Spicey Black-eyed peas for good luck

Spicey Black-eyed peas for good luck in the new year 

The black-eyed pea originates from West Africa and likely came to the Americas via slave trade. Like most other beans, they are packed with vitamins and minerals and are a relatively inexpensive source of fiber and protein.  Eating black-eyed peas on News Year's Day to bring good luck  is a Southern tradition my family adopted while living in the south.   The black-eyed  peas represent coins, and are usually served with turnip, mustard or collard greens to represent money and cornbread to represent gold.

Serves 8 - 10

6 cups of chicken or vegetable broth

1 pound of  black eyed peas

1 medium onion chopped

2-3 cloves garlic
2 stalks celery
1-2 carrots chopped

1 bell pepper seeded and diced

2-3 TB jalapeno diced or diced green chili pepper

1-2 tsp cumin

1/4 tsp cayenne

1/2 teaspoon adobe seasoning or onion salt

1 TB lime juice

1 TB brown sugar

4 slices pre-cooked bacon diced ( optional)


Cook  dried beans in boiling water for 30 - 45 minutes
Drain and add to crockpot with other ingredients.

Cook on low for 4-6 hours.

Meal notes:
Serve with spicy stir-fried greens  and cornbread.

As each new year unfolds I ask myself what I hope to accomplish and  my answers most often include not taking things or people for granted, and practicing compassion and gratitude. 

May your journey through the upcoming year be a good one.