Traditions vary from culture to culture, but there are striking similarities in what’s consumed in different pockets of the world: The six major categories of auspicious foods are grapes, greens, fish, pork, legumes, and cakes. In the African American culture it has always been black eyed peas. Here is a healthy recipe for it:
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Ingredients
- 1 pound dried black-eyed peas
- 5 ounces (6 slices) bacon, cut into 3/4-inch squares
- 2 red onions, peeled and sliced
- 4 garlic cloves, peeled and chopped
- 1 tablespoon dried oregano or Italian seasoning
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 2 bay leaves
- 2 teaspoon coarse sea salt or kosher salt
- 2 teaspoons Tabasco or other hot sauce
- Fresh flat-leaf parsley leaves, for garnish
Directioms
- The day before you plan to serve this dish, put the peas in a bowl, cover with water by at least 2 inches, and refrigerate. The next day, drain well before using.
- Center a rack in the oven and preheat the oven to 275ºF.
- Place the bacon in a small cast-iron pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat and cook until it renders its fat, about 6 or 7 minutes.
- Add the onions, garlic, oregano (or Italian seasoning), and black pepper and cook, stirring, for 8 minutes. Add the drained peas, bay leaves, salt, and 6 cups water. Bring to a simmer, cover, and transfer to the oven.
- Braise until the peas are tender, at least 1 hour 15 minutes. Stir in the Tabasco, sprinkle with the parsley, and serve.
