The tradition of eating black eyed peas and rice on Old Years (New Year’s Eve) is a popular custom in the southern United States. While the origins of this tradition are uncertain, many believe that it brings good luck and prosperity for the upcoming year. Black eyed peas are considered a symbol of wealth and prosperity, while the rice represents fertility and abundance.
The dish is typically seasoned with ham or bacon, which represents forward progress and growth. While there is no scientific evidence to support the notion that eating black eyed peas and rice on Old Years will bring good luck, it remains a beloved tradition for many families. Some even believe that the number of peas you eat on New Year’s Day determines the amount of good luck you will receive in the new year. Regardless of whether or not it brings luck, this dish is a delicious and nutritious way to kick off the new year, and it is a wonderful way to celebrate with family and friends. So why not give it a try and see what the new year has in store for you?
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Cuisine: Caribbean
Servings: 7 cups
Ingredients
- 2 cups black-eyed peas dried
- ½ lb chicken or beef chopped and seasoned (you can also use ham)
- 1 bouillon cube optional
- 2 cups water
- 2 tbsp cooking oil coconut oil preferably
- 1/2 -1 tsp salt
- 1 small onion
- 2 cloves garlic
- 1 small pimento
- 1 small red pepper optional
- 1 sprig parsley chopped
- 1 sprig thyme chopped
- 2 1/4 cups rice
Instructions
- Boil rice and set aside. Pressure cook the peas (peas may also be soaked overnight before cooked)
- Cut up and season the chicken with green seasoning. Heat the oil and saute the onion, garlic, pimento, pepper, parsley and thyme.
- Add the meat and a little water and cook until tender. Add the black eyed peas to the chicken.
- Add the bouillon cube if desired and simmer the cooked black eyed peas for about 5 – 7 minutes.
Click the link to download the PDF version of this recipe.
Click here for step by step recipe with pictures.
Recipe © Simply Trini Cooking. All rights reserved
Black Eyed Peas and Rice
Ingredients
- 2 cups black-eyed peas dried
- ½ lb chicken or beef chopped and seasoned (you can also use ham)
- 1 bouillon cube optional
- 2 cups water
- 2 tbsp cooking oil coconut oil preferably
- 1/2 -1 tsp salt
- 1 small onion
- 2 cloves garlic
- 1 small pimento
- 1 small red pepper optional
- 1 sprig parsley chopped
- 1 sprig thyme chopped
- 2 1/4 cups rice
Instructions
- Boil rice and set aside. Pressure cook the peas (peas may also be soaked overnight before cooked)
- Cut up and season the chicken with green seasoning. Heat the oil and saute the onion, garlic, pimento, pepper, parsley and thyme.
- Add the meat and a little water and cook until tender. Add the black eyed peas to the chicken.
- Add the bouillon cube if desired and simmer the cooked black eyed peas for about 5 – 7 minutes.
