Vegan Hoppin' John

Hoppin’ John is a southern dish that’s supposed to bring good fortune to the new year. It’s traditionally made with black eyed peas, greens such as collards or kale and some sort of pork or bacon. The black eyed peas are symbolic of coins, and since the greens are the color of money they’re supposed to add extra wealth. Here’s a healthy, all veggie version to help bring a little extra good luck to your new year!

-serves 4

INGREDIENTS:

  • 1/2 cup vegetable broth or stock

  • 1/4 cup raw apple cider vinegar

  • 2 tbsp agave nectar

  • 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper

  • 1/2 tsp smoked paprika

  • 1/2 tsp dried oregano

  • 1/2 tsp dried thyme

  • 1/2 tsp dried basil

  • 1/2 tsp sea salt

  • 1 tsp extra virgin olive oil

  • 1 medium onion, diced

  • 3 stalks celery, chopped

  • 2 cloves garlic, minced

  • 1 large bunch collard greens, chopped (about 8 cups)

  • 14 ounce can fire-roasted diced tomatoes or 1 ½ cups fresh diced tomatoes

  • 15 ounce can black-eyed peas drained and rinsed (or 1 ¾ cups cooked beans)

  • 2 cups cooked brown rice for serving

  • Salt and pepper to taste

  • Hot sauce for serving, optional

INSTRUCTIONs:

  • In a small bowl, mix together the broth, vinegar, agave nectar, cayenne pepper, paprika, oregano, thyme, basil, and salt.

  • Heat the 1 oil in large pan over medium heat. Add the onion, celery, garlic and cook for about 8 minutes, or until soft and fragrant.

  • Add the collard greens, and broth/herb mixture and cover the pan. Cook for about 10 minutes, or until greens are tender.

  • Stir in the beans and tomatoes and cooked until heated throughout, another 2 or 3 minutes. Season with extra salt and pepper to taste.

  • Serve over brown rice and top with hot sauce, if using.

If you don’t require this recipe to be vegan, feel free to add your favorite meat. Here are a few popular combinations:

  • Hoppin’ John with Sausage. Add some sliced andouille sausage to the pan with the vegetables for a Cajun Hoppin’ John recipe spin.

  • Hoppin’ John with Bacon. Fry up some chopped bacon, then remove to a plate. Saute the vegetables in a few teaspoons of the reserved fat. Then return the bacon to the recipe just before serving.

  • Hoppin’ John with Ham. Have any leftover holiday ham? Stir in a cup of chopped ham to the recipe, along with the black-eyed peas.

Peggy Van Cleef