Last year’s home made black eye pea soup. Very healthy, delicious and history says it brings prosperity!
A couple of years ago I was introduced to eating this healthy hearty bean soup other known as “Black eye peas” from an ex boss and had also seen an article on a woman’s business magazine! According, to southerners this should be the first thing to eat on NEW YEARS DAY for luck and prosperity throughout the year.
History says that this dates back to the Civil War. Black-eyed peas were considered animal food (like purple hull peas). The peas were not worthy of General Sherman’s Union troops. When Union soldiers raided the Confederates food supplies, legend says they took everything except the peas and salted pork. The Confederates considered themselves lucky to be left with those meager supplies, and survived the winter. Union soldiers near the town of Vicksburg, Va. burned all crops except the peas; thinking they were animal feed, the soldiers did not bother them. Residents discovered that the legume was the only thing left to eat; they adapted it into their diet, and black-eyed peas were therefore considered the food of good fortune. Peas became symbolic of luck.
Black eyed peas contain calcium (41 mg) folate (356 mcg) protein (13.22 g) fiber (11.1g) and Vitamin A (26IU) among other nutrients, all for less than 200 calories.
Their shapes resemble coins, but most importantly they swell as you cook them, much as you want your wealth to expand. You can also add collard greens on the side to symbolize money and corn bread as gold. (Southern recipe)
You will need the following:
Ingredients:
4 slices bacon or andouille sausage
1 medium onion, chopped
1 (16 ounce) package dried black-eyed peas, washed
1 (12 ounce) can diced tomatoes and green chilies (serranos or jalapenos)
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon chili powder
1/2 teaspoon pepper
1 cup water
Directions:
In a large saucepan, cook bacon until crisp or andouille sausage. Remove bacon, crumble and set aside to use as topping for peas. Saute onion in bacon drippings until tender. Add peas, diced tomatoes and green chilies, salt, chili powder, pepper and water. Cook, covered, over medium heat for 45 minutes to 1 hour, or until peas are tender. Add additional water of necessary.
Garnish with avocado (yummy) This soup is really tasty as it is, but I LOVE avocado and add it to anything! 🙂 Enjoy with your loved ones!
Cheers to your Prosperity and Abundance!
My Life, My style 