Collard Greens & Black Eyed Peas: The New Year Tradition

Collard Greens and Black Eyed Peas=

Happy New Year!!!??!!!

Many people, especially Southerners, usher in the new year by cooking black eyed peas and collard greens.

Growing up, my Grandmother was worn out around this time of year from cooking enormous Thanksgiving, Christmas and Sunday feasts, but she always made sure there was a huge pot of greens and black eyed peas simmering on the stove when New Years rolled around. (Can't forget that pan of cornbread! : )

I'm not exactly sure where or when the tradition originated. Even my online research comes up pretty unclear. According to scienceblogs.com:

"The source of the traditions isn't especially clear, and they haven't attracted much interest from researchers.

Some stories say the black-eyed peas became the South's salvation after Union troops destroyed other crops.

Others trace the peas themselves to Africa and speculate they made it here during the slave trade. Jewish people were eating black-eyed peas for good luck in their New Year's celebrations about 2,500 years ago.

Some traditions hold that the black-eyed peas represent coins, and collards can represent cash."

The latter explaination held true in my household growing up. The cooking of black eyed peas and collard greens represented blessings for a prosperous new year, not just financially but with health, business, family and whatever else your heart desired.

I have an friend who swears his good fortune comes from starting the year off with a prayer and a heeping bowl of collard greens and black eyed peas!

So whether or not you keep this tradition in your household, bringing in the New Year with this powerful duo may not be such a bad idea. Both foods pack major health benefits.

Black Eyed Peas are an excellent source of calcium & vitamin A, contains no cholesterole and are low in fat.

Collard Greens are one of the best sources of calcium, loaded with assorted vitamins and minerals, and tons of cancer fighting antioxidants.

Cooking Black Eyed Peas and Collard Greens

Collard greens and black eyed peas are really easy to make. Use seasonings to help bring out and enhance the flavor. Both dishes can be made super healthy by using water, olive oil & herbs or add a touch of southern flare by adding in savory ingredients like smoked meats, broths and seasoning salt. Below is how I usually prepare my collard greens and black eyed peas!

How to cook Collard Greens from start to finish! 

How to cook Black Eyed Peas from start to finish!

Do You Eat or Cook Collard Greens and Black Eyed Peas On New Years Day?

Here's to wishing you all a safe, blessed and prosperous New Year!!!

XO; )

Monique