Traditional Southern New Year's Day Dinner
What is the story behind this meal? Traditionally, the black eyed peas, greens and cornbread are eaten for good luck each New Years Day. We tried this the first year we were here, and Emily fell in love with it. Since then, it is our new tradition in the South!
1 onion chopped and sautéed in olive oil
1 T of dried hot peppers ( we like it hot)
1 teaspoon of minced garlic
1 teaspoon of salt (add at the end)
2 cups of dried peas
8 cups of water
1 Country ham hock or fat back
Rinse, then soak your black eyed peas in fresh water. Add a tablespoon of organic apple cider vinegar to soak overnight (New Years Eve if you are making the Southern New Year's Day Traditional Meal)
On New Year’s Day, spray the inside of a large 6 qt slow cooker with non stick spray. Drain fresh black eyed peas, then put into cooker. Cover with 8 cups of fresh, clean water, and the pork.
In a separate pan, add olive oil and sauté the onion, garlic and dried hot pepper. Add to crock pot, and cook on low all day 8-10 hours. I always add the salt to taste at the end and adjust seasonings.
Black-eyed peas will freeze beautifully for lunches (dinner in the South, honey) later on!
Emily loves this Traditional Southern New Year's Day Dinner served in heaping bowls with cornbread and greens and plenty of iced tea (unsweet for us!)