In the southern United States, black-eyed peas are eaten (quite simply, as in “Hoppin’ John) at the New Year to bring good luck and fortune.
And here we find ourselves at another New Year.
What will good luck mean for you in 2020?
Good health? Good fortune? Good weather? Good politics? Good food?
Whatever it might be, I thought it would be good to start this New Year with some black-eyed peas… just in case.
This gumbo was made fresh this summer when Lynn and Lee hand-picked some black-eyed peas in Willcox and brought them to me, and okra was readily available fresh from Larry’s Veggies at our famers market.
But, now, in the dead of winter, neither is available fresh, but the good news is you can use canned black-eyed peas and frozen okra slices for this recipe. And that is a bit of good luck, isn’t it?
Happy New Year my friends! I send you my heartfelt thanks for your readership, support, and kind comments!
~ David
Black-Eyed Pea and Smoked Pork Gumbo
In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the flour and stir occasionally until the roux turns dark brown and smells nutty, about 15 to 20 minutes.
Add the onion, bell pepper, and celery to the roux; reduce heat and cook covered, stirring occasionally, until vegetables are softened, about 10 minutes. Add Cajun Spice Blend, cayenne, salt, and pepper, and cook for one minute. Add the broth, Worcestershire sauce, and okra and bring to a simmer, stirring occasionally. Simmer over medium-low until flavors meld, at least 45 minutes.
Stir the black-eyed peas and pork into the gumbo. Return to a simmer. Start cooking the rice in salted water at this time – it will be your “timer” for when the gumbo is done. When rice is done—about 20 minutes later—scoop rice into bowls and top with gumbo.
Serves 4-6.
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Gerlinde de Broekert
December 28, 2019 at 3:19 pmWhy not have these delicious black eyed peas for the New Year . One can never have too much good luck. A happy and healthy 2020 to you.
Cocoa and Lavender
December 30, 2019 at 3:13 pmI’m in complete agreement, Gerlinde! If they bring good luck, wonderful! If it’s all superstition, who cares – they taste great!
Andrea_TheKitchenLioness
December 28, 2019 at 8:17 pmDear David, such a lovely dish to end this year and, at the same time, bring you luck for the coming year! One can never have too much good luck 😉
Ich wünsche dir und Mark einen guten Rutsch und alles Liebe, Gute & Gesundheit für das Neue Jahr, my friend!!!
Andrea & Co.
Cocoa and Lavender
December 30, 2019 at 3:14 pmThanks for your kind and thoughtful wishes, Andrea! May we all have good luck in 2020!
Eha
December 28, 2019 at 11:35 pmCripes, David ! If this is what it takes to bring even a smidgen of good luck into a house, I'm off into the kitchen now !! Health issues have not allowed me to my beloved pastime for quite a few months, with huge promises for changes in the coming year, but . . . Black-eyed peas are not really an 'Australian thing' yet have some in the house and love your recipe . . .so if electricity available, may try for the change of years . . . meanwhile the very best to you . . .
Cocoa and Lavender
December 30, 2019 at 3:15 pmGlad you have a can of BE peas in stock, Eha – you can use the luck more than most. I hope you are on the road to recovery and send positive vibes your way. Big (virtual) hugs!
Eha
December 30, 2019 at 10:54 pmThank you David -hugs very gratefully accepted. Ten hours of utter terror ahead – have a feeling that if we here survive that, perchance we can wait out the rest. If you have five minutes click onto Rural Fire Service NSW . . . and be prepared to be saddened . . .oh, I am near Thirlmere . . .
2pots2cook
December 29, 2019 at 3:53 pmThank you David ! It's never too much of luck and health in these crazy times we live in !All the best to you both dear friend !
Cocoa and Lavender
December 30, 2019 at 3:17 pmCrazy times may be an understatement, Davorka! But, yes — we need all the luck we can get! Wishing you and your son a wonderful-filled New Year.
Jeff the Chef
December 29, 2019 at 4:37 pmIf the quality of the beans has an effect upon the amount of luck you get in the new year, I think you're going to have a smashing 2020! That's the best bowl of beans I think I've ever seen! I've heard of Hoppin' John before, and wanted to make it just because it has such a great name, but I've never seen a recipe that looks as interesting as yours. Now I'm really eager to give it a try.
Cocoa and Lavender
December 30, 2019 at 3:18 pmThanks, Jeff — I hope so! My recipe is nothing at all like Hoppin’ John, but it’s a good substitute! Happy New Year!
Sippity Sup
December 30, 2019 at 10:09 pmI usually try and make a pot each year (for luck as you say), but not this so I guess I'll test the notion. Yikes. GREG
Cocoa & Lavender
December 31, 2019 at 3:50 amBeing a northerner, I need to get my South on and try some Hoppin' John. I miss your stories about you and your mother, Greg.
Sherry's Pickings
December 31, 2019 at 6:48 amhappy new year david! cheers sherry
Cocoa and Lavender
December 31, 2019 at 3:34 pmThanks, Sherry! To you and Mr. P, as well!
Ron
December 31, 2019 at 2:56 pmA big and warm Happy New Years or as we say it here, GOTT NYTT ÅR. May 2020 bring great health and wealth to you and Mark.
Now, I got to get cracking on cooking those black eyed peas…
Cocoa and Lavender
December 31, 2019 at 3:36 pmThanks, Ron. I wish the same for you and Eva, with a dash of wonder! As for the peas? Shell on!
Chef Mimi
December 31, 2019 at 3:32 pmThis looks so yummy, but jeez I don't love black eyed peas! I lived in Texas for so many years and kept trying them, but they just seem dry to me? Maybe I should give them another shot, since it's been a while!!!
Cocoa and Lavender
December 31, 2019 at 3:37 pmI have never had them except for these, Mini – and they weren’t dry, but had a very different texture, which added to the gumbo. Happy New Year!
Colette (Coco)
December 31, 2019 at 8:27 pmFresh black-eyed peas and purple okra! What a beautiful rendition of an old fav.
Happy 2020, my sweet friend! I hope your days are blessed with all the best! ox
Cocoa & Lavender
January 2, 2020 at 10:23 amDon't you love how green black-eyed peas are Colette?
Happy New Year to you all, too! xo
Valentina
December 31, 2019 at 11:53 pmI want good everything, and wish the same to you and Mark. What a delicious recipe to end/start the year. Happy New Year, and I'm looking forward to many more of your delicious recipes in 2020. 🙂 ~Valentina
Cocoa & Lavender
January 2, 2020 at 10:23 amYes, I would love good everything, too, Valentina – let's hope! And, likewise, I look forward to all your wonderful recipes this coming year!
Priya
January 2, 2020 at 6:54 amThis curry looks fab david. I love these type of curries with steamed rice. We too make black-eyed beans a lot especially in winters. Totally love the addition of celery sticks.
Cocoa & Lavender
January 2, 2020 at 10:24 amThanks, Priya – this is our favorite type of winter food – spicy and comforting for a cold evening! Happy New Year!
Jean | DelightfulRepast.com
January 2, 2020 at 3:37 pmDavid, I just might try your recipe. I've never had Hoppin' John because I don't like black-eyed peas. But I haven't actually tried them since I was a child, and you know how our tastes change from time to time, so I might like them now.
Cocoa & Lavender
January 7, 2020 at 2:22 pmI think on their own, they could be uninteresting… but in this gumbo, they are pretty wonderful, Jean!
Fran @ Gday Souffle
January 3, 2020 at 4:22 pmNow this dish certainly looks full of flavor! I see that black-eyed peas are part of the bean family…and you know what they say about beans- "the more you eat, the more you …." Happy New Year!
Cocoa & Lavender
January 7, 2020 at 2:23 pmThanks for the trip back to fourth grade, Fran! 🙂
italianhomecooking
January 5, 2020 at 6:17 pmare the beans similar to the tuscan fagioli con l'occhio? stef
Cocoa & Lavender
January 7, 2020 at 2:24 pmCerto, Stef – they are one and the same!
Kitchen Riffs
January 8, 2020 at 4:16 pmWe make something with black-eyed peas every New Year's Day — usually a soup with collard greens and smoked ham hocks. This gumbo looks terrific — I should try this next year. Thanks. And Happy New Year!
Cocoa & Lavender
January 9, 2020 at 12:55 pmThat soup sound fantastic, too, John – I wonder if you posted on it? Happy New Year to you and Mrs. KR, too!
Inger @ Art of Natural Living
January 11, 2020 at 9:44 pmThis does look like a perfect start to the New Year David! (And what would we do without frozen food :)!