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Ring in the New Year with some luck and good fortune by preparing a southern tradition black-eyed peas dish. Tradition dates back to the civil war. Here, we’ll share our favorite Black Eyed Peas Recipe for New Years that are sure to bring prosperity, luck, and joy to your home in 2021.

Why Do People Eat Black Eyed Peas on New Years?

People around the world have been eating black-eyed peas on New Years Day for centuries as a symbol of luck, health and abundance. It is an ancient tradition in the Southern United States and has also been a part of Jewish New Year celebrations. Eating black-eyed peas is believed to bring luck and money, and the peas are also believed to have been brought to the South from West Africa. Eating black-eyed peas has been a tradition for many families during the New Year and is sure to bring good luck for the coming year.

What are the nutritional benefits of Black Eyed Peas?

Black-eyed peas are an incredibly nutritious and flavorful legume. They are a great source of fiber, protein, vitamins, and minerals. They have a high content of folate, which is essential for cell growth, and they are also rich in antioxidants. This makes them an excellent choice for maintaining a healthy diet. Not only are they packed with nutrients, but they are also incredibly versatile. From soups to salads, you can use them in a variety of recipes. In this section, we will discuss the nutritional benefits of black-eyed peas so that you can make an informed decision when it comes to adding them to your diet.

Gather Necessary Ingredients

With this classic Black Eyed Peas Recipe for New Years, you'll need a few ingredients to get started. Make sure you have the following on hand: 1 lb dry black-eyed peas, 1 tsp baking soda, 1 onion, Thyme leaves, garlic cloves, 8 cups cold water, salt and pepper to taste, and bacon (optional). To ensure the best flavor and texture, it's best to soak the peas overnight. This will also help to reduce the cooking time. Once the ingredients are gathered, you can begin to prepare your black-eyed peas. Make sure you also have a large bowl, large saucepan and some people also like to add salt pork or smoked turkey and bay leaf, it's really up to your individual taste.

Prepare the Black-Eyed Peas

In the previous section, we discussed the nutritional benefits of black-eyed peas and the necessary ingredients to make a delicious New Year's Day meal. Now, let's look at how to prepare them! The process for preparing black-eyed peas is fairly simple and only requires a few steps.

First, you'll need to soak the peas overnight. This helps to reduce the cooking time and ensures that the peas are tender. Once the peas are soaked, you'll need to drain them and add 1 teaspoon of baking soda. This helps to further tenderize the peas and adds a bit of flavor.

Next, you'll need to add the onion and cook until it's golden and tender. Once the onion is cooked, add thyme sprigs, garlic, and black-eyed peas along with 8 cups of cold water. Bring the mixture to a boil and then reduce the heat and simmer for 45 minutes or until the peas are tender.

Once the peas are cooked, you can season them with salt and pepper to taste. You can also garnish them with some fresh herbs, such as parsley or cilantro, for a pop of flavor. Serve the black-eyed peas with your favorite side dishes and enjoy!

How to Prepare Dried Black Eyed Peas

Black-eyed peas are a delicious and nutritious way to enjoy a traditional New Year's Day meal. Dried black-eyed peas are a great option for those who want to save time and money. Preparing dried black-eyed peas is simple and straightforward. All you need is a pot of water, salt, and some patience. To start, you'll need to soak the peas overnight. This helps to soften them and make them easier to cook. Once soaked, add 1 tsp. baking soda to the water for every pound of dried peas. This will help the beans cook faster and more evenly. Then, add the soaked peas and 8 cups of cold water to a large pot and bring to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and simmer until the peas are tender. This usually takes around an hour or so.

Once the peas are tender, remove them from the heat and season with salt to taste. Finally, garnish with fresh herbs like thyme or oregano for an extra special touch. By following these simple steps you can easily prepare a delicious and nutritious dish of black-eyed peas in no time!

Garnish with Fresh Herbs

Adding fresh herbs to your Black Eyed Peas Recipe for New Years will really take it up a notch! Fresh herbs can bring a subtle flavor and vibrant color to your dish. For a festive touch, try garnishing your black-eyed peas with fresh thyme, parsley, or rosemary. Thyme, in particular, pairs well with the smoky paprika used in this recipe. Parsley adds a vibrant color and a mild, grassy flavor. Rosemary has a woody and slightly citrusy flavor that will beautifully complement the smoky paprika. Adding a bit of fresh herbs to your black-eyed peas will lend an extra layer of flavor and bring a festive touch to your New Year's Day meal.

What to Serve with Black Eyed Peas

Black-eyed peas make a great side dish for a variety of meals, from barbecued meats to fried fish. Whether you’re simmering them on the stovetop or cooking them in an Instant Pot or slow cooker, you’ll have a delicious and satisfying side dish. Serve them with a fresh herb garnish and you’ll have an amazing side dish that’s perfect for any special occasion. Traditionally people love to serve them with ham hocks, hog jowl, turkey leg and collard greens.

Adding vegetables and other ingredients to the black-eyed peas can make for a delicious side dish. Try adding diced tomatoes, onion, and bell peppers for a flavorful and colorful meal. Or add some bacon, garlic, and thyme or even red pepper flakes for a savory twist. And don’t forget to garnish with fresh herbs like parsley, rosemary, or thyme to add some freshness to the dish.

A cold salad is also a great side dish to serve with black-eyed peas. Try mixing them with diced cucumbers, tomatoes, and feta cheese for a light and refreshing salad. Or make a spicy jalapeno and black bean salad for a zesty side.

No matter what you choose to serve with your black-eyed peas, you’ll be sure to enjoy a delicious and nutritious meal that will bring you luck and prosperity in the new year.

How to Make Black Eyed Peas in the Instant Pot or Pressure Cooker

Making black-eyed peas in the Instant Pot is a great way to get a delicious meal on the table fast. The key to this method is to make sure that you have the right amount of liquid and the right cooking time. Start by rinsing off the peas and adding them to the Instant Pot with 8 cups of cold water, 1 teaspoon of baking soda, and salt to taste. Close the lid and set the valve to “sealing” and then set the manual timer for 25 minutes. Once the timer goes off, let the pressure release naturally for 10 minutes, then quick release any remaining pressure. Once all the pressure is released, open the lid and stir the peas. Serve the peas with your favorite toppings such as bacon, chopped onion, garlic, bell pepper and fresh thyme. You can also ass a little bay leaves, olive oil, chicken stock or hot sauce. Feel free to play around with the ingredients. Enjoy your delicious black-eyed pea dish!

How to Make Black Eyed Peas in the Slow Cooker / Crock Pot

The traditional way to make black-eyed peas is to cook them in a slow cooker. This method yields a flavorful, tender dish that pairs perfectly with fresh herbs. To begin, start by soaking the beans overnight, then add them to the slow cooker with 8 cups of cold water, 1 teaspoon of baking soda, and your desired seasonings. Add aromatics like onion, garlic, and thyme sprigs for an even more delicious flavor. Cook on low for 4-5 hours, or until the peas are tender. Serve with freshly chopped herbs for a delicious, smokey spiced black-eyed pea dish that is sure to bring you luck in the new year!

Yield: 6

Basic Black Eyed Peas Recipe

Name: Basic Black Eyed Peas Recipe
Prep time: 6 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 6 min
Yield: 6
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 pound Dry Black-Eyed Peas; 1 tsp baking soda; 6 cups low-Sodium Chicken Stock or cold water; 1 onion; Kosher Salt; Black Pepper (freshly ground)

This southern tradional side dish is perfect for New Years.

Prep Time 6 minutes

Cook Time 45 minutes

Total Time 6 minutes

Ingredients

1 pound Dry Black-Eyed Peas
1 tsp baking soda
6 cups low-Sodium Chicken Stock or cold water
1 onion
Kosher Salt
Black Pepper (freshly ground)

Instructions

Add beans to a large bowl and add water to cover by at least 4 inches. Cover and let soak for at least 6 hours and up to overnight.
Drain beans and rinse under cold water. In a large pot over medium heat add beans, diced onion and chicken broth/water. Bring to a boil then reduce heat and let simmer, covered, 45 minutes or until beans are tender. Add more broth as necessary.
Season with salt and pepper.

Nutrition Information

Yield

Serving Size

1
Amount Per Serving Calories 279Total Fat 1gSaturated Fat 0gTrans Fat 0gUnsaturated Fat 1gCholesterol 0mgSodium 831mgCarbohydrates 48gFiber 8gSugar 6gProtein 21g

Once you have made this southern food tradition, you can store any leftovers in an airtight container. What is your favorite black eyed peas recipe for New Years? Tell us below. We hope you all have a safe and Happy New Year. See below for some other great recipes and don't forget to subscribe to our blog.

Black Eyed Peas Recipe for New Years