New Year’s Black Eyed Peas Recipe

Eating black-eyed peas on New Years’ is a tradition for so many families as they say “greens for the dollars and peas for the pennies…” Smokin’ & Grillin’ wit AB on YouTube shows how to make southern-style black-eyed peas in one pot. I wasn’t aware of this tradition until recently, but I think it’s an interesting way to look at this food to represent wealth and health for the New Year. There are many other traditions that different cultures do to celebrate good luck for the New Year, but I know this is a popular southern tradition.

Ingredients:

• 16 ounces Dried Black Eyed Peas
• 4 cups Chicken Stock (less sodium)
• 4 cups Water
• 1 Leftover Ham Bone or a Ham Shank
• 1 medium Onion, diced large
• 2 Garlic Cloves, smashed and peeled
• 1 tsp Black Pepper
• 2 Bay Leafs (optional)
• 2 tsp Creole/Cajun Seasoning (I used Creole Kick)
• Salt to taste and pepper

Directions:

First, make sure to soak the dried black-eyed peas overnight for about 8 hours or you can soak them for an hour in hot boiling water if you forget. Add the chicken broth into the pot along with water and dried seasonings. Smash the garlic and add them into the pot too. Then, add the rest of the ingredients.

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Next, place the pot on the stove and let it boil with the lid on. Once it boils, lower the heat to simmer for 2-3 hours. Continue to watch Smokin’ & Grillin’ wit AB tutorial on YouTube for full instructions and details.

This is a hearty and filling dish that you can serve over rice or can eat by itself. Garnish the dish with parsley to add color. Also, you can eat it with a full meal such as collard greens and your choice of meat.