This black-eyed peas recipe stew is something family members had made for New Year’s Day.
Why Do We Eat Black-Eyed Peas Food For New Years?
It is believed that eating black-eyed peas for New Year’s brings prosperity. This dates back to the time of the Civil War in 1864 during a time when food was scarce and all that was available for troops to eat was black-eyed peas. The black-eyed pea symbolizes a coin and is believed to bring good luck. Traditionally, these peas are eaten with collard greens and corned bread. Fantastic collard green recipe coming up in a few days.
What Does This Black-Eyed Peas Recipe taste like?
Some individuals may like their food heavily seasoned with salts, however since this is not my style, the black-eyed peas recipe is optimized for more freshness, utilizing fresh herbs, and plenty more of more vegetables. Feel free to add more veggies such as zucchini, spinach, and/or top it off with fresh italian parsley, making this black-eyed peas food one tasty and healthy treat.
How Can I More Fully Optimize This Recipe for Health Benefits?
- Peptides: Add 5-6 scoops of collagen peptides to the black-eyed peas recipe. Collagen helps to build healthier hair, glowy skin and gives nutrients for your joints. The peptides are mostly tasteless but add so much benefit for our health.
- Veggies: Add more veggies! The more you add, the more nutrient-dense you are making this!
- Apple Cider Vinegar: You can try to draw more of the minerals out of the joints and bones of the ham hock…essentially making more of a bone broth type base. You can do this by adding apple cider vinegar with the ham hocks in the beginning to simmering it for a bit, to assure you are getting all the nutrients you can out of that joint! This may take an additional few hours in an instant pot. OR
- Bone Broth: You can substitute the chicken base with store-bought bone broth – this brand is a bit more known amongst the biohacking community.
Do I Really Need to Soak the Peas for 6 Hours?
Pressure Cooker Method: No, you don’t need to soak them for 6 hours. You can use a pressure cooker, which may be a more optimized option. (Based on Dr. Gundry’s book & research on getting rid of anti-nutrients that can be found in legumes). Pour the beans in the pressure cooker, fill with water, and cook on high for about 10 minutes.
Quick Soak Method: Alternatively, you can do a quick soak method. Boil peas for about 2-3 minutes and let stand for 60-90 minutes.
Did you make this black-eyed peas recipe? Tag @ingrid.shots on Instagram. Would love to see your creations!
Black Eyed Peas Stew Recipe
Warm and comforting stew made any time of the year. FoodforSoul.co
Ingredients
- 1 16 0z dried black-eyed peas
- 2 Ham Hocks
- 2 quarts water
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 large yellow onion, chopped
- 1 large bell pepper, chopped
- 1/2 cup diced zucchini
- 5 stalks of celery, chopped
- 2 tbsp Better than Bullion chicken base
- 15oz canned or fresh diced tomatoes
- 4 garlic cloves
- - HERBS & SPICE -
- 10 individual stalks fresh thyme, pinched to small pieces or minced
- 1-2 bay leaves
- 3-4 stalks of fresh oregano, chopped
- 1 tbsp crushed cumin seeds or cumin powder
- 1 tbsp smoked paprika
- Himalayan salt to taste (if needed)
Instructions
- Soak black-eyed peas overnight or for about 6 hours (refer to blog for quick soak)
- Rinse off ham hocks with fresh water and set aside. Set aside about 1/2 cup of chopped celery and peppers (to be added later)
- In a pot over med heat, heat oil and sautee onions, peppers, and celery till slightly translucent, but still a little crunchy
- Add herbs & spices, stir, add half of tomatoes, stir.
- Add ham hocks, water, and chicken base, stir, and cover slightly to cook on simmer for about 3-3.5 hours. Checking periodically and stirring every 30 mins or so. During last 20 minutes or so, add rest of tomatoes, 1/2 cup chopped raw celery/pepper mix and diced zucchini. When ready to serve top or mix in some fresh thyme before serving.
- Garnish with fresh Italian parsley if desired
Notes
- Add more chicken base if desired
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 6 Serving Size: 1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 272Total Fat: 11gSaturated Fat: 2gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 8gCholesterol: 32mgSodium: 328mgCarbohydrates: 29gFiber: 7gSugar: 6gProtein: 18g
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