Food has always been deeply embedded in cultures across the globe. It has even been a part of festive traditions and ceremonies for thousands of years. One of the most prevalent food traditions in the United States, namely right here in the South, is sitting down to a meal which includes black-eyed peas and collared greens on New Year’s Day. For a long time, this has been a sign of good fortune as we roll into the new year.
Here is an interesting recipe that is a spin off of the traditional meal for New Year’s Day. Despite it lacking the collard greens, it still has the main ingredients, black-eyed peas.
Ingredients
- 2 bacon strips, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 2 cups chopped red or green bell pepper
- 1/4 cup diced onion
- 1 tomato, chopped
- 1/4 teaspoon chili powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 cups fresh or frozen black-eyed peas
- 3 cups chicken broth
- 2 cups cooked rice
- 1 cup grated Cheddar cheese
- Sour cream and cherry tomatoes (for garnish)
Instructions
1. In a medium saucepan , saute the bacon for 5 minutes. Stir in 1/2 cup of the bell pepper, the onion, the chopped tomato, the chili powder, the salt and pepper, and the black-eyed peas. Pour in the broth and bring the mixture to a low boil, then simmer it uncovered for 1 hour or more, stirring occasionally, until the liquid is absorbed.
2. Layer the peas, rice, cheese, and remaining bell pepper in parfait glasses . Top with sour cream and a cherry tomato. Serves 6 to 8.
