The Significance of Collard Greens and Black-Eyed Peas for the New Year
As the New Year rolls around, many families in the Southern United States and beyond honor a delicious and meaningful tradition: cooking and eating collard greens and black-eyed peas. These dishes are more than comfort food—they symbolize prosperity, luck, and good fortune for the year ahead.
This new year tradition, rooted in African and African-American culture, has transcended generations. Eating collard greens, representing money, and black-eyed peas, symbolizing coins, is believed to usher in wealth and abundance. The new year tradition has endured because of its delicious simplicity and the warmth it brings to family gatherings. Paired with a serving of rice or warm cornbread, collard greens and black eyed peas easily take me back to warm memories of my childhood. In fact, my mom has always checked in with me on New Years’ Eve to make sure I have my collard greens and black-eyed peas prepped and ready to cook. I will certainly miss her check in this year!
In this post, we’ll explore the cultural significance of these iconic dishes and share a cherished recipe for my mom’s fried collard greens and cornbread, along with a black-eyed pea recipe. For those looking to enjoy this dish with a lighter twist, we’ll also share tips for reducing saturated fat in the collard greens and a link to a vegan version that rivals the original (not joking!)
A Look at the Tradition
Collard greens and black-eyed peas hold a special place in the New Year’s menu. The symbolism behind the dishes is profound:
Collards have a deep green color associated with paper money, symbolizing financial prosperity. Ideally, you’d grab a few bunches fresh from the garden, but whatever you can find at your local grocery store works just fine. Make sure to wash them well until the water runs clear as these greens can carry a lot of soil from the farm.
The way you cut the greens makes a huge difference. I recommend a shred or chiffonade, as the thin strips will yield a more tender dish. And by the way – the nutrition profile for collard greens is strong. This leafy green is high in vitamin A, vitamin C, and calcium, and serves as a great source of iron, vitamin B-6, and magnesium.
Black-eyed peas are legumes said to bring luck and good fortune, as their coin-like shape represents wealth. You can buy these “fresh” from the produce aisle, or dried from the beans aisle of the grocery store. Be sure to rinse well and remove anything that looks like it doesn’t belong. As for nutrition, black-eyed peas are high in fiber and complex carbohydrates that will fill you up for longer. These peas also contain a fair amount of vitamins A and K, along with folate, calcium, iron, and zinc, to name a few. Why even buy a multivitamin?
Dried black eyed peas need to be soaked before cooking. My preference is to allow them to soak in a bowl of water at least overnight; since they will swell as they soak, add twice as much water as you have beans (i.e., 1 cup of dried beans to 2 cups of water). If you’re in a rush, you can start with soaking in boiling water to cut down the soak time…I recommend overnight. For fresh black eyed peas, no soaking is required. These can be used right away in your dish.
Cornbread bakes up to a beautiful golden hue, symbolizing gold and overall abundance. There’s controversy with cornbread, however, as some believe it should be served sweet with lots of sugar. While my mom’s recipe includes a small amount of sugar, its presence is mostly to add balance to the savory ingredients of the recipe. I only wish I could brag on the health benefits of cornbread, but honestly – no one eats cornbread for health benefits.
Historically, these dishes were rooted in survival and sustenance, becoming a vital part of African-American culinary heritage. Today, they are a delicious reminder of resilience and hope for the year ahead.
Mom’s Traditional Fried Collard Greens Recipe
My mom’s fried collard greens recipe has been a staple at our family’s New Year’s table for decades. It’s rich, flavorful, and steeped in tradition.
Ingredients:
- 1 bunch of fresh collard greens, washed, stems removed, and leaves chopped
- 1/4 pound salt pork, diced
- Salt to taste
- Pinch of baking soda (to reduce bitterness)
Instructions:
- Prepare the Salt Pork: In a large skillet, fry the diced salt pork over medium heat until it renders its fat and becomes crispy. Remove the crispy pieces and set them aside.
- Saute the Greens: Add the chopped collard greens to the skillet, stirring them into the hot grease. The greens will wilt as they cook down.
- Season: Add a pinch of baking soda to cut the bitterness and salt to taste. Stir well to combine.
- Simmer: Cover the skillet and let the greens cook on low heat until tender, stirring occasionally (about 25-30 minutes).
- Serve: Sprinkle the crispy salt pork bits back on top of the greens before serving.
A Healthier Twist on a Classic
While traditional fried collard greens are undeniably delicious, they can be high in saturated fat due to the use of salt pork. If you’re looking to make this dish a bit lighter, consider this alternative method.
Healthier Collard Greens Recipe
Ingredients:
- 1 bunch of fresh collard greens, washed, stems removed, and leaves chopped
- 2 shallots, finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt to taste
- Pinch of baking soda (to reduce bitterness)
Instructions:
- Sautee the Shallots: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped shallots and cook until softened and fragrant.
- Add the Greens: Stir in the collard greens, coating them with the oil and shallots.
- Season: Add a pinch of baking soda and salt to taste. Stir well to combine.
- Cook Until Tender: Cover the skillet and let the greens cook on low heat until tender, stirring occasionally (about 25-30 minutes).
This method reduces saturated fat while still delivering a deliciously savory dish. The shallots add a subtle sweetness that pairs beautifully with the earthy greens.
Exploring Vegan Collard Greens
If you’re searching for a plant-based version that doesn’t skimp on flavor, I highly recommend trying this vegan collard greens recipe from Sweet Potato Soul. It’s packed with smoky, savory flavors that rival the traditional preparation—no salt pork required!
Black-Eyed Peas: A Must-Have for New Year’s
No New Year’s meal is complete without black-eyed peas. Here’s a quick and simple way to prepare them:
Ingredients:
- 1 cup dried black-eyed peas, soaked overnight then rinsed
- 4 cups water or broth
- 1 small onion, diced
- 1 smoked turkey leg
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Cook the Base: In a large pot, sauté the onion until fragrant.
- Simmer: Add the broth and smoked turkey leg. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer until the turkey leg is tender (about 1-1.5 hours).
- Add the Peas: Add the peas into the pot and stir well. Continue cooking about 1 hour until the beans are tender. Add more broth if needed. Once the peas reach the desired consistency, mash some against the side of the pot for a more creamy effect (optional).
- Season: Remove the turkey leg (if used), shred the meat, and stir it back into the pot. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Buttermilk Cornbread: Golden Brown and Delicious
Cornbread is the perfect accompaniment to collards and black eyed peas. This is our family’s recipe:
Ingredients:
- 1½ cups self-rising corn meal mix
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1½ cup plus ½ cup buttermilk
- 1 large egg
- ½ stick melted butter (unsalted)
Instructions:
- Prep: Preheat oven to 375F. Grease a 8”x8” baking pan and set aside.
- Stir: Add the corn meal mix and sugar to a large bowl and mix well. Then, add in the large egg and 1½ cup buttermilk, and stir well (make sure the egg is well incorporated). Drizzle in the melted butter while continuing to stir. If batter appears too dry, add the remaining buttermilk.
- Bake: Pour the corn bread mix into the greased pan and bake until golden brown and edges begin to gently pull away from the pan’s sides (approximately 30 min).
A New Year, A Fresh Start
Collard greens and black-eyed peas are more than just food—they are symbols of hope and renewal. Whether you’re sticking with tradition, exploring lighter options, or going vegan, these dishes remind us of the importance of prosperity, health, and family.
As you prepare your New Year’s menu, take a moment to reflect on the meaning behind these traditions and savor the flavors that connect us to our roots.
What’s your favorite New Year’s tradition? Share it in the comments below!
Stay seasoned,
Shauna
