In the south, it’s believed that eating black-eyed peas or Hoppin’ John on New Year’s Day will bring luck and prosperity in the new year.
I don’t much believe in old wives’ tales. I just happen to like Black-Eyed Peas. For me, Black-Eyed Peas are comfort food on a cold winter day.
Add a side of cornbread and I’ve got a complete meal. Of course, you have to throw in some greens (turnip greens are my favorite) and I guess they signify wealth. I don’t know, I just think they taste good.
I’m a morning person, so I get up real early to get the Black Eyed Peas going. They need to cook in the slow cooker for six to eight hours, so it pays to be a morning person.
To Soak Or Not To Soak?
The jury is still out on whether black-eyed peas need to soak overnight. Yes, this is a thing. Some say no and some say yes.
I say do what you want, but when I forget to soak them overnight, I place the peas in a large saucepan and add water to cover by 2 in. Bring to a boil and boil for 2 minutes. Remove from the heat. Cover and let stand for 1 hour. Drain and rinse peas, discarding the liquid. Then proceed to the recipe below.
Slow Cooker Black-Eyed Peas
Add all ingredients to the slow cooker. Cook on low for six-eight hours or until peas are tender. I like mine real tender.
Helpful Hint: I always keep minced garlic in a jar in the fridge. That way, if I don’t have any fresh garlic cloves, I have a trusty standby.
Black Eyed Peas in the Slow Cooker
Ingredients
- 1 lb. dried black-eyed peas
- 2 smoked ham hocks
- 1 large onion, diced
- 1/2 tsp. cayenne pepper
- 1/2 tsp. creole seasoning
- 3 cloves garlic (OR 3 teaspoons minced garlic in jar)
- 1 carton reduced sodium chicken broth
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Place peas in a large saucepan; add water to cover by 2 inches.
- Bring to a boil; boil for 2 minutes. Remove from the heat. Cover and let stand for 1 hour. Drain and rinse peas, discarding liquid; set aside.
- In a slow cooker, add the peas, broth, onion, garlic, seasonings and ham hocks.
- Cook on low for 6-8 hours or until the peas are tender.
Do you eat black-eyed peas on New Year’s Day?