Ingredients

1 cup dried black-eyed peas , sorted and rinsed
1 cube vegetable bouillon
1/4 cup hot water
1 onion , chopped
1 clove garlic , minced
1 smoked ham hock
2 bunches collard greens , chopped
1 tablespoon dried oregano
1 tablespoon red pepper flakes
2 cups vegetable broth
5 cups water , or as needed to cover
1 cup long-grain white rice
salt and ground black pepper to taste
Hoppin' John with Greens is a southern United States dish that has roots in African-American culture. It was traditionally eaten on New Year's Day for good luck and prosperity. The name comes from the custom of “hoppin'” around the table before sitting down to enjoy the meal. The addition of greens to this dish is a nod to the African-American tradition of eating collard greens on holidays. Nowadays, Hoppin' John with Greens is enjoyed year-round and can be customized with different vegetables, meats, and seasonings.

Instructions

1.In a small bowl, dissolve the vegetable bouillon cube in hot water.
2.In a slow cooker, combine black-eyed peas, onion, garlic, ham hock, collard greens, oregano, red pepper flakes, vegetable broth, and water.
3.Add dissolved bouillon cube, rice, salt, and black pepper. Stir everything to combine.
4.Cover the slow cooker and cook on high for 3 hours, checking after 2 hours if more water is needed. The consistency should be similar to that of a thick soup.
5.Remove the ham hock, shred the meat, and add it back to the slow cooker. Adjust the seasoning as needed.
6.Serve hot with cornbread or over rice.

PROS

Hoppin’ John with Greens is a comforting and hearty meal that can be cooked in a slow cooker with minimal effort.
It’s a great way to use up leftover ham hock or bacon.
The combination of black-eyed peas and collard greens makes it a nutrient-dense meal that is also budget-friendly.

CONS

This meal has a moderate amount of sodium due to the vegetable broth and ham hock.
It’s not suitable for a low-sodium diet, and the ham hock can make it high in saturated fat.
People who are sensitive to spicy food should reduce the amount of red pepper flakes added.

HEALTH & BENEFITS

Hoppin’ John with Greens is a source of plant-based protein and fiber from the black-eyed peas and collard greens. Collard greens are also a good source of vitamin A, C, and K, calcium, and iron. Black-eyed peas are low in fat and calories and high in folate and other micronutrients. This meal can help you meet your daily fiber needs and contribute to better gut health.

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