New Year's Black-Eyed Peas Recipe

Celebrate the New Year with this flavorful and hearty dish of black-eyed peas. This traditional southern recipe is believed to bring good luck and prosperity for the year ahead. Made with tender black-eyed peas, smoky bacon, and a blend of spices, this dish is perfect for a cozy family gathering. Serve it with cornbread and greens for a delicious and comforting meal that will start your year off on the right foot.

Ingredients

• 1 pound dried black-eyed peas
• 4 slices bacon, chopped
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 1 green bell pepper, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 1 bay leaf
• 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Hot sauce for serving
• Chopped green onions for garnish

Directions

1. Rinse the black-eyed peas in cold water and remove any debris or shriveled peas.
2. In a large pot, cook the chopped bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove the bacon and set it aside, leaving the bacon grease in the pot.
3. Add the diced onion, green pepper, and garlic to the pot with the bacon grease. Cook until the vegetables are softened.
4. Stir in the smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, and bay leaf. Cook for another minute to toast the spices.
5. Add the black-eyed peas and chicken or vegetable broth to the pot. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and cover.
6. Simmer the black-eyed peas for 1.5 to 2 hours, or until they are tender and creamy. Stir occasionally and add more broth if needed.
7. Once the peas are cooked, remove the bay leaf and season with salt and pepper to taste.
8. Serve the black-eyed peas hot with a few dashes of hot sauce, crispy bacon bits, and chopped green onions on top.
9. Enjoy your New Year's Black-Eyed Peas with cornbread and collard greens for a classic southern meal.

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