Your Good Luck Black-Eyed Peas Recipe
Toasting, making resolutions, and watching the ball drop are some of our favorite New Year’s activities. But when it comes to food, one New Year’s tradition is tough to beat.
Black-eyed peas have been a Southern New Year’s staple for well over 100 years, and not just because of their amazing taste — many Southerners believe that black-eyed peas have the power to bring New Year’s good luck to those who eat them. And who doesn’t need a little luck?
If you’re ready to experience the pinnacle of taste while simultaneously ensuring that 2020 is your luckiest year yet, here’s a black-eyed peas recipe you can try this New Year’s Day.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound black-eyed peas, dried
- ¼ cup butter
- 1 large onion, diced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 3 cups water
- 3 cups chicken broth
- 2 large ham hocks, smoked
- 1 ½ teaspoons thyme
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper
- Cayenne pepper, to taste
- 1 ½ teaspoons salt
Method:
- Spread your black-eyed peas on a sheet pan and inspect them carefully. Remove any that are cracked or broken and keep an eye out for small rocks.
- Transfer your peas to a strainer and rinse them thoroughly under the tap. Move them to a large bowl and cover with cool water, making sure there are at least 3 inches of water above the peas. Leave them to soak overnight in your refrigerator.
- The next day, take your black-eyed peas out of the fridge, drain away the water, and set them aside.
- Melt your butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add diced onions and garlic cloves and sauté for five minutes, stirring regularly.
- Add 3 cups of water and 3 cups of chicken broth, then add in your peas, ham hocks, and spices. Add more cayenne for more spice.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat, cover, and allow the mixture to simmer for around 2 hours, or until peas are fork tender. Stir every 30 to 45 minutes, making sure the peas don’t stick to the sides of the pan. As they cook, a thick, gravylike sauce will form, and the pork meat will begin to slide off the bones.
- Pull the pork bones out of your black-eyed peas and serve!
Bring a homemade batch of our signature black-eyed peas to your New Year’s Day party and be the hero of the night. With the right ingredients and plenty of prep time, you’ll find that they’re surprisingly easy to make.
For more recipes to celebrate the season, try our winter-citrus concoctions, spice-cabinet essentials, and festive hot drinks.
© 2020 Texas Farm Bureau Insurance
