Vegetarian Hoppin’ John

For my veggie head friends

• Ready In: 6 hrs 30 mins
• Serves: 4-6

Ingredients

• 2  tablespoons olive oil
• 1  medium yellow onion, chopped
• 1  celery rib, chopped
• 3  garlic cloves, minced
• 1  teaspoon dried thyme
• 2 (15 1/2ounce) cans black-eyed peas, drained and rinsed
• 1 (14 1/2ounce) can tomatoes, drained and finely chopped
• 1 (4 ounce) can diced green chilies, drained
• 1  cup  vegetable stock
•  salt
•  fresh ground black pepper
• 8  ounces  vegetarian sausages, crumbled
• 3  cups  cooked long-grain brown rice (or white rice)

Directions

1. Heat 1 tablespoon oil in a skillet over medium heat; add in onion and celery; cover, and cook about 5 minutes, until softened.
2. Add in garlic and thyme, stirring to bring out their flavors.
3. Transfer mixture to a slow-cooker; add in black-eye peas, tomatoes, chiles, and stock; season to taste with salt and pepper; cover and cook on LOW for 4-6 hours.
4. About 15 minutes before serving, heat the remaining 1 tablespoon oil in a skillet over medium heat; cook sausage until browned all over; add sausage to slow cooker along with rice; stir to combine.
5. Taste and adjust seasonings.