Saturday, December 31, 2016

New Year Stew







Black Eyed Peas - Most Southerners will tell you that it dates back to the Civil War. Black-eyed peas were considered animal food.The peas were not worthy of General Sherman's Union troops. When Union soldiers raided the Confederates food supplies, legend says they took everything except the peas and salted pork. The Confederates considered themselves lucky to be left with those meager supplies, and survived the winter. Peas became symbolic of luck.

Collard Greens-  Collard greens (or any greens) sub for cabbage in the south because that's what we grow here in the late fall. The southern tradition: each bite of greens you eat is worth $1,000 in the upcoming year.

Pork-   a symbol of prosperity and gluttony.

Recipe from Tasty Kitchen

Ingredients:

2 whole Bunches Collard Greens, Washed, Stemmed, And Rough Chopped
2 whole Smoked Ham Hocks 
1 pound Cooked Ham, Diced To About 1/2"
7 cups Water
3 cans (15 Oz) Black eyed Peas, Rinsed
1 can (14 Oz) Chicken Broth, Low Sodium
2 stalks Celery, Washed And Sliced To 1/4"
1 whole Medium Onion, Diced
1 Tablespoon Worcestershire Sauce
1-½ Tablespoon Garlic Salt
2 teaspoons Creole Seasoning 

Directions:

In a large Dutch oven add water, ham hocks, garlic, salt, creole seasoning, and chopped collards. Heat over med/high heat, bring to a boil.

Cover and reduce heat to med/low and simmer for about an hour. Make sure you stir occasionally.

Add the remaining ingredients except for the black eyed peas.

Bring the heat back to med/high and simmer covered for 15- 20 minutes. After the 20 minutes reduce the heat and continue to simmer for another 20 minutes.

Remove the cover, increase heat to med/high and add the black eyed peas.

Simmer for another 20 minutes. Allow the broth to thicken.


Turn off the heat and let it rest for about 10 minutes.

Remove ham hocks with tong and set aside.  Shred the meat and return to stew.

Serve with cornbread

Cornbread-Corn bread represents pocket money or spending money.  The tradition stems from the color of the bread. It's color represented "gold" or "coin" money. Plus, it goes well with collard greens, peas and pork.






17 comments:

  1. You know, I often wondered what the meaning of the black eyed peas was. Thanks for sharing this on here, now I am understanding the why and what. Sounds like a good soup. I would probably use cabbage since I am not a collard green fan. Going to share this so everyone can see the meaning of the foods, tho most may know. I wish you and every one else and their families a Very Happy New Year.

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    1. Thanks Myra. Cabbage would work, you know I sub ingredients all the time.

      Happy New Year to you my friend and also to all your family <3

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  2. This looks so good! I would love you to come share this at Smell Good Sunday!
    http://jaytriedandtrue.blogspot.com/2017/01/smell-good-sunday-1.html

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    1. Thanks for the invitation! I post a few recipes and going back to check out your recipes.

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  3. Oh looks so good. I didn't get to get any ham! I love ham!
    The new January party started today at Our Holiday Journey. Come over and link and comment and follow to enter my Giveaway!
    https://ourholidayjourney.blogspot.com/2017/01/january-fabulous-tidy-up-link-party.html
    Happy New Year!

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    1. We have so much leftover ham you should come over and help us finish it- LOL

      I posted this morning on your blog and plan to come back often.

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  4. Myra I made this yesterday It was sooo good. I even made the cornbread and had the greens as a side salad. Linda thanks for sharing the story behind the blackeyed peas..

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    1. Thanks so much Dottie for letting me know. This recipe is delicious and a great way to bring in the New Year!

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  5. This looks divine! Wishing you a happy 2017 :) Thank you so much for joining the party at Dishing It & Digging It!

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    1. Thank you for allowing me add my link!

      See you next week!

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  6. I love the historical information that went with your recipe.

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  7. Mmmmm - Good ol' southern comfort food - Thanks for sharing on the What's for Dinner Link up

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  8. Your New Year Stew looks delicious, Linda, and I was interested to read how black eyed peas became a symbol of luck! Thank you for sharing with us at Hearth and Soul!

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  9. Thanks for the yum, pin and tweet Marilyn

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