Quick Guide to Prepare Slow Cooker Hoppin John Like a Chef

Updated
2 min read

Slow cooker hoppin john –Gather ’round, family, because today we’re diving into a delightful dish that’s perfect for gatherings, Sunday dinners, or just those days when you want something hearty and comforting. We’re talking about Slow Cooker Hoppin’ John featuring ham hocks or leftover ham. This dish is packed with flavor, tradition, and a whole lot of love!

Slow Cooker Hoppin’ John – Ham Hocks or Leftover Ham

Nothing says comfort food quite like a slow-cooked meal that fills the house with the rich aroma of smoked meat and beans. Hoppin’ John is that dish, and it’s especially great because you can use ingredients you might already have lying around.

Slow Cooker Hoppin John - Ham Hocks or Leftover Ham

Ingredients

  • 1 lb black-eyed peas (dried), soaked overnight
  • 1-2 ham hocks or 2 cups of leftover ham, diced
  • 1 large onion, diced
  • 1 green bell pepper, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 4 cups chicken broth (or enough to cover the peas)
  • 1 tsp cayenne pepper (or to taste)
  • 1 tsp black pepper
  • Salt to taste
  • 2 cups long-grain white rice
  • Sliced green onions for garnish

Instructions

  1. Start by prepping your black-eyed peas. If you haven’t soaked them overnight yet, take a moment to do so now. Soaking helps them cook more evenly and makes them easier to digest.
  2. In your slow cooker, combine the soaked peas, ham hocks (or diced leftover ham), diced onion, bell pepper, minced garlic, chicken broth, cayenne pepper, black pepper, and salt. Stir it all together to mix those flavors.
  3. Cover the slow cooker and set it on low for about 6-8 hours. If you’re in a hurry, you can set it on high for 3-4 hours, but low and slow is where the magic happens.
  4. Once the peas are tender, remove the ham hocks if used. This is your chance to shred up any meat left on the bone and mix it back into the dish, adding even more flavor.
  5. Now, in a separate pot, cook your rice according to the package instructions. Once it’s nice and fluffy, serve your hoppin’ john over the rice.
  6. Garnish with sliced green onions for that extra pop of color and flavor. Dig in and enjoy every bite of this hearty, soulful meal!

So there you have it, a delicious slow cooker hoppin’ john recipe that brings warmth and comfort to your table. Serve it up with some cornbread on the side, and you’ve got a meal that celebrates tradition and good taste. Enjoy!