Dinner

New Year’s Lucky Black-Eyed Peas (Easy Good Luck Recipe) Recipe

Name: New Year’s Lucky Black-Eyed Peas (Easy Good Luck Recipe) Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Southern United States
Ingredients: 1 tbsp olive oil; 1 onion, diced; 1 bell pepper, diced; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 2 cans black-eyed peas, drained or 3 cups cooked black-eyed peas; 1½ cups broth (vegetable or chicken); 1 tsp smoked paprika; 1 bay leaf; Salt, to taste; Pepper, to taste; Chopped turkey or ham, as desired; Hot sauce, to taste

ByJulian Dempsey January 2, 2026January 2, 2026

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Introduction

New Year’s Lucky Black-Eyed Peas is a comforting and flavorful dish traditionally enjoyed to bring good luck. This easy recipe combines tender black-eyed peas with sautéed vegetables and warm spices for a hearty meal ready in just 30 minutes.

A white bowl filled with a thick soup made of black-eyed peas and small pieces of red and green vegetables. The soup has a warm brown color with black spots from the beans. On top, there is a fresh green parsley leaf adding a fresh touch. In the background, there is a small white bowl with red sauce and some green leaves. The whole scene is set on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 tbsp olive oil
1 onion, diced
1 bell pepper, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 cans black-eyed peas, drained or 3 cups cooked black-eyed peas
1½ cups broth (vegetable or chicken)
1 tsp smoked paprika
1 bay leaf
Salt, to taste
Pepper, to taste
Chopped turkey or ham, as desired
Hot sauce, to taste

Instructions

Step 1: Heat olive oil in a large skillet or saucepan over medium heat. Add the diced onion and bell pepper, cooking for 6 to 8 minutes until softened and fragrant.
Step 2: Stir in the minced garlic and smoked paprika, cooking for about 30 seconds to awaken the spices and release their flavors.
Step 3: Add the drained black-eyed peas, broth, bay leaf, and a pinch of salt to the pot. Bring to a gentle simmer and cook uncovered for 12 to 15 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
Step 4: For a creamier texture, scoop out a small amount of peas and mash them before stirring back into the pot to naturally thicken the stew.
Step 5: Remove the bay leaf, then season with pepper and hot sauce if using. Serve hot alongside rice or cornbread for a hearty, complete meal.

Tips & Variations

Add chopped turkey or ham for extra flavor and protein.
Use smoked paprika for a subtle smoky depth; regular paprika can be substituted if needed.
For a vegetarian version, use vegetable broth and omit meat.
Serve with a side of collard greens for a traditional Southern meal.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth or water if the peas have thickened too much.

How to Serve

A close-up view of a white bowl filled with cooked black-eyed peas mixed with small pieces of red bell pepper, green celery, and onions, topped with a fresh green parsley leaf in the center. The beans are creamy beige with distinct black spots, and the vegetables add bright red and green pops of color. The bowl is placed on a white marbled surface, creating a clean and fresh look. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use dried black-eyed peas instead of canned?

Yes, but you’ll need to soak and cook the dried peas beforehand. Use about 1 cup dried black-eyed peas, soaked overnight and then boiled until tender.

What if I don’t have smoked paprika?

You can substitute regular paprika or a pinch of cumin for a mild smoky flavor, though smoked paprika is preferred for its depth.

Julian Dempsey