Theories abound as to the origins of the Southern dish, Hoppin’ John. I’m no historian, so I won’t delve too far into it, but here’s what I know:
In fact, this version breaks tradition in a couple of ways. I mean, as we’ve discussed, it’s vegan, so that makes it pretty clear that it’s not your typical Hoppin’ John. It’s also cooked in the Instant Pot, which I’m pretty sure – I mean, I’m no historian – was not something that was available in the 1800s.
So what is this Instant Pot Vegan Hoppin’ John all about?
Deliciousness! I promise. And trust me, I’ve tried whipping up a few different vegetarian Hoppin’ John recipes over the years, and none hit the spot. Until last New Years’ Day, when my family really thought that this version nailed it. And so, this New Year’s, I’m sharing it with you!
This Hoppin’ John is hearty, savory, and a little smoky, with the teensiest touch of heat.
It’s truly a meal-in-one, with veggies, black-eyed peas, and rice. And it all cooks up in the Instant Pot. Boom! Or something like that. I’m not really a “boom” person but it felt right to say right there.
Moving on.
So, first, you cook up your black-eyed peas. Please start from dried and don’t even consider canned! Canned ones, in my opinion, don’t hold a candle to dried – and it’s not too much extra work to cook up the black-eyed peas in the Instant Pot. Plus, it’s an opportunity to infuse so much flavor into those bad boys! Cook up those beans with smoked paprika, onion, garlic, bay leaves, and a strip of kombu. Kombu, in case you were wondering, is dried seaweed that supposedly helps reduce the, er, gassier properties in legumes. But I add it for the nice hit of umami flavor it contributes.
The, you drain the peas, reserving a bit of the cooking liquid. Wipe out your Instant Pot and saute some veggies. Add the black-eyed peas, some rice, and broth. Set your Instant Pot at 15 minutes and go work on your list of resolutions.
And then just scoop into bowls, garnish liberally with scallions and parsley, and there you go!
Folks often serve Hoppin’ John with collard greens and maybe even some cornbread. I support both of these ideas.
Happy New Year!