"These black eyes peas were a comforting surprise. Containing 11 grams of protein and 5 grams of fiber per serving, Hoppin' John is a healthy way to start the new year! Served with rice, these black eyed peas are a perfect one dish meal!"
Many years ago when I first married Manservant he told me that his mama always served Hoppin' John black eyed peas on New Year's Day.
Now I am a person of tradition and I intended to keep this tradition...until I tried those little black eyed peas. I'm not sure if I purchased them from a can or if I bought them at deli counter, but what I am sure of is that I didn't like them. Not one little bit.
His Mama also used to make red beans and rice and I liked those, so that tradition continues! But today I'm talking peas.
Black eyed peas. They are supposed to be lucky and that is why they are served on new year's day.
A southern tradition with a long history, you can read more about it here if you'd like.
Well, I don't know about you but luck and I don't always go hand in hand, which is why if someone tells me that something is lucky I'm not one to turn up my nose at the offered suggestion. I'm no fool.
So what is it that makes these cute little black eyed peas so lucky? Well, about all I could find was that black eyed peas are said to resemble coins and we all need those, don't we?
Hoppin' John black eyed peas are actually beans and often collard greens are mixed into this traditional dish. Collards symbolize paper money.
This customary New Year's dish is considered African American soul food and after eating these, I can see why this is also comfort food!
Another interesting fact I learned is that black eyed peas are mentioned in the Talmud and were eaten on the Jewish new year which is in the fall.
It is speculated that they were brought to the US in the 1730's by Sephardic Jews when they first arrived in Georgia.
As for the term hoppin' john, it's a bit unclear where it came from.
In any case, I felt pretty lucky after making these black eyed peas. I had no idea they were so good.
This pretty little black eyed pea is also loaded with fiber and protein which makes this a great meal for vegetarians. Just sub in olive oil instead of bacon and veggie broth instead of chicken.
Perhaps after all these years, my tastes have changed but I can tell you that this simple version of black eyed peas was so good.
Maybe it was lucky that I found presoaked peas from Melissa's waiting for me in the refrigerator section. Or maybe it was the takeout Chinese rice that needed a home in mine?
Whatever. These little peas caught my eye and I went for it. And so did Manservant!
A new/old tradition? You betcha!
Happy New Year!
More to Try:
White Bean, Bacon and Kale Soup
BBQ Bean Soup
Tuscan Beans and Potatoes
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Recipe
Hoppin' John Black Eyed Peas
- Prep Time: 25 Minutes
- Cook Time: 30 Minutes
- Total Time: 55 Minutes
- Yield: 4 - 6 Servings 1x
- Category: Side Dish/MainCourse
- Method: Stove Top
- Cuisine: American
Description
These black eyes peas were a comforting surprise. Simple seasonings including garlic, celery and red peppers combine to make this a lucky dish each new year. Containing 11 grams of protein and 5 grams of fiber per serving, Hoppin' John is a healthy way to start the new year!
Ingredients
- 4 strips bacon
- 3 T bacon fat or olive oil
- ½ c red pepper, chopped
- 2 ribs of celery, finely chopped
- 1 c onion, finely chopped
- 11 oz soaked black eyed peas (I used Melissa's) cooked according to package directions
- 1 t garlic powder
- 1 t salt
- Fresh ground pepper
- 3 c chicken stock
- 2 c cooked rice
- 3 T finely chopped Italian parsley
Instructions
- Cook bacon and reserve 3 T of bacon fat. Reserve the crisp bacon for garnish.
- In pot with bacon fat, saute red pepper, celery and onion over medium high heat until soft. Add black eyed peas, seasonings, and chicken broth.
- Cook black eyed peas until softened or until the broth has boiled down to the thickness you want. I didn't want soup, so I simmered this about 30 minutes. If you want it soupier, it may only take about 10 minutes. Taste for seasoning.
- Serve over hot rice. Garnish with crisp, crumbled bacon. Sprinkle with parsley.
Healthy World Cuisine says
Abbe, wishing you and your family the best of luck in this new year. This deliciously simple recipe looks amazing and love the addition of the bacon too.
angiesrecipes says
Just want to stop by and wish you and yours a happy, healthy and wonderful New Year, Abbe.
Tania says
This looks lovely, I've never tried black eyed peas, what do they taste like?
ChgoJohn says
I'm not one to enjoy black-eyed peas on NYE but these I'd enjoy whenever I could, Abbe. I'm pinning this for some not-too-distant date. Thanks!
Anna and Liz Recipes says
This looks amazing!! LOve this black-eye peas recipe and love it over rice! Happy New Year Abby
mjskit says
So glad that Hoppin John changed your mind about Black-eyed peas. I never could tolerate the ones out of a can, but the frozen ones or dry ones..awesome! Hope you scrumptious bowl of Hoppin John brings you lots of good luck in 2017!
Karen (Back Road Journal) says
I think presoaked peas really helps…that is what I used this year too. Wishing you lots of luck and happiness in this New Year.
SavoringTime in the Kitchen says
We did not grow up with any New Year's food traditions in my family but I love that your husband did and hope he appreciates that he's the lucky one to have you 🙂 I do love most legumes and this dish sounds so wonderfully flavored that I'd to give try it!
chris scheuer says
This looks wonderful! I forgot about black eyed peas this year, good thing I don't count on luck 🙂
Chris Scheuer says
Sounds delicious. I forgot about black-eyed peas this year. I guess it's good I don't believe in luck 🙂
Sippity Sup says
Rice and beans are a perfect combination and a fitting way to start the New Year. Get it? Fitting. Ughh. GREG
Cheri Savory Spoon says
Traditions are always nice and the older I get the more I like them. Love how you prepared these black eyed peas, they look delicious. Happy New Year Abbe!
Lavender and Lime (http://tandysinclair.com) says
I love traditions like these! And bacon makes everything better. May 2017 hold all your dreams Abbe 🙂
Lorraine @ Not Quite Nigella says
Happy New Year!! We were just talking about this dish on NY day at a Southern party. I love these sorts of traditions!
Angie Schneider says
I love this classic New Year bean dish! YUM!
Kitchen Riffs says
Love black-eyed peas! And you really don't even have to presoak the dried ones -- they'll cook in 45 minutes to an hour. Best are the fresh ones. Or at this time of the year, frozen -- you can't get fresh. Good dish -- thanks.
Karen Harris says
I love hoppin' john but haven't made it in years. You have now inspired me.
Liz Berg says
You've convinced me that I need to give these a shot! Being a northerner, like you, these weren't part of our New Year's menu. Saving this recipe for 2018!
La Table De Nana says
Must be very good!Happy New Year to you and yours..bacon makes everyything..makes..:)