Eating black eyed peas on New Year’s Day has been a tradition that goes as far back as 1500 years.
Of course, being the southerner that I am, I would like to say that this tradition was born in the south. Not the case. Wikipedia has this tradition as started in Egypt. But, eating black eyed peas and greens on New Year’s Day is a tradition that southerners hold dear, and the tradition has spread throughout the country. So naturally, being the only Belle in a house full of New Yorkers, I have brought the black eyed pea tradition here to our family.
The story goes, that if you eat black eyed peas on New Year’s Day, they will bring you luck and prosperity. Eating greens will bring you wealth. Whatever the case, I’m in. Double helpings, please. I am a bit gullible and an eternal optimist, so if there is a possibility that I can have good luck, prosperity, and some wealth all because I ate some delicious vittles, then Bring. It. On.
I’m not too into collards or mustard greens, so I cover the greens category with sautéed spinach. As for the peas, to me, black eyed peas need a little doctoring up in the flavor category, so I have developed a delicious recipe that I am confident you all will enjoy.
So, eat your greens and black eyed peas!! What do you have to lose?!!
Here’s to luck, prosperity, and wealth.
Click here for my Black Eyed Peas with Chorizo Sausage recipe.