Starting the Year with Good Luck and Greens:

A Delicious Twist on Black-Eyed Peas

Happy New Year everyone! As tradition goes, the start of a new year calls for certain customs and foods to usher in good fortune, health, and prosperity. This year, the buzz on Facebook about the must-have New Year’s Day dishes really caught my attention, especially one that seemed both familiar and novel: Black-Eyed Peas with Bacon and Escarole.

The combination of ingredients—each a favorite of mine on its own– Is always a winner on my plate. I found a simple recipe from Real Simple, years ago, that is esay and flavorful: “Black-Eyed Peas with Bacon and Escarole.” While I was excited to share it, a quick trip to the local supermarket revealed a slight hiccup—no escarole in sight. But, as luck would have it, mustard greens were on sale. A perfect, peppery substitute!

Here’s what you’ll need for this twist on a traditional favorite:

• 1 lb of turkey bacon
• 4 cloves of garlic, minced
• 2 14oz bags of mustard greens
• 1/2 tsp kosher salt
• 1/4 tsp pepper
• 1 15oz can of black-eyed peas, rinsed

Let’s Get Cooking!

Start by frying up the turkey bacon until it’s nice and crispy—trust me, the aroma is irresistible. Once done, set the bacon aside (and try not to nibble too much of it as you cook!). In the same pan, using those savory bacon drippings, toss in the garlic followed by the mustard greens, seasoning them with salt and pepper. The greens will cook down and wilt into a lovely, tender heap.

Next, stir in the black-eyed peas. If your pan looks a bit dry, add a splash of water—though I found there was plenty of liquid already. Allow everything to heat through for about three minutes, ensuring the flavors meld beautifully.

Finally, crumble the crispy bacon over the top and serve. The result? Absolutely delicious! The smoky flavor of the bacon pairs wonderfully with the mustard greens, and the black-eyed peas bring a comforting earthiness that ties everything together.

This dish was so hearty and flavorful that it ended up being more than just a side; it was my entire meal the next day for lunch! And despite making a large batch, it disappeared quickly in my household.

This New Year’s dish will a hit for you to try, and I’ll definitely be making it again and again for us! So, if you’re looking for a tasty way to kickstart your year with some good luck, give this recipe a try. It might just become a staple in your home too.