Sometimes things happen and you just think…that was weird. Here is my weird story. But first, let me tell you that this month’s Recipe Redux theme is
Good Luck Foods: What will you be serving to get the New Year started with a little luck? Be it black eyed peas and greens, Chinese noodles or even a special family recipe you serve on New Year’s Eve or Day. Please share your good luck dish to start off 2014 in a healthy way.
Now here’s a topic that I have to admit, I’ve got nothin’. So here are the bizarre circumstances that lead me to choose black eyed peas as my ‘good luck food’. You see, I have never made black eyed peas in my entire life! And my husband goes grocery shopping almost as often as I make black eyed peas. Yeah, I know he’s great! So a few days after the theme for the Recipe Redux was posted (which I had not discussed with him) he calls from work and says he’s stopping at the grocery store and asks do I need anthing. Yes, I always need something from the market! So I read him a short list: boneless skinless chicken breasts, artichoke hearts, carton of milk. Later, while I am helping put away groceries, I reach into a bag and pull out, yes, a bag of frozen black eyed peas. I look at him. He looks back at me and says, “Yea, I thought you might cook ’em up?” I reply, “What?!! Are you psychic???”
Black eyed peas, I have come to find out, are both healthy and delicious. How’s that for good luck! The’re low in fat and sodium. Have zero cholesterol. Are high in potassium, fiber, iron and protein. Wow, that’s a great start to any recipe. And there are plenty of recipes on the internet made with black eyed peas including these two popular recipes from the Pioneer Woman, Ree Drummond: black eyed pea dip to serve with chips and the rice and bean dish common to Africa and the Caribbean Islands know as Hoppin’ John. But I decided on a simple side dish that would be consistent with the good nutrition already offered by these legumes. Because we like Italian foods I prepared them with a Mediterranean flair for good health, good taste, and yes, good luck! Remember to check out the bottom of this post to see what my colleagues are cooking up for good luck in 2014! Happy New Year!!!
What foods do you assoicate with New Year’s and good luck?
Good Luck Black Eyed Peas
Ingredients
- 16 oz frozen black eyed peas
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup chopped onion
- 1/2 cup chopped celery
- 1 small red pepper, chopped
- 1/4 cup cider vinegar
- 1 1/2 teaspoon sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 2-3 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 Tablespooons olive oil
- 1/4 cup chopped Italian parsely
Instructions
Prepare frozen black eyed peas according to package directions. Place cooked peas in a medium bowl with salt, onion, celery, and red pepper.
Meanwhile in small sauce pan, heat cider vinegar and dissolve sugar and salt. Remove from heat and add basil, garlic, and pepper and olive oil. Mix to combine. Pour over peas and serve immediately. Serves 6
We tried black eyed peas for the first time probably a year ago. Fell in love with them. This is a wonderful recipe to use them.
Thank you, Christie. Yes, they are quick and easy to make and go with a variety of foods including chicken, pork and fish. This is becoming a ‘go to’ side dish for me! Enjoy!
See, this recipe was meant to be! Love the photos of this too (esp. the serving bowl – or is that a pot?)
Yes, Deanna, it’s a pot. It belonged to my Grandmother. Thank you for reading and commenting, post after post. Not just mine, but all the Recipe Reduxers. You are a great inspiration to this blogging community! Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!
Being from the west, I’ve not had many occasions when black eyed peas where on the menu. There were times when they’d be on the table wherever I happened to be, but I always managed to avoid them. Maybe it’s time for me to give them a serious attempt. Good story about your psychic husband! You two are in tune.
We really like them, even my pickest eater is devouring them! Give them a try in 2014!
Great Black Eyed Peas recipe with a light dressing. Have a Happy New Year, Diane!
Thank you. And a Happy New Year to you, Cindy!
Diane. this dish looks delish and super simple. And LOVE your bowl and silverware, they’re beautiful!
Thank you, Jenny. This side dish is simple and goes so well with pork, chicken or fish. My food props belonged to my Grandmother. 🙂