We all know the tradition of eating black eyed peas and collard greens with a bit of hog jowl for New Year’s, right? It’s definitely a tradition that flourishes throughout the South, and no good Southerner worth his ham hock would even think about starting a new year with anything else on the menu.
The tradition of eating black eyed peas for New Year’s has been around for a very long time, at least 1500 years. Some think the tradition began with the Jewish custom of eating them for Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year. It may be that the Sephardic Jews brought that tradition with them to America when they first arrived in the 1700s.
Supposedly, the tradition gained popularity out of necessity during the Civil War. When the Union Army marched through the South, they took all the food supplies they could except for the peas and pork which they considered to be feed for the stock–not fit for humans to eat. Resourceful Southern soldiers used these rejected supplies to get them through the bitter winter. They considered themselves lucky to have been left with even these meager supplies.
Other sources say the tradition began as a symbol of the emancipation of the slaves who gained official freedom on New Years Day following the Civil War.
No one knows for sure exactly how it began, but it is clear that the tradition of eating peas and greens on New Year’s Day will be carried on again this year. We don’t mess with our good luck and prosperity here in the South! Legend has it that collard greens and black-eyed peas represent a prosperous new year, with the greens symbolizing cash and peas coins. Additionally, one interpretation says that because dried beans greatly expand in volume, they symbolize expanding wealth.
Need some inspiration for your New Year’s Day menu? Here ya’ go!
Lucky Black-Eyed Peas and Collard Greens
It doesn’t have to be collard greens. Turnip greens will absolutely do as well. This slow cooker soup is already in the pot getting ready for our our celebration. Take it from me, it’s a mighty tasty way to start 2019.
New Year’s Day Black Eyed Peas and Turnip Greens Soup
Or maybe you’d prefer this similar version that does use collard greens.
Lucky Black-Eyed Peas and Collard Greens Soup
One of our favorite dishes, and one that will certainly bring you lots of dining pleasure if not prosperity and good luck, is this Low Country Hoppin’ John from Epicurious. It’s one I have used and adapted for several years. Maybe I should get around to writing about that, huh?
Photo courtesy of Epicurious
By the way, this is hog jowl or hog jowl bacon as it is sometimes called. Hog jowl is cured and smoked cheeks of pork and is considered a staple of Southern soul food. It is typically fried up like regular bacon or cut up and used to season various Southern dishes. It has lots of fat. Maybe that’s why it’s so delicious. You should be able to easily find it in your local grocery store especially around the first of the year.
Wherever you are and however you choose to celebrate the New Year, I hope it’s with the people you love. Best wishes for a fantastic 2019.
