I grew up on soul food. I can close my eyes and the aromas take me back instantly! Every Sunday at home or at my grandparents', black-eyed peas would be slowly simmering on the stove. I’m sure my grandparents both from the south, purchased them wherever the price was best back then. I find the best variety from Rancho Gordo. They’re an on,ine website specializing in heirloom dried beans and peas. Anyway...back to my story! In the south, eating black-eyed peas on New Year's Day is said to bring good luck.
Ring in the New Year with Good Luck
Being African American, this side dish was a staple at Sunday supper, especially. With the slow cooking on the stove, starting with dried peas, they got an early morning start! For example, the morning of December 31st, my mom was making sure everything was ready to go. A couple of smokey ham hocks were added to the pot for flavor. There was always cornbread, hot from the oven, ready for us to soak up all the goodness.
A Meal in Itself
Pieces of the tender ham hock meat falling off the bone, give this dish a heartiness that makes it a meal in itself. Don't forget the dash of hot sauce!
Although the tradition says to eat 365 black eyed peas for good luck, it's way too good...who's going to count?
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Black-Eyed Peas
Ingredients
- 1 pound dried black-eyed peas
- 1 ham hock,, (or 2 ounces of diced bacon, uncooked)
- ¼ cup bacon drippings
- ¾ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- ½ teaspoon sugar
Instructions
- Place the dried peas in a shallow plate or bowl. Pick over them to remove the stones and dirt.
- Rinse well and soak in cold water for 20 minutes. Drain completely.
- In a large stock or soup pot, combine the remaining ingredients with the already soaked peas.
- Cover peas with about an inch of cold water.
- Heat to a simmer. Cook covered, until the peas are tender but not mushy, about 1-½ hours.
- Keep a watchful eye on the peas while they cook. Add more water to keep them covered if necessary.
Notes
Recipe adapted from Sylvia's Soul Food Cookbook by Sylvia Wood and Christopher Styler.
Debbie
Ooh yum Lon! A vegetarian version! We might need that recipe from you! The ham hock does add that down south smokiness, though! Thanks for being so sweet and always giving us your support!
Claudia Kerns
They are delicious! This year I did a vegetarian version to encourage some of my New Year's Day guest to try something new. They were a hit! Me, I love the ham hock! Thanks for sharing!