Classic Southern New Year Black Eyed Peas

Celebrate the New Year with this traditional Southern dish, Black Eyed Peas. This hearty and flavorful recipe is believed to bring good luck and prosperity in the coming year. Made with tender black-eyed peas, smoky bacon, and aromatic spices, it's a must-have for New Year's Day. Serve it with cornbread and collard greens for a complete Southern meal.

Ingredients

• 2 cups dried black-eyed peas
• 6 slices bacon, diced
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 green bell pepper, chopped
• 1 celery stalk, chopped
• 2 bay leaves
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
• Salt and pepper to taste

Directions

1. Rinse the black-eyed peas under cold water and remove any debris.
2. In a large pot, cook the bacon until crispy. Remove the bacon and set aside, leaving the bacon fat in the pot.
3. Add the onion, garlic, bell pepper, and celery to the pot. Cook until the vegetables are softened.
4. Add the bay leaves, thyme, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper to the pot. Stir to combine.
5. Add the black-eyed peas and broth to the pot. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for about 45 minutes to 1 hour, or until the peas are tender.
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Remove the bay leaves before serving.
7. Serve the black-eyed peas hot with cooked rice or cornbread.
8. Enjoy the New Year's tradition of eating black-eyed peas for good luck!

Interesting Facts