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Savory Hoppin’ John Rice with Sausage and Collard Greens

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This easy Southern comfort meal combines smoky sausage, tender collard greens, black-eyed peas, and fluffy rice for a hearty, flavorful dish. Perfect for weeknight dinners, potlucks, or family gatherings, it’s a nostalgic classic with a modern twist.

Ingredients

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  • 1 cup long-grain white rice (uncooked, rinsed; jasmine or basmati optional)
  • 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth (or vegetable broth for vegetarian)
  • 1 bunch collard greens (about 6–8 large leaves, stems removed, chopped; kale or Swiss chard can substitute)
  • 1 medium yellow onion, finely diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 8 oz smoked sausage (Andouille or kielbasa, sliced into rounds; plant-based sausage for vegetarian)
  • 1 can (15 oz) black-eyed peas, drained and rinsed
  • 1/2 tsp kosher salt (or to taste)
  • 1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper
  • 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
  • 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
  • 1/2 tsp hot sauce (optional, for serving)
  • 2 tbsp olive oil (or butter, for sautéing)
  • Chopped fresh parsley (optional garnish)
  • Sliced green onions (optional garnish)

Instructions

  1. Rinse rice under cold water until water runs clear.
  2. Combine rice and chicken broth in a medium saucepan. Bring to a boil over medium heat, reduce to low, cover, and simmer for 15-18 minutes until tender and liquid is absorbed. Fluff with a fork and set aside.
  3. Heat olive oil (or butter) in a large skillet over medium heat.
  4. Add sliced sausage and cook 4-5 minutes until browned.
  5. Add diced onion and cook 3 minutes until translucent.
  6. Stir in minced garlic and cook another 30 seconds.
  7. Add chopped collard greens to skillet, toss with sausage and onions, and cook 5-6 minutes until wilted and tender. Add a splash of broth if pan is dry.
  8. Sprinkle in salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, and cayenne (if using).
  9. Add black-eyed peas and stir gently to combine.
  10. Drizzle in apple cider vinegar and cook 2-3 more minutes.
  11. Pour cooked rice into skillet and stir until evenly distributed. Turn off heat and let rest 2 minutes.
  12. Sprinkle with parsley or green onions and add hot sauce if desired.
  13. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
  14. Serve hot in bowls.

Notes

Rinse rice well for fluffier grains. Remove tough stems from collard greens. Taste and adjust seasoning at the end. For vegetarian, use plant-based sausage and vegetable broth. Leftovers are even more flavorful the next day and freeze well for up to 2 months.

Nutrition

Keywords: Hoppin John, Southern rice, sausage, collard greens, comfort food, black-eyed peas, easy dinner, gluten-free, meal prep, family recipe

Find it online: https://chrisfeasts.com/savory-hoppin-john-rice-recipe-with-sausage-and-collard-greens-easy-southern-comfort-meal/