Kickstart your new year with lucky black-eyed peas

Preparation time: 25 minutes
Cooking time: 2 hours

Ingredients (Serves 4)

• 1 cup dried black-eyed peas (190g) – 160 calories
• 4 cups water (946 ml) – 0 calories
• 1 smoked ham hock (about 1 pound/450g) – 500 calories
• 1 large onion, chopped (150g) – 60 calories
• 2 cloves garlic, minced – 10 calories
• 1 red bell pepper, chopped (150g) – 30 calories
• 1 green bell pepper, chopped (150g) – 30 calories
• 1 teaspoon salt – 0 calories
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper – 0 calories
• 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper – 0 calories
• 2 cups chicken broth (473 ml) – 30 calories
• 2 bay leaves – 0 calories

Total Calories per portion: 205 calories

Method

1. Rinse the black-eyed peas and soak them in water for at least 8 hours or overnight.
2. In a large pot, add the soaked peas, water, and the ham hock. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat (around 200°F/93°C).
3. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low (around 140°F/60°C), cover the pot and let it simmer for about an hour.
4. After an hour, add the chopped onion, minced garlic, chopped red and green bell peppers, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper to the pot.
5. Stir well, then add the chicken broth and bay leaves.
6. Bring the mixture back to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for another hour or until the peas are tender.
7. Once the peas are cooked, remove the ham hock from the pot. Remove the meat from the bone, chop it, and return it to the pot.
8. Stir well and serve hot. Enjoy your New Year’s Day Black-Eyed Peas!

A healthier take on new year’s day black-eyed peas

A simple way to make this dish even healthier is to use a low-sodium chicken broth and limit added salt.

You could also add more fresh vegetables, such as bell peppers and celery, for added fiber and vitamins.

Consider using olive oil instead of butter for sautéing vegetables, which gives you the heart-healthy fats.

Finally, opt for lean cuts of ham or even turkey ham instead of a traditional fat-rich ham hock.

Preserving your new year’s day black-eyed peas

Once you’ve made your delicious black-eyed peas, you can store the leftovers in airtight containers. They can be kept in the refrigerator for up to four days, making them perfect for meals throughout the week.

If you’ve really cooked in bulk, these peas can also be frozen. Simply place in freezer-friendly containers or bags and store them for up to six months.

When you’re ready to eat them, thaw overnight in the refrigerator.

Pairing suggestions for new year’s day black-eyed peas

These flavorful peas are versatile and can be paired with many dishes. A traditional accompaniment is cornbread, which complements the savory flavors of the peas and can be used to soak up the delicious broth.

For a balanced meal, add a side of leafy greens, like collard greens or kale.

When it comes to drinks, a crisp white wine like a Sauvignon Blanc or a cold beer pairs well with this meal. As always, enjoy responsibly.