New Orleans Black Eyed Peas For The New Year Recipes

NEW ORLEANS BLACK EYED PEAS FOR THE NEW YEAR

Steps:

• Pick through black eyed peas and remove any that are discolored or yucky looking.
• Place in a large bowl with a tight fitting cover.
• Add enough water to cover peas with about 2 inches extra.
• Place cover on bowl and allow to sit on your counter overnight.
• In the morning, pour the peas and water in your cooking vessel.
• (This is the step that people disagree on; Some say to drain the peas and use fresh water;Some say to keep the soaking water since it has nutrients in it. Alton Brown agrees with me on this one, use the soaking water.) You may have to add more water anyway.
• I use LOTS of water and allow it to cook out.
• Add remaining ingredients except rice and cook over very low heat for several hours.
• How long depends on many factors.
• Higher altitudes must cook longer than those below sea level.
• Stir the peas at least once every 1/2 hour, being sure of 2 things: they are not sticking to the pan and when you stir, smoosh some of the peas against the side of your pan to break them since this will create a thicker gravy.
• When peas are soft enough to suit you, serve over rice with corn bread and smothered cabbage (recipe# 25265) Enjoy your feast for a healthy and prosperous New Year!

NEW YEAR BLACK EYED PEAS

Steps:

• Place the black-eyed peas into a large container and cover with several inches of cool water; let stand 8 hours to overnight. Drain and rinse before using.
• In a large stock pot over medium heat, cook and stir onion and garlic in olive oil until onion becomes translucent, about 5 minutes. Pour in the chicken broth and 8 cups water, bring to a boil, and reduce heat to a simmer. Stir in soaked black-eyed peas, ham hocks, tomatoes, pepperoncini, bay leaf, garlic powder, thyme, and salt and pepper. Cover and simmer until peas are tender, ham meat is falling off the bones, and the broth is thickened, about 3 hours.

NEW YEAR'S DAY BLACK-EYED PEAS

Steps:

• Place black-eyed peas in 8 quart pot. Add enough water to fill pot 3/4 full. Stir in ham and diced onions, and season with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Place tomatoes in a blender or food processor, and blend until the tomatoes are liquefied. Add tomatoes to pot. Bring all ingredients to boil. Cover the pot, and simmer on low heat for 2 1/2 to 3 hours, or until the peas are tender.

SOUTHERN "NEW YEAR'S" SMOTHERED CABBAGE

Steps:

• In a large pot cook bacon, remove and drain, reserving the fat.
• Add onion to bacon fat and cook for about 3 minutes.
• Add cabbage and drained bacon and saute for 5-10 minutes.
• Salt and pepper to taste.

NEW YEAR'S DAY BLACK-EYED PEAS

Steps:

• Heat 2 Tbsp. oil in a large saucepan over medium. Add bacon, if using, and cook, stirring occasionally, until some of the fat begins to collect in the pan and bacon starts to look shiny, about 5 minutes. Add onion and cook, stirring occasionally, until golden and tender, about 5 minutes. Add thyme sprigs, garlic, black-eyed peas, and 8 cups cold water and bring to a simmer over medium-high. Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer gently, skimming any foam from surface, until beans are tender, 35-45 minutes. Discard thyme; season with salt.
• To serve, drizzle beans with oil and top with thyme leaves and some pepper.
• Do Ahead
• Beans can be cooked 3 days ahead. Let cool; cover and chill.