Hoppin’ John with a Twist: A Vegetarian Delight by Michael Alberts
Our Slow Food Portland board chair, Michael Alberts, recently showcased his culinary creativity at the "How Have You Bean" event hosted at Wellspent Market on December 1st. For those who relished the dish and for our community eager to recreate it at home, here's the vegetarian version of a Southern classic—Hoppin' John.
This is a southern dish traditionally served on New Year’s Day over rice using black-eyed peas. If Butterscotch beans are available they are a great substitute, otherwise navy or cannellini beans will work great. The best version uses dried beans soaked overnight, but canned will do.
Ingredients (Adjust to taste—it's all about intuition in the kitchen!):
Red Pepper: 1, diced
Green Pepper: 1, diced
Carrots: 3, diced
Celery: 3 ribs, diced
Garlic: 3 cloves, minced
Olive Oil: 3-4 tablespoons
Fire-roasted Tomatoes: 1 28oz can, with juices
Kale: 1 bunch, Lacinato preferred, cut into small pieces
White Beans: 2 cups dry (Butterscotch, cannellini, navy, or black-eyed peas) or 3 cans cooked
Smoked Paprika: 2 tablespoons (or more, to taste)
Mild Chili Powder: 1 tablespoon (or more, to taste)
Cayenne Pepper: ½ teaspoon (or more, to taste)
Salt: to taste
Preparation:
Soak the Beans: If using dry beans, soak them overnight. Boil them gently in salted water the next day until soft but not mushy, which can take 1-2 hours depending on the bean type. Drain and set aside.
Sauté the Vegetables: In a large Dutch oven or pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced peppers, carrots, celery, and minced garlic. Sauté until they begin to brown, about 10 minutes.
Wilt the Kale: Stir in the kale and let it wilt alongside the vegetables.
Season: Add smoked paprika, chili powder, cayenne pepper, and a teaspoon of salt. Mix well to combine all the flavors.
Combine and Simmer: Add the fire-roasted tomatoes and the pre-cooked beans to the pot. Stir gently to avoid breaking the beans. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and continue cooking on low heat for another 30 minutes. Adjust seasonings and add water if the mixture gets too dry.
Rest and Serve: Remove from heat and let the Hoppin' John sit to develop deeper flavors. Reheat when ready to serve.
This Hoppin’ John recipe not only warms the belly but also the heart, embodying the spirit of community and the joy of sharing good food. Perfect for a cozy dinner or as a promising start to a new year, this dish is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
Photo from How Have You Bean by Cody Onthank