New Year’s Day has always been a special time for my family, filled with laughter, hope, and, of course, delicious food! Growing up, we had this wonderful tradition of making a big pot of black-eyed peas and collard greens, believed to bring good luck for the year ahead. It’s a lovely mix of Southern tradition and modern flair that I cherish. This recipe captures that spirit perfectly—it’s comforting, hearty, and full of flavor. Trust me, the combination of the savory peas, tender greens, and warm cornbread is simply irresistible! So, whether you’re celebrating with family or just treating yourself, this dish will surely make your New Year’s Day feel extra special.
Ingredients List
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 2 cups of black-eyed peas (rinsed and soaked overnight)
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 bell pepper, diced
- 1 teaspoon of cumin
- 4 cups of vegetable broth
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 bunch of collard greens, chopped
- 1 tablespoon of olive oil
- 1 loaf of cornbread (for serving)
How to Prepare Instructions
- First things first, rinse those black-eyed peas and soak them overnight in plenty of water. This not only makes them easier to cook but also helps them get nice and tender!
- When you’re ready to cook, heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. I love how the oil shimmers; it’s like a little invitation to get started!
- Add the chopped onion, minced garlic, and diced bell pepper to the pot. Sauté them for about 5–7 minutes until they’re soft and fragrant. The smell will make your kitchen feel like a cozy Southern home!
- Now, it’s time to introduce the star of the show! Toss in the soaked black-eyed peas, along with the vegetable broth, cumin, salt, and pepper. Give everything a good stir to combine.
- Bring the mixture to a boil—don’t rush this part! Once boiling, reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 45 minutes. Stir occasionally, and if you see it getting too thick, just add a splash more broth.
- After 45 minutes, add the chopped collard greens to the pot. They’ll wilt beautifully and take about 15 minutes to cook. Just imagine that vibrant green color and the lovely aroma filling your kitchen!
- Once everything is cooked to perfection, serve this hearty dish hot with a warm loaf of cornbread on the side. Trust me, you’ll want to soak up every last bit of that delicious broth!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- It’s a delicious blend of tradition and modern flavors, perfect for New Year’s Day food!
- Quick and easy to prepare—just a bit of chopping and simmering, and you’re done!
- Full of hearty ingredients that are both comforting and nutritious.
- Flavor-packed with spices that elevate the humble black-eyed peas and collard greens.
- Perfectly paired with cornbread, making it a complete and satisfying meal.
- Vegetarian-friendly, yet hearty enough to please everyone at the table.
- Great for leftovers, as the flavors deepen and improve the next day!
Tips for Success
Getting this dish just right is all about a few little tips and tweaks! Here are my top suggestions to ensure your black-eyed peas and collard greens turn out perfect:
- Soak those peas! Make sure to soak your black-eyed peas overnight. It not only reduces cooking time but also helps them cook evenly.
- Spice it up! Don’t be shy with the spices! If you like a kick, try adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or some smoked paprika for extra depth.
- Fresh greens! Use fresh collard greens if you can. They add a vibrant flavor and texture that frozen just can’t match. Plus, they look beautiful!
- Customize! Feel free to add in diced tomatoes, carrots, or even some chopped jalapeños if you’re in the mood. This recipe is super forgiving, so get creative!
- Let it rest! If you have the time, let the dish sit for a bit after cooking. The flavors meld together beautifully, and it tastes even better the next day!
- Mix it up! If you want a meaty twist, add some smoked sausage or ham hock to the pot while it simmers for a smoky flavor boost.
- Adjust your broth! If you prefer a richer taste, use homemade vegetable broth or add a splash of soy sauce for umami goodness.
With these tips in your back pocket, you’ll be well on your way to creating a New Year’s Day meal that’s not only delicious but also filled with love and tradition!
Nutritional Information
This recipe is not just delicious, but it also packs a nutritious punch! Here’s the estimated nutritional data per serving (1 cup) to give you a good idea of what you’re enjoying:
- Calories: 220
- Fat: 4g
- Saturated Fat: 0.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Sodium: 300mg
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 12g
- Sugar: 1g
- Protein: 12g
Keep in mind that these values are estimates and can vary based on ingredient brands and any additional ingredients you might add. But overall, you can enjoy this hearty New Year’s Day food knowing it’s wholesome and satisfying!
Serving Suggestions
To create a truly memorable New Year’s Day meal, I love to serve my black-eyed peas and collard greens alongside a few tasty accompaniments. Here are some of my favorites:
- Warm cornbread: This is a must! The sweet, crumbly texture of cornbread is perfect for soaking up the flavorful broth. You can bake it fresh or warm up some store-bought for convenience.
- Hot sauce: For those who enjoy a little heat, have some hot sauce on the table. A few dashes can elevate the flavors and add a nice kick!
- Coleslaw: A refreshing coleslaw on the side adds a crunchy contrast to the hearty peas and greens. The tangy dressing complements the dish beautifully!
- Fried green tomatoes: These crispy bites are a delightful Southern addition and provide a wonderful textural balance to the meal.
- Sweet tea or lemonade: Don’t forget a refreshing drink! Sweet tea or homemade lemonade pairs perfectly with this comforting feast.
By putting together these sides, you’ll not only enhance the flavors but also create a warm, inviting spread that everyone will love. It’s all about celebrating traditions and making new memories, and trust me, this combo will do just that!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Storing leftovers properly is key to enjoying your delicious black-eyed peas and collard greens for days to come! Here’s how I do it:
- Cool it down: Allow the dish to cool to room temperature before storing. This prevents condensation from making it soggy in the fridge.
- Airtight containers: Transfer any leftovers into airtight containers. This helps keep the flavors fresh and prevents any fridge odors from mingling.
- Refrigerate: Store in the refrigerator for up to three days. If you want to keep it longer, I recommend freezing it!
- Freezing: If you’re freezing, portion the leftovers into smaller containers or freezer bags, leaving some space for expansion. They’ll be good for up to two months!
When you’re ready to enjoy your leftovers, reheating is super simple:
- Stovetop: For the best flavor, reheat on the stovetop over medium heat. Just add a splash of vegetable broth or water to loosen it up if it’s thickened. Stir occasionally until heated through.
- Microwave: If you’re in a hurry, pop it in the microwave! Just cover it loosely and heat in 1-minute intervals, stirring in between, until piping hot.
And there you have it! With these storage and reheating tips, you’ll savor every last bite of this wonderful New Year’s Day food. Enjoy!
FAQ Section
Can I use dried black-eyed peas instead of canned?
Absolutely, and I actually prefer dried! Just make sure to soak them overnight, as it helps them cook more evenly and become tender. Canned peas can be used in a pinch, but they might not have the same flavor depth.
What can I substitute for collard greens?
If collard greens aren’t available, you can easily swap them out for kale or Swiss chard. Both will provide a lovely texture and flavor, though kale tends to be a bit tougher, so you may want to cook it a little longer!
How can I make this recipe spicier?
If you love a bit of heat, try adding some diced jalapeños or a pinch of red pepper flakes when you sauté the vegetables. You can also serve it with hot sauce on the side for those who like to spice things up!
Can I make this dish in advance?
Definitely! This dish actually tastes better the next day as the flavors meld together. Just make sure to store it properly in an airtight container in the fridge, and reheat it before serving.
Is this recipe vegan-friendly?
Yes! This recipe is naturally vegetarian and can easily be made vegan by just ensuring that your vegetable broth is plant-based. It’s a wholesome and hearty option for everyone!
New Year’s Day Food: 7 Hearty Dishes for Good Luck
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A delicious spread of traditional and modern dishes to celebrate New Year’s Day.
Ingredients
- 2 cups of black-eyed peas
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 bell pepper, diced
- 1 tsp of cumin
- 4 cups of vegetable broth
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 bunch of collard greens, chopped
- 1 tbsp of olive oil
- 1 loaf of cornbread
Instructions
- Rinse the black-eyed peas and soak overnight.
- In a pot, heat olive oil over medium heat.
- Add onion, garlic, and bell pepper, and sauté until soft.
- Add black-eyed peas, vegetable broth, cumin, salt, and pepper.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 45 minutes.
- Add collard greens and cook for an additional 15 minutes.
- Serve hot with cornbread on the side.
Notes
- Feel free to add smoked sausage for extra flavor.
- Adjust spices according to your taste.
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to three days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Southern
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 4g
- Saturated Fat: 0.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 12g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: new years day food, black-eyed peas, collard greens, cornbread
