Pensieri di un lunatico minore

Black Eyed Peas

I grew up in TX, the child of a woman from the south (KY), and so black eyed peas are an integral part of what I love to eat. Whether cooked simply, or in Hopp’n John, they’re a memory of childhood; no time more so than New Years Day. It is myth that they will bring good luck, but for me, it’s just a tradition I love. I’d give you a recipe, but there’s really not one.

For me, I cook 2 strips of thick bacon in a dutch oven, covered, with a little water to help render out the fat. After a few minutes, I take the lid off, and let it crisp, then remove it. If necessary, I add a little olive oil, and then sauté onions, garlic and red peppers until they start to soften. After that, just add some chicken stock, a couple bay leaves, thyme and usually a dried chipotle pepper and allow it to simmer for 10-15 minutes. I add the crisp bacon at the very end, so that it doesn’t lose all it’s texture.

Finally, combine frozen black eyed peas¹ into the “stock,” and allow to simmer on very low heat until they reach a doneness that is good for you.

Eat. :)

¹ You could start with dried, but honestly, it’s more work than I care for, and I’ve never found them better. Please, though, don’t use canned unless you are just unable to find the frozen ones.