New Year’s Lucky Black-Eyed Peas (Easy Good Luck Recipe)
A traditional New Year’s dish symbolizing good luck, black-eyed peas are simmered with aromatic vegetables and spices in a flavorful broth. This comforting and easy recipe is perfect for celebrating January 1st, delivering warmth and savory satisfaction in every bite.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Southern American
Ingredients
Scale
Main 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
Optional Ingredients
- 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 to release their flavors and awaken the spices.
- Add Peas and Simmer: 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 the flavors to meld together.
- Thicken the Stew (Optional): For a creamier texture, scoop out a small amount of peas and mash them before stirring back into the pot. This thickens the stew naturally without dairy.
- Finish and Serve: Remove the bay leaf, season with pepper and hot sauce if using. Serve hot alongside rice or cornbread for a hearty, complete meal.
Notes
- You can substitute smoked paprika with regular paprika if unavailable, though smoked gives a deeper flavor.
- Add chopped turkey or ham for extra protein and a smoky twist.
- Black-eyed peas can be canned or pre-cooked; if using dried peas, soak and cook beforehand.
- This dish pairs perfectly with fluffy rice or sweet cornbread to soak up the savory broth.