The Humble Black-Eyed Pea
The black-eyed pea has a long and powerful history that traces back to West Africa. It was carried to the West Indies by enslaved West Africans as early as 1674, and later brought to the American colonies aboard slave ships. It was one of the few crops enslaved people were allowed to grow themselves, used to feed their families and sustain life under unimaginable conditions.
When African Americans were officially freed on January 1, 1863, black-eyed peas became a symbol of emancipation, resilience, and survival.
A Life-Saving Food
During the Civil War, as General William T. Sherman swept through the South on his March to the Sea, he destroyed much of the Confederate food supply. Black-eyed peas, which were primarily used as livestock feed at the time, were deemed unfit for human consumption and left untouched, along with salt pork.
That decision proved critical. Many Southerners survived the winter on black-eyed peas and salt pork alone. From that moment on, black-eyed peas earned their reputation as a life-saving grace.
New Year’s Tradition
Today, throughout the South, black-eyed peas are traditionally eaten on New Year’s Day to bring good luck and prosperity in the year ahead. In the classic Southern trio of:
Black-eyed peas
Collard greens
Cornbread
the black-eyed peas represent coins, the collard greens symbolize paper money, and the cornbread represents gold.
Not Actually a Pea
Despite the name, black-eyed peas are not peas at all. They belong to the legume family, making them a nutritional powerhouse and a pantry staple worth enjoying all year long, not just on New Year’s Day.
Health Benefits of Black-Eyed Peas
According to Nourish by WebMD
Pregnancy Health
One half-cup serving of black-eyed peas provides 44% of the recommended daily intake of folate, a B vitamin that helps reduce the risk of brain and spinal cord defects in newborns.
Weight Management
Black-eyed peas are rich in both soluble and insoluble fiber, which supports healthy digestion and weight management. Their combination of fiber, plant-based protein, and slow-digesting carbohydrates helps keep you feeling full longer.
Energy Support
One half-cup serving contains 40% of the recommended daily intake of manganese for men and 52% for women. Manganese is an antioxidant that supports the cellular processes responsible for energy production. The protein content also contributes to sustained energy levels.
Black Eyed Peas
Ingredients
- 1 ham hock smoked turkey wings of smoked pork necks will also work
- 1/2 pound thick bacon diced not thin or center cut
- 1 onion diced
- 2 jalapenos diced optional
- 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
- hot sauce
- 1 16 oz bag blackeyed peas
Instructions
- The night before cooking, cover the dried black-eyed peas with water by at least 4 inches and soak overnight.Cook the bacon in a large pot until browned and the fat has rendered.Add the onion and jalapeños, and sauté until the onion is soft and translucent.Add the garlic and sauté for 1 minute, just until fragrant.Pour in the stock, then add the onion powder, garlic powder, oregano, hot sauce, and a few turns of freshly ground black pepper.Drain and rinse the soaked black-eyed peas, then add them to the pot.Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce to a low simmer. Cook uncovered, stirring occasionally, for about 2 hours, or until the peas are tender.Remove the ham hock, pull off the meat, roughly chop it, and return it to the pot.Taste and adjust seasoning with salt as needed.