Cajun Black-Eyed Peas

Eating black-eyed peas on New Year's Day is thought to bring prosperity. The traditional meal also features collard, turnip, or mustard greens and ham. The peas, since they swell when cooked, symbolize prosperity; the greens symbolize money; the pork, because pigs root forward when foraging, represents positive motion. Cornbread also often accompanies this meal. Below is the recipe my boyfriend is making right now for tomorrow! Thanks Chef John Folse for the recipe! Happy New Year's Eve! Happy Saturday! xoxo, Julie






Chef John Folse's Cajun Black-Eyed Peas




	INGREDIENTS: 1 pound dried black-eyed peas 1 pound heavy smoked pork sausage 1/2 pound smoked ham, cubed 1/2 cup shortening or bacon drippings 1 cup onions, chopped 1 cup celery, chopped 1 cup bell pepper, chopped 1/4 cup garlic, diced 1 tsp dry basil 1 bay leaf 1 cup green onions, sliced 1/2 cup parsley, chopped salt and cracked black pepper to taste METHOD: It is always best to presoak any hard-shell bean in cold water overnight before cooking. This will cut the cooking time by 1/3. Drain peas from soaking water and rinse in cold tap water. In a 1-gallon stock pot, melt shortening or bacon drippings over medium-high heat. Add onions, celery, bell pepper, garlic, basil, ham and smoked sausage. Sauté approximately 10 to 15 minutes, or until vegetables are wilted. Add bay leaf and peas. Add enough cold water to cover peas by 2 inches and bring to a low boil. Cook for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally. Reduce heat to simmer and continue cooking approximately 45 minutes or until tender. Stir from time to time, as peas will settle to the bottom of the pot and tend to stick. Once tender mash about 1/3 of the peas on the side of the pot using a metal cooking spoon. This will give the peas a creamy texture. Season to taste using salt and cracked black pepper. Add green onions and parsley and continue cooking until peas are tender and creamy. Serves 6.