Description
This easy New Year’s Lucky Black-Eyed Peas recipe is a flavorful and comforting dish traditionally enjoyed for good luck. Sautéed vegetables, smoky paprika, and simmered black-eyed peas create a savory stew, perfect served with rice or cornbread. Optional chopped turkey or ham adds extra heartiness, making it a delightful and satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Vegetables & Aromatics
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 onion, diced
- 1 bell pepper, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Black-Eyed Peas & Broth
- 2 cans black-eyed peas, drained or 3 cups cooked black-eyed peas
- 1½ cups broth (vegetable or chicken)
Seasonings
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt, to taste
- Pepper, to taste
Optional Additions & Garnishes
- Chopped turkey or ham, as desired
- Hot sauce, to taste
Instructions
- Sauté Vegetables: Heat olive oil in a large skillet or saucepan over medium heat. Add diced onion and bell pepper and cook for 6 to 8 minutes until softened and fragrant.
- Add Garlic and Spices: Stir in minced garlic and smoked paprika, cooking for about 30 seconds until the garlic is fragrant and the spices are awakened.
- Add Peas and Simmer: Add the drained black-eyed peas, broth, and bay leaf to the pot. Season with a pinch of salt. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and cook uncovered for 12 to 15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
- Thicken the Stew (Optional): For a creamier texture, scoop out a small portion of black-eyed peas, mash them, and stir back into the pot. This naturally thickens the stew without using any dairy.
- Finish and Serve: Remove the bay leaf, then season with additional pepper and hot sauce to taste. Serve the black-eyed peas hot alongside rice or cornbread for a hearty and complete meal. Add chopped turkey or ham if desired for extra flavor and protein.
Notes
- This dish is traditionally served on New Year’s Day to bring good luck and prosperity.
- Using smoked paprika adds a deep, smoky flavor but you can substitute with regular paprika if needed.
- For a vegetarian or vegan version, use vegetable broth and omit the turkey or ham.
- Adjust the thickness by mashing more or fewer peas based on your preference.
- Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for up to 4 days and can be reheated on the stovetop or in the microwave.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Southern United States
Keywords: black-eyed peas, New Year's recipe, good luck food, southern cooking, healthy stew, easy dinner
