Having black eyed peas on New Year’s Day has always been a tradition in our house. Granted, there have been years when we couldn’t find fresh peas (grocery stores often sell out), so we reluctantly shared a few spoonfuls of precooked peas from a can. This year, with just a few more days of December, I’ve already purchased two containers of fresh peas and am ready to cook up some good karma!
Although this recipe is simple, it packs in the flavor. The fire-roasted tomatoes, bacon and Worcestershire sauce add rich, smokey undertones, while the white balsamic vinegar and Slap Ya Mama seasoning provide tang and spice. The onions, carrots and celery add both color and flavor (and of course I also don’t mind the idea of getting in a few more veggies at the start of the new year!).
All together, this recipe is now a family favorite, and one we definitely plan to make more than once a year. Serve a big bowl as lunch with a simple green salad, or as a light dinner with a wedge of cornbread. However you enjoy these black eyed peas, I hope they bring you love, prosperity and lots of good luck!
P.S. If you don’t have the Slap Ya Mama seasoning, simply sub in salt and pepper, plus crushed red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper, to taste.
