Would you believe black-eyed peas aren’t a pea? They’re beans. Southern tradition says if you eat them on New Year’s Day your year will be lucky and prosperous.
There are two speculations on how this tradition began. First, it’s thought in the early 1700’s Sephardic Jewish colonists brought this tradition and as they settled in the South. They included black-eyed peas as part of their Rosh Hashanah (Jewish New Year) meal. Another idea says the tradition dates back to the Civil War. The Union Army stole the Confederates’ food supply. They left behind pork and black-eyed peas because they thought it was food for animals. In reality, that food helped the soldiers survive the winter so the Southerners thought them to be lucky.
In recent years the tradition has spread beyond the South. We’ve found 10 ways to eat black-eyed peas to bring you luck this new year.
JUDITH EVANS
CARTERSVILLE, GA
“This slow cooker black-eyed peas with ham is easy, very tasty, and wonderful with cornbread!” – Judith
BARBARA PACE
THE VILLAGES, FL
“I love this recipe because it’s easy, quick, and versatile. You can change the herbs and spices to make it to your liking. One of our favorite alternatives uses Cajun spices.” – Barbara
JULIE MCLAUGHLIN
DRUMMONDS, TN
“This is a recipe that I stumbled upon years ago and I tweaked it to my liking. It’s easy to substitute things that you don’t like. It is also better the longer it sits.” – Julie
“New Year’s Day is a time to start with a new slate. This Black-Eyed Pea Casserole is the perfect meal to ring in the New Year.” – Debbie
CATHY GILLESPIE
ARIZONA CITY, AZ
“A great way to use leftover ham!” – Cathy
ANDY RUBINI
PLANTATION, FL
“This black-eyed peas dip is a family favorite. Great for game nights as well as for entertaining guests!” – Andy
ROBIN LIENEKE
CHAMOIS, MO
“This is the perfect New Year’s Day lunch. The broth it makes is so tasty you will want it throughout the year. It doesn’t get any easier than this just put everything in the Crock Pot and wait till done.” – Robin
ANNETTE RINEHART
AUSTIN, TX
“I like this recipe for New Year’s Day. The black-eyed peas for good luck and the cabbage for money, but this really is good for any day. I also serve cornbread muffins or sliced French bread with this.” – Annette
BLONDIE PUSSYCAT
THE ROCKIES!, NM
“When I was growing up, it was customary to eat black-eyes on New Year’s Day for good luck!” – Blondie
ELIZABETH D
THE TERMINALLY MESSY DESK, TX
“A great, easy way to ring in the new year! Serving black-eyed peas and cabbage on New Year’s Day is a Southern tradition to ensure luck and wealth for the coming year. This has a Southwestern kick for good measure.” – Elizabeth
