Name: Black Eyed Peas Stew Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 3 h 30 min
Total time: 3 h 50 min
Yield: 6
Cuisine: Modern
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)

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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.

3 bowls of black eyed peas stew with added veggies — With added veggies and some pearl onions on top

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!

Yield: 6