Hearty Hoppin' John Stew - A Delicious, Southern-Style One-Pot Meal

This Hearty Hoppin' John Stew is a delicious, Southern-style one-pot meal that is perfect for chilly nights. Packed with a mix of smoky flavors, tender black-eyed peas, and savory vegetables, this stew is not only comforting but also incredibly nutritious. With a touch of spice and a hint of sweetness, it will satisfy your taste buds and warm your soul. This recipe is quick and easy to prepare, making it a great option for busy weeknights or lazy weekends. Serve it with crusty bread or rice for a satisfying and wholesome dinner.

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 large onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 bell pepper, diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 2 carrots, diced
• 1 jalapeño pepper, seeded and minced
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon thyme
• 1/2 teaspoon oregano
• 1 cup dried black-eyed peas, soaked overnight and drained
• 4 cups vegetable broth
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• Hot sauce (optional)
• Chopped fresh parsley for garnish

Directions

1. In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion, garlic, bell pepper, celery, carrots, and jalapeño pepper. Saute for about 5 minutes or until the vegetables are softened.
2. Stir in the smoked paprika, cumin, thyme, and oregano. Cook for an additional 2 minutes to release the flavors.
3. Add the soaked black-eyed peas, vegetable broth, bay leaf, and diced tomatoes with their juice. Bring the mixture to a boil over high heat.
4. Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and simmer for 45-60 minutes or until the black-eyed peas are tender. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
5. Season the stew with salt, black pepper, and hot sauce if desired. Adjust the seasonings to taste.
6. Remove the bay leaf from the pot and discard.
7. Serve the Hearty Hoppin' John Stew hot, garnished with chopped fresh parsley. Enjoy!

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