12 Lucky New Year Black-Eyed Pea Recipes for Prosperity

Starting the New Year with a bowl of black-eyed peas is a Southern tradition believed to bring prosperity and good luck for the year ahead. Whether you prefer a classic Hoppin' John or a modern twist, these 12 recipes will ensure your first meal of the year is both delicious and auspicious.

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1. Classic Hoppin' John

The quintessential New Year's dish. This simple, savory dish combines black-eyed peas, rice, and pork (often bacon or ham hock) for maximum flavor and luck.

Ingredients

• 1 pound dried black-eyed peas

• 6 cups water or chicken broth

• 1 pound smoked ham hock, bacon, or salt pork

• 1 large onion, chopped

• 1 cup long-grain white rice

• Salt and pepper to taste

Directions

1. Rinse the black-eyed peas and soak them in water overnight, or use the quick-soak method.

2. In a large pot, combine the peas, water/broth, and ham hock. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 45 minutes, or until the peas are tender.

3. Remove the ham hock and shred the meat. Return the meat to the pot.

4. Stir in the chopped onion and rice. Bring back to a boil, then reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 20 minutes, or until the rice is cooked and the liquid is absorbed. Season with salt and pepper.

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2. Slow-Cooker Black-Eyed Peas with Smoked Sausage

This recipe is perfect for easy, hands-off cooking, resulting in creamy, flavorful peas with a smoky kick.

Ingredients

• 1 pound dried black-eyed peas

• 6 cups chicken broth

• 1 pound smoked sausage, sliced

• 1 onion, chopped

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 bay leaf

• 1 teaspoon dried thyme

Directions

1. Rinse the black-eyed peas.

2. Combine the black-eyed peas, chicken broth, smoked sausage, onion, garlic, bay leaf, and thyme in a slow cooker.

3. Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours, until the peas are tender. Remove the bay leaf before serving.

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3. Black-Eyed Pea and Cornbread Salad

A colorful, layered salad that offers a fresh, tangy take on the classic ingredients. Great for a lighter side dish.

Ingredients

• 2 cups cooked black-eyed peas

• 1 cup crumbled cornbread

• 1/2 cup chopped bell pepper (: red and yellow)

• 1/4 cup chopped red onion

• 1/2 cup mayonnaise

• 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar

• 1 tablespoon sugar

• Salt and pepper to taste

Directions

1. In a medium bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, and sugar until smooth. Season with salt and pepper.

2. In a large, clear bowl, layer the ingredients in this order: black-eyed peas, bell pepper, red onion, and then a layer of the dressing.

3. Top with the crumbled cornbread.

4. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving to allow the flavors to meld.

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4. Spicy Black-Eyed Pea Chili

A hearty, flavorful chili that uses black-eyed peas in place of or in addition to traditional beans, with a nice level of heat.

Ingredients

• 2 cans (15 ounces each) black-eyed peas, rinsed and drained

• 1 pound ground beef or turkey

• 1 large onion, chopped

• 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes

• 1 can (4 ounces) diced green chiles

• 2 tablespoons chili powder

• 1 teaspoon cumin

• 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)

Directions

1. In a large pot, brown the ground meat. Drain any excess fat.

2. Add the onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.

3. Stir in the chili powder, cumin, and cayenne pepper, cooking for 1 minute.

4. Add the black-eyed peas, crushed tomatoes, and diced green chiles.

5. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 30 minutes, allowing the flavors to deepen.

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5. Black-Eyed Pea Cakes with Sriracha Mayo

A creative appetizer or side dish. The peas are mashed and formed into crisp patties, served with a spicy dipping sauce.

Ingredients

• 2 cups cooked black-eyed peas, mashed

• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs

• 1 egg, beaten

• 1/4 cup finely chopped onion

• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley

• Salt and pepper to taste

• Oil for frying

• Sriracha Mayo: 1/2 cup mayonnaise, 2 tablespoons Sriracha

Directions

1. In a bowl, combine the mashed black-eyed peas, breadcrumbs, beaten egg, onion, and parsley. Mix well and season.

2. Form the mixture into small, flat patties (about 1/2-inch thick).

3. Heat oil in a skillet over medium heat. Fry the cakes for 3-4 minutes per side, until golden brown and crisp.

4. Whisk together the Sriracha and mayonnaise for the dipping sauce. Serve the cakes hot with the sauce.

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6. Curried Black-Eyed Peas (South Indian Style)

A vibrant, vegetarian dish that uses fragrant spices, coconut milk, and curry leaves for a rich, satisfying meal.

Ingredients

• 1 cup dried black-eyed peas

• 1 tablespoon coconut oil

• 1 teaspoon mustard seeds

• 1 teaspoon cumin seeds

• 10-12 fresh curry leaves

• 1 onion, finely chopped

• 1 teaspoon ginger-garlic paste

• 1 teaspoon curry powder

• 1/2 teaspoon turmeric

• 1 can (13.5 ounces) coconut milk

• Salt to taste

Directions

1. Soak and cook the black-eyed peas until tender.

2. In a pan, heat the coconut oil. Add the mustard seeds, cumin seeds, and curry leaves until they sizzle.

3. Add the chopped onion and sauté until golden. Stir in the ginger-garlic paste, curry powder, and turmeric, cooking for 1 minute.

4. Add the cooked black-eyed peas, coconut milk, and salt. Bring to a simmer and cook for 10 minutes until the curry thickens slightly.

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7. Black-Eyed Pea Hummus

A smooth, creamy dip that is an unexpected and healthier way to enjoy your lucky legumes.

Ingredients

• 2 cups cooked black-eyed peas

• 1/4 cup tahini

• 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice

• 2 cloves garlic

• 2-3 tablespoons cold water

• 2 tablespoons olive oil

• Salt and pepper to taste

Directions

1. Combine the black-eyed peas, tahini, lemon juice, and garlic in a food processor. Process until smooth.

2. With the processor running, slowly add cold water, one tablespoon at a time, until the desired consistency is reached.

3. Transfer to a serving bowl. Drizzle with olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Serve with pita bread or vegetables.

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8. Black-Eyed Pea and Collard Green Soup

Combining the two luckiest ingredients—black-eyed peas (for pennies) and collard greens (for cash)—in a comforting soup.

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• 1/2 pound bacon or salt pork, diced

• 1 onion, chopped

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 6 cups chicken or vegetable broth

• 2 cups cooked black-eyed peas

• 1 bunch collard greens, chopped

• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes

Directions

1. In a large pot, cook the bacon or salt pork until crisp. Remove the meat and set aside, leaving 1 tablespoon of fat in the pot.

2. Add the onion and cook until softened. Stir in the garlic and red pepper flakes.

3. Pour in the broth and bring to a boil. Add the collard greens and cooked black-eyed peas.

4. Reduce heat and simmer for 20 minutes, or until the collards are tender. Garnish with the reserved bacon pieces.

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9. Mediterranean Black-Eyed Pea Salad

A bright, vibrant, and tangy salad, perfect for a lighter, refreshing start to the year.

Ingredients

• 2 cups cooked black-eyed peas

• 1 cup halved cherry tomatoes

• 1 cucumber, diced

• 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese

• 1/4 cup chopped fresh mint

• Dressing: 3 tablespoons olive oil, 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar, 1 teaspoon dried oregano, salt and pepper

Directions

1. In a small bowl, whisk together all the dressing ingredients.

2. In a large bowl, combine the black-eyed peas, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, feta cheese, and fresh mint.

3. Pour the dressing over the salad and gently toss to combine.

4. Serve immediately or chill for later.

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10. Smoky Black-Eyed Pea and Bacon Dip

A warm, creamy, and smoky baked dip that is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser for any New Year's Eve party or day gathering.

Ingredients

• 2 cups cooked black-eyed peas

• 4 ounces cream cheese, softened

• 1/2 cup sour cream

• 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese

• 4 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled

• 1/2 teaspoon liquid smoke

• 1/4 cup chopped scallions

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).

2. In a large bowl, mash the black-eyed peas slightly, leaving some whole.

3. Stir in the softened cream cheese, sour cream, cheddar cheese, crumbled bacon, and liquid smoke.

4. Spread the mixture into a small baking dish.

5. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the dip is bubbly and the cheese is melted. Garnish with scallions.

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11. New Year's Black-Eyed Pea Grits

A creamy, comforting Southern fusion dish, perfect for a hearty New Year's brunch.

Ingredients

• 1 cup stone-ground grits, cooked according to package directions

• 1 tablespoon butter

• 1/2 cup heavy cream

• Salt and pepper to taste

• Topping: 2 cups cooked black-eyed peas, 4 ounces smoked ham, diced, 1/4 cup chicken broth

Directions

1. Prepare the grits according to the package directions. Once cooked, stir in the butter, heavy cream, salt, and pepper. Keep warm.

2. In a separate skillet, sauté the diced smoked ham until lightly browned.

3. Stir in the cooked black-eyed peas and chicken broth. Bring to a light simmer and cook until the broth is reduced slightly.

4. Spoon the grits into bowls and top generously with the black-eyed pea and ham mixture.

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12. Roasted Black-Eyed Peas (Snack)

A simple, healthy, and highly addictive snack. These crispy roasted peas are a savory treat to munch on while celebrating.

Ingredients

• 2 cups cooked black-eyed peas, dried thoroughly

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika

• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder

• Salt to taste

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).

2. Toss the dried black-eyed peas with olive oil, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and salt.

3. Spread the peas in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

4. Roast for 20-30 minutes, stirring halfway, until the peas are crispy. Keep a close watch to prevent burning. Let cool completely before serving.

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May your New Year be filled with luck, happiness, and excellent cooking! Don't forget to serve your peas with collard greens (for paper money) and cornbread (for gold).