A Bite of Good Luck

Growing up the child of southern parents there were certain traditions that were followed without question.  One such tradition was the obligatory spoonful of black-eyed peas on January 1.

As a child, I cannot tell you how I dreaded those peas.  Our New Year's Day menu usually included pork chops, turnip greens, black-eyed peas, some kind of potato (only because that was about all I would eat) and cornbread.  My momma and daddy were not superstitious people, but no matter how much I protested I was told I had to eat at least a spoonful of peas for good luck.  Now I probably wouldn't have minded so much if I had been allowed to mash them into my potatoes (it didn't matter how potatoes were cooked, once in my plate, with the help of a little Parkay, they became mashed potatoes ).  No, New Year's black-eyed peas had to be virgin peas.  They could not be mixed with anything that was not included in the pot when cooked.

I did a little research and found the idea of eating black-eyed peas for good luck came about during the civil war.  It seems when Sherman's army raided and destroyed  southern pantries and crops, they overlooked  this simple pea. It became a nourishing staple in the southern diet, keeping many from starving.

Through the years I have grown to love black-eyed peas, greens and cornbread.  The oddest thing,  I seldom eat potatoes (and I'm not for sure Parkay still exist or if it should).  I am now the one encouraging everyone to eat their black-eyed peas for good luck.

Here is how I  serve up black-eyed peas on the first day of the year. (Not quite my momma's peas.)

Good Luck Pea Dip

Olive oil

1 to 2 cloves garlic, chopped

1/2 of a medium onion, chopped

1/2 of a bell pepper, chopped

1 jalapeño , chopped

1 can of black- eyed peas, drained

1 small can diced chilies

Sharp cheddar cheese, grated

Sauté onion, bell pepper, jalapeño in olive oil until tender.  Add garlic and continue until all vegetables  are transparent.
Add drained black-eyed peas and chilies.  Stir in as much cheese as you like.  Cook until cheese is melted and everything is nicely combined.
Serve with tortilla chips ( I like the multi-grain chips)

Note:  I've used both canned and dried peas.  I don't think it makes a difference; I go with convenience

I know I am a little late; may 2011 be a great year for you, with or without the humble black-eyed pea.  

Happy New Year!