I love black-eyed peas and not just on New Year’s. Though it’s probably the #1 soul food side dish for New Year’s dinner, at least in the South for sure, we eat them all the time.
WHAT are black-eyed peas?
Black-eyed peas are a gift to the world courtesy of Africa. They are actually a legume very popular in Africa and the U.S. South after the crops were brought to America via the slave trade. It is the quintessential staple soul food mostly slow-cooked in a meaty broth but versatile enough to be cooked in a variety of ways in most ways you’d cook any bean.
Why Do People Eat Black-eyed Peas On New Year's?
Black-eyed peas are a popular New Year's dish, but why? There are a few theories out there. One reason black-eyed peas might be eaten on New Year's is that they're thought to bring good luck. In the southern United States, black-eyed peas are often called "lucky beans." This may be because black-eyed peas are easy to grow and thrive in poor conditions - something that was valuable during times of war or famine.
Another theory is that black-eyed peas are eaten on New Year's because they're a symbol of hope and renewal. Black-eyed peas have a short growing season, so they're usually harvested in late summer or early fall. This means that they would have been one of the first fresh vegetables available after a long winter.
Eating black-eyed peas on New Year's might be a way of celebrating the end of winter and the start of a new growing season. Whatever the reason, black-eyed peas are a delicious and tradition-rich way to ring in the new year.
WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN field peas, purple peas, etc.?
Black-eyed peas hail from cowpeas. Cowpeas represent the “mothership” and black-eyed peas, like field peas, purple hull peas, and crowder peas are some of the larger varieties that fall under the cowpeas umbrella. Both field and purple hull peas are most like black-eyed peas and thus substitutable in recipes. Crowder peas are darker and are a bit more rich in flavor. Either way soul recipes make use of all of them.
But Are They Beans or Peas?
Despite the confusing name they are in fact legumes or beans. So in cooking many of the same rules apply, I.e. you will need to give them a good soaking and cook them at a slow simmer if making them in more traditional recipes.
What do they taste like?
Black-eyed peas have a deep earthy flavor to go along with your typical starchy bean taste.
Where to find black-eyed peas
They are readily available in any grocery store. Canned and dried can be found all year round anywhere and usually in either the canned vegetable or dry food aisles. Fresh peas will be found seasonally refrigerated in the produce section or your nearby farmer’s market.
Do I Need To Soak Black-eyed Peas
You should definitely soak your peas ahead of time in order to significantly cut down on the long cooking time.
Soaking is easy, just:
Rinse - the peas in cold water and make sure there are no hard pellets present
Boil - water in a pot then add beans for about 2 minutes.
Cool - the peas by removing from heat and allowing to rest for about an hour.
How to cook black-eyed peas
Depending on whether you’re using canned, dried, or fresh peas you have several options. Dried or fresh are used most frequently and in your typical soul food or southerner, way are prepared by cooking in a deep pot at a slow simmer with smoked meats (usually pork) and vegetable aromatics like onions, garlic, and maybe peppers.
Soul Food Recipes Made With Black-eyed Peas
For a variety of recipes featuring both traditional and new and different option try any of these:
If you make any of these black eyed peas recipes or any other from the site, please come back and leave me a comment below with your feedback. Definitely take a photo of the dish and be sure to tag #foodfidelity so that I can see them.
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