I don't care for the taste of blackeyed peas, but I make them on New Year's Day out of tradition. Eating them is supposed to bring prosperity in the new year, and who couldn't use some of that?! I encourage my kids to all take at least one bite, and though we're really not superstitious at all, it's a fun custom.
A few years ago, I happened upon a new recipe for making these good luck beans, and I've been pleased with the results. My family gives the dish 2 thumbs up (well, everyone except the 9-year-old). I think the secret to this simple crockpot recipe is the whole jalapenos. Make no mistake - the results are not spicy, but the subtle flavor of the jalapenos does a number on your taste buds! This recipe yields 8 servings. Enjoy!
Hearty Black-Eyed Peas
1 16oz pkg dried black-eyed peas
4 cups water
1 medium onion, chopped
1/2 teaspoon pepper
3/4 tsp salt (feel free to use Seasoned Salt such as Tony's)
1-2 smoked ham hocks
4 whole jalapenos
4 cups water
1 medium onion, chopped
1/2 teaspoon pepper
3/4 tsp salt (feel free to use Seasoned Salt such as Tony's)
1-2 smoked ham hocks
4 whole jalapenos
Combine all ingredients in a crockpot. Cook on low for 6-8 hours. Optionally, you may bring all ingredients to a boil in a Dutch oven; cover and reduce heat, and simmer for 1 hour until peas are tender.
* After cooking, I remoe the ham hocks from the pot and pick the meat off the bones (disposing of the fatty parts and the bones) and then returning meat to the pot with the beans.
* Tip: Serve this with cornbread (Jiffy boxed cornbread is super easy, and one box yields 6-8 soft, slightly sweet corn muffins)
