A Southern Grace: couldn't hurt

January 9, 2015

couldn't hurt

Yum

We could probably all use a little more luck, right? So why not go ahead and do some of the things that folks believe may have contributed to happy tidings in the past?


While I don't support avoiding black cats (they're so stinkin' sleek and pretty!), carrying a rabbit's foot (ick), or hoping to get hit by bird poo (double ick), I can definitely condone things like hanging a horseshoe on your door and eating black-eyed peas to begin a new year. The recipe I tried this year made use of my crock-pot (always a good thing), and it turned out wonderfully. I'm not sure if my success is due to the inherent luck of the black-eyed pea or if it's just an indication of my mad kitchen skills. Perhaps a little of both. Yeah, let's go with that.


I must proudly note that these were a side dish to scallops, and I can honestly say that my first attempt at preparing those weirdly delicious critters was initially marked by doubt and insecurity, then displeasure, and ultimately, tasty triumph. (But you already knew about that if you follow me on Instagram.)

Please don't skip the bacon in these peas--it adds that salty, porky, pleasant taste that deli ham or bouillon cubes can't always provide. The cumin is key, too, though you should feel free to add your own favorite herbs and spices. All told, this is easy and quick to prepare, flavorful, and plentiful--we'll be eating on these lucky legumes for a good long while. Hopefully, they'll keep 2015 on the right track.

Thoroughly Cooked Black-Eyed Peas
Ingredients:
  • 6 cups boiling water
  • 1 cube chicken bouillon
  • 1 pound dried black-eyed peas, sorted and rinsed
  • 1 onion, diced
  • 1 bell pepper, stemmed, seeded, and diced
  • 4 slices bacon, chopped
  • 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
  • 2 teaspoons cumin
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
Directions:
Pour the boiling water into a slow cooker, add the bouillon cube, and stir to dissolve.
Add the black-eyed peas, onion, bell pepper, bacon, sugar, cumin, garlic powder, salt, and pepper; stir to blend.
Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6 to 8 hours, until the beans are tender but not complete mush.
Adjust seasonings as needed.

19 comments:

Rosa's Yummy Yums said...

So comforting and scrumptious!

Cheers,

Rosa

~~louise~~ said...

I haven't had my serving of Black-eyed peas yet this year, Grace. Thanks for the reminder.

There are so many foods associated with luck for the New Year. I would love to try the New Year's Pretzel one year and of course grapes too. However, your Black-eyed Peas seem to be calling my name. (I'll be adding Savory, not only Herb of the Year for 2015, but also my favorite bean Herb:)

Thanks for sharing, Grace...

Bianca @ Confessions of a Chocoholic said...

We could all certainly use a little more good luck. Luck with a side of bacon, please :)

Erica said...

My kind of dish! This looks so comforting, Grace! Happy New Year!

pam said...

I had my black eyed peas and my collards!! Waiting for the wealth and good luck to just roll in!

Angie's Recipes said...

Love black eyed peas, actually all legumes are my favourites! This looks so comforting and scrumptious.

Lorraine @ Not Quite Nigella said...

I'm going to do this one year for New Year's! And you're on IG? I'll look you up! :D

Beth said...

Black-eyes peas for good luck? I haven't heard that before, but why not? Sounds like a great way to start the year.

lisa is cooking said...

I love all the new year's traditions for food that brings luck. And, I love scallops. Hope this meal does the trick and brings you a fabulous new year!

Lisa-Marie said...

I love a slow cooker recipe! This is going on the January list for sure!

Big Rigs 'n Lil' Cookies said...

It must be because I live in Wisconsin, but I have only had Black Eyed Peas from a can. I need to fix that. Also, I need to fix the fact that I was not following you on Instagram... my bad!

Choc Chip Uru @ Go Bake Yourself said...

We have a delicious black eyed peas curry, so I would love to try your recipe :D
Also followed you on IG welcome to the life!

Cheers
Choc Chip Uru

Pam said...

Adding bacon makes nearly everything better. They look & sound tasty!

Barbara said...

Oh Lordy, I didn't have any this year yet! I better do something about that or bad luck will follow me everywhere. :)
(Love scallops, glad yours turned out well.)
Can't have black eyed peas without bacon! I like the cumin touch.

Katerina said...

I didn't know that custom of yours! I love black eyed beans and eat them very often with no tremendous results in luck I am afraid haha!

I Wilkerson said...

I had never heard of black-eyed peas for luck before. This looks like a very warming dish--perfect for winter.

Savor The Baking said...

Great crock pot recipe Grace. My Grandma used to insist on eating these every new year.

My Recent Favorite Books said...

Thanks for sharing! It looks delicious!

Unknown said...

What a great idea to do them in the crock pot!
Kari
www.sweetteasweetie.com