New Year’s Day is not complete at my house without a big steaming pot of blackeyed peas and hot southern cornbread. Pass the tabasco please!
Meat and gluten may be off the table, but not the FLAVOR! I hope you enjoy my rendition of this tradition. Man, I am on the rhymes today:)
P.S. See Iron Skillet Cornbread Recipe aleady posted
The Ingredients:
2 cups dried black eyed peas (soaked overnight, drained and rinsed)
4 cups of water more or less (or vegetable broth – I love better than bouillon concentrate)
¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
2 tablespoons pure olive oil
1 large onion, chopped fine
½ large bell pepper, chopped fine
2 stalks celery, chopped fine
2-3 clove garlic, chopped fine
1 teaspoon dried thyme or oregano (1 tablespoon of fresh chopped)
2 bay leaves
2 tablespoon sweet white miso**
2 ½ cups cooked white rice (use rice package instructions)*
Sea salt and freshly ground pepper to taste (TASTE BEFORE ADDING SALT)
Louisiana Hot Sauce or Tabasco to taste
The Method:
Place soaked peas. In large pot, add water or broth, bay leaf and pepper flakes. Place a titled lid on top of pot and simmer 30-40 minutes or until tender stirring often. Add more water if needed. Remove from heat. In a cup dissolve miso with a little hot pea broth or hot water. Blend into peas.
While peas are simmering, heat a large skillet over medium high and add olive oil, onions, celery, bell pepper and garlic one at a time in that order. Sauté veggies for about 5 minutes or until onion is translucent. Toss in chopped herb and sauté for another minute. Add to cooked peas.
Add cooked rice to pot and toss well or serve rice on the side. Pass the hot sauce.
*Instead of the classic Uncle Ben’s converted white rice, I serve Jasmine. It only takes 20 minutes to cook the whole grain and the aroma and flavor is well worth the extra few minutes.
**Miso adds a rich, hearty, meaty flavor to vegetarian and vegan stews, soups, and beans. No one misses the meat when I add this. Use dark miso for dark colored soups and stews.
“Aieee” – This will have your taste buds singing!
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