Eating Black-eyed peas on New Year's Day is considered lucky! I love Black-Eyed peas and that is another reason I will eat them on New Year's Day. Reading about the history as to why Southerners consider it lucky was fascinating.
The history dates back to the Civil War period. In that period, black-eyed peas were considered animal food. Hence, they were not considered worthy of General Sherman's Union troops.
When the Union troops raided the Confederates' food supplies, they took everything except the Black-eyed peas and salted pork.
The Confederates considered themselves very lucky to have the Black-eyed peas to help last them through the cold winter and hence the peas became a symbol of Good luck.
There is also another explanation such as that Black-eyed peas were all the Southern slaves had to celebrate the New Year and hence are considered a soul food.
Also, most of the Southern states are big on farming and black-eyed peas were one of the best crops that held up to the cold winter months. They were cheap and very affordable and hence many families enjoyed it on New Year's feast.
I have 6 of the most delicious ways I make Black-eyed peas for my family. We all love the black-eyed peas for their flavor and also for the fact that they don't need prior soaking. I am very forgetful when it comes to soaking the beans and this is one bean that works great without prior soaking.
All the recipes I have here are gluten-free and Vegan which will work with people with any dietary restrictions.
Black Eyed Peas Salad
Starting with some salad, this is the easiest recipe you could make with black-eyed peas. Cook the beans, add any vegetable of your choice, and dress it mildly with some lemon juice, salt, and pepper. I love adding some crushed peanuts for texture.
Black Eyed Peas Fritter - Lobia Vadai - Karamani Vadai
If you are in the mood for some snack or appetizer to make for your New Year's Day party, then This Black Eyed peas fritter would be a perfect choice. Crunchy and easy to make, this is a crowd-pleaser recipe for sure. This is a gluten-free as well as vegan recipe.
Black Eyed Peas Subzi - Lobia Subzi
If you are looking to make a side dish, I have a couple of them for you to try. This subzi / curry works well with rice or Indian bread. Again this is a completely gluten-free as well as vegan recipe.
Black Eyed Peas Subzi without Onion and Garlic
This is another subzi / side dish made with a coconut base and tastes delicious with some warm rice. There are many days when we don't eat onions or garlic for religious reasons and this subzi is perfect for dinner on those days.
Black Eyed Peas Kara Kuzhambu
And if you are a garlic lover, you will love this kuzhambu / side dish made with small onions, garlic, and black-eyed peas. This is my personal favorite with a bowl of steaming hot rice.
Black Eyed Peas and Potatoes Stew
This is one of my latest recipes that I made in the Instant Pot and it was delicious. This recipe is completely gluten-free and vegan and works great with some crusty bread or rice.
If you made this recipe and liked it, give a star rating on the recipe card or let me know in the comments below. You could also share it with me on Instagram using #MyCookingJourney and tagging me @sandhya.ramakrishnan. You could follow me and my recipes on Facebook |Instagram | Pinterest | Twitter/X
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