Happy New Year, etc...

As I child I never realized that the custom of eating black eyed peas on New Years Day was a Southern tradition. Having parents who were very un-Southern, I assumed this was how the whole country operated. My husband tells me, however, that this is not the case. At least for Polish families from Chicago. Here is the real info on this tradition:

The traditional meal also features Collard greens, Mustard Greens or Cabbage. This is supposed to bring good luck and financial enrichment. The peas stand for good luck, the greens symbolize paper money. Cornbread also often accompanies this meal.

These "good luck" traditions date back to the U.S. Civil War. Union troops, especially in areas targeted by General William Tecumseh Sherman, would typically strip the countryside of all stored food, crops, and livestock and destroy whatever they couldn't carry away. At that time, Northerners considered "field peas" and corn suitable only for animal fodder, and as a result didn't steal or destroy these humble foods. Many Southerners survived as a result of this mistake.

Well, there you have it. If Wikipedia says it, it must be true. We welcomed 2008 with friends and here is the good luck stew I made for the good fortune of everyone:

Black Eyed Pea Stew

2 cups dried black eyed peas
1 tbs peanut oil
3/4 cup finely chopped yellow onion
8 oz turkey kielbasa, cut lengthwise
4 oz Vegetable broth
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp crushed red pepper
1/2 tsp ground back pepper
1 tbs cider vinegar
2 bay leaves
28 oz diced tomatoes
10 oz mustard greens

Cook onion until slightly transparent, then add the sausage. Cook until sausage is browned. Add broth and bring to a simmer. Add peas. Cover and simmer for 45 minutes or until peas become tender. Uncover and cook another 15 minutes so that the sauce will thicken. Add the rest of the ingredients. Simmer another 10 minutes or until the peas are completely tender.

Kate's Variations

Olive Oil instead of peanut
One whole onion
Chili powder to taste instead of crushed red pepper

Yes, you can find mustard greens at your local supermarket. You just never eat them so they seem exotic, but really they are a very common cold weather crop. They are also very good for you, but don't let that discourage you from adding them to the recipe. This dish is also best served with corn bread. Of course, what doesn't taste good with cornbread?