The humble black-eyed pea
The black-eyed pea has a long and unique history that dates back to western Africa and was taken to the West Indies by enslaved West African slaves as early as 1674 and then came to the colonies on slave ships, it was one of the few crops the slaves were allowed to grow to feed themselves and their families. Black-eyed peas became a symbol of emancipation for African Americans who were officially freed on new years day 1863
During the civil was as General William T Sherman swept thru the south on his way to the sea, he decimated all the confederate army’s food supply. As the black-eyed pea was primarily used to feed livestock, he declared it and salt pork unfit for humans and let it be. Because of this, the southerners survived the whole winter on black-eyed peas and salt pork, and thus became known as a life-saving grace.
So today all throughout the south we eat black-eyed peas on new years day to bring us good luck, and wealth into the new year, in the trilogy of black-eyed peas, collard greens, and cornbread the black-eyed peas represents coins
below is the nutritional list for this humble pea that is really not a pea but from the legume family and good all year not just on news years day
according to Nourish by WEBMD, these are a few of the health benefits of black-eyed peas
Pregnancy health
One half-cup serving of black-eyed peas contains 44 percent of the recommended daily intake of folate, a B Vitamin that helps to lower the chance of brain and spinal cord defects in newborn babies.
Weight management
Eating black-eyed peas can help you maintain healthy weight levels. Black-eyed peas are rich in soluble and insoluble fiber, which helps the body with weight management. The protein and slow-digesting, high-quality carbohydrates in black-eyed peas also help you feel full.
Higher levels of energy
One half-cup serving of black-eyed peas contains 40 percent of the recommended daily intake of manganese for men and 52 percent for (women. Manganese is an antioxidant that protects the cell structures responsible for producing your body’s energy. The protein in black-eyed peas also helps boost your energy levels.
One cup (170 grams) of cooked black-eyed peas contains the following nutrients (
- Calories:Â 194
- Protein:Â 13 grams
- Fat:Â 0.9 grams
- Carbs:Â 35 grams
- Fiber:Â 11 grams
- Folate:Â 88% of the DV
- Copper:Â 50% of the DV
- Thiamine:Â 28% of the DV
- Iron:Â 23% of the DV
- Phosphorus:Â 21% of the DV
- Magnesium:Â 21% of the DV
- Zinc:Â 20% of the DV
- Potassium:Â 10% of the DV
- Vitamin B6:Â 10% of the DV
- Selenium:Â 8% of the DV
- Riboflavin:Â 7% of the DV
I hope you make some black-eyed peas and fall in love with them as we have
Black Eyed Peas
Ingredients
- 1 ham hock smoked turkey wings of smoked pork necks will also work
- 6 slices bacon not thin or center cut
- 1 onion diced
- 2 jalapenos diced
- 1 cup celery diced
- 6 cloves garlic minced
- 6 cups ham stock chicken or beef stock will also work
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 15 oz whole tomatoes, diced
- hot sauce
- 1 16 oz bag blackeyed peas
- 1 tbsp tomato paste
Instructions
- Starting the night before cover your beans with water by at least 4 inches and leave to soak overnight
- Cook bacon until browned and then add in the onions, celery, and jalapeno and saute until the onion is translucent
- Add the garlic and sauté one more minute
- Add the stock, spices, hot sauce, and a few turns of the pepper mill
- Stir well and add your drained and rinsed peas
- Add the canned tomatoes and tomato paste
- Cook at a low boil stirring often 2 hours
- Remove the ham hock and remove all that beautiful meat from it, give it a rough chop and place it back in the pot
- Taste for seasoning and add salt if needed
Nutrition