the onion, bell pepper and celery and saute on medium heat for 7-8 minutes or until softened. Sprinkle in the paprika and red pepper flakes. Stir in to coat veggies, about one minute. Add the water, tomatoes, garlic, bayleaf, salt and pepper, liquid smoke and soaked black eyed peas. Bring to a simmer then turn down heat to low, lid the pot and cook for 25-35 minutes or until peas are just tender, not mushy. 
  • Meanwhile, while the peas are cooking, cook the rice. Rinse rice under running water until the water runs clear. In a medium stockpot add the rice, water and salt. Bring to a simmer, turn heat to low and put a lid on the pot. Cook on low for 17-20 minutes, until water is absorbed and rice in tender. Remove from heat and let stand for 10 minutes with lid on. Fluff with fork. 
  • Once the peas are tenderish, stir in the chopped collards in two additions. Cook an additional 15 minutes on low, with lid on or until the collards are tender. Stir in the cooked rice, apple cider vinegar, taste for salt and add a few dashes of Tabasco. Warm through, just a few minutes.
  • Garnish with chopped parsley if desired. Serve with cornbread, and more Tabasco. Store leftovers in a covered container in the refrigerator for up to three days or in the freezer for up to two weeks. 

Video

Notes

*If you forget to soak, as I often do, simply simmer the peas for a little longer than if you soaked them, and before adding the collards. Check to make sure the peas are tender before adding the collards. 
Share this with your favorite cornbread. Have a look at my Jalapeño Cornbread or Gluten Free Cornbread!

Nutrition

Serving: 1serving | Calories: 212kcal | Carbohydrates: 35g | Protein: 8g | Fat: 6g | Saturated Fat: 4g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.4g | Monounsaturated Fat: 0.4g | Sodium: 979mg | Potassium: 454mg | Fiber: 8g | Sugar: 6g | Vitamin A: 4457IU | Vitamin C: 57mg | Calcium: 241mg | Iron: 2mg