Celebrate the New Year with a hearty and flavorful dish of Lucky New Year’s Black-Eyed Pea Stew. This traditional Southern recipe is believed to bring good luck and prosperity in the coming year. Made with black-eyed peas, vegetables, and savory spices, this stew is a comforting and delicious way to ring in the New Year.
Ingredients for Lucky New Year’s Black-Eyed Pea Stew
- 1 pound (450g) dried black-eyed peas
- 8 cups (1.9 liters) vegetable broth
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 carrots, diced
- 2 stalks celery, diced
- 1 bell pepper, diced
- 1 can (14.5 ounces/410g) diced tomatoes
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 bay leaves
- Chopped fresh parsley, for garnish
- Cooked rice, for serving
How to Make Lucky New Year’s Black-Eyed Pea Stew
Step 1: Prepare the Black-Eyed Peas
- Rinse the black-eyed peas under cold water and remove any debris.
- Soak the black-eyed peas in water overnight or use the quick soak method by bringing them to a boil in a pot of water, removing from heat, and letting them sit for 1 hour. Drain and rinse.
Step 2: Cook the Vegetables
- In a large pot, heat some olive oil over medium heat.
- Add the onion, garlic, carrots, celery, and bell pepper. Cook until the vegetables are soft, about 5-7 minutes.
Step 3: Add the Spices and Tomatoes
- Stir in the tomato paste, smoked paprika, cumin, and chili powder. Cook for another minute.
- Add the diced tomatoes with their juices and stir to combine.
Step 4: Cook the Stew
- Add the soaked black-eyed peas, vegetable broth, bay leaves, salt, and pepper to the pot.
- Bring the stew to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer, covered, for 45 minutes to 1 hour, or until the black-eyed peas are tender.
Step 5: Serve
- Remove the bay leaves from the stew.
- Serve the Lucky New Year’s Black-Eyed Pea Stew hot, garnished with chopped fresh parsley, and with cooked rice on the side.
About the Main Ingredients
Black-Eyed Peas: These legumes are believed to bring good luck and prosperity in the Southern United States when eaten on New Year’s Day. They are rich in fiber, protein, and vitamins, making them a nutritious addition to your diet.
Vegetables: The combination of onion, garlic, carrots, celery, and bell pepper adds flavor, texture, and nutrients to the stew. These vegetables are also commonly used in Southern cooking and complement the black-eyed peas perfectly.
Tomatoes: Diced tomatoes and tomato paste add richness and depth to the stew. They also provide lycopene, an antioxidant that may help protect against certain diseases.
Spices: Smoked paprika, cumin, and chili powder add warmth and complexity to the stew. Adjust the amount of spice according to your preference.
Enjoy Your Lucky New Year’s Black-Eyed Pea Stew!
This Lucky New Year’s Black-Eyed Pea Stew is a delicious way to start the year off right. Serve it with rice for a complete meal that is sure to bring you luck and prosperity in the New Year!
