Hoppin John Vegetarian

Savor the comforting flavors of the South with this Vegetarian Hoppin’ John, a plant-based twist on a beloved classic. Packed with hearty black-eyed peas, tender long-grain white rice, and a vibrant blend of sautéed veggies—onion, green bell pepper, and celery—this dish is brimming with wholesome goodness. Seasoned with smoky paprika, dried thyme, and a hint of cayenne for optional heat, it's simmered to perfection in vegetable broth for rich, savory depth. Ready in just 50 minutes, this one-pot recipe is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a comforting New Year’s tradition. Garnish with fresh parsley and green onions for a pop of bright flavor, then serve it up as a satisfying main course or a flavorful side to your favorite Southern-inspired feast. A budget-friendly, vegan-friendly recipe that’s as nourishing as it is delicious!

Nutriscore Rating: 85/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:35 mins

Total Time:50 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

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

Directions

Step 1

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

Step 2

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

Step 3

Add the minced garlic, dried thyme, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper (if using), and the bay leaf. Stir and cook for 1 minute until the spices are fragrant.

Step 4

Pour in the vegetable broth and add the black-eyed peas. Stir to combine.

Step 5

Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then stir in the uncooked rice.

Step 6

Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until the rice is cooked and tender. Check occasionally to ensure the rice doesn't stick to the bottom of the pot, and add a little more broth or water if needed.

Step 7

Once the rice is cooked, remove the pot from heat and discard the bay leaf.

Step 8

Season with salt and ground black pepper to taste, stirring gently to combine.

Step 9

Serve hot, garnished with sliced green onions and chopped fresh parsley.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	2247.6 grams (2247.6g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2281

Total Fat 41.60g	53%
Saturated Fat 7.30g	37%
Polyunsaturated Fat 5.50g
Cholesterol 0mg	0%
Sodium 4724mg	205%
Total Carbohydrate 396.70g	144%
Dietary Fiber 69.60g	249%
Total Sugars 48.00g
Protein 89.10g	178%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 623mg	48%
Iron 26mg	143%
Potassium 4718mg	100%

*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: 16.2%

Protein: 15.4%

Carbs: 68.5%