Black Eyed Pea Salsa

Looking for good luck in 2010? A Southern New Year’s Day food tradition, eating Black Eyed Peas will not only brings good luck, but you might also get rich if it’s eaten with collard greens. In the South it’s usually Hoppin’ John, a spicy bean dish made of black-eyed peas simmered with bacon, sausages or ham hocks, onions, spices and rice, which is made to bring in the New Year.  However, I’m not a fan of Hoppin’ John even though I am a Southern girl.  It’s very common that I call my mom on New Year’s to have her ask me if we’ve eaten our black eyed peas and collard greens.  I’m not a fan of collard greens.  Never have been and doubt I ever will.  The smell is just horrible!  Black Eyed Peas I can do but I had to find a way to eat them that didn’t incorporate ham, bacon, or sausage since I don’t eat any of those things either.  So for the past several years I have made this black eyed pea salsa, which has been perfect for New Year’s bowl game snack.  I on the other hand love it because I like to think it will bring good luck in the coming year.
So if you are a believer in the urban legend, it is said for the best good luck of the year, one must eat Black Eyed Peas on New Year’s Day, then try this alternative to Hoppin John.

Happy New Year!!

Black Eyed Pea Salsa with Chips

Print Recipe

Ingredients:

2 (15-ounce) cans black eyed peas

½ cup purple onion, finely diced (or green onion)

½ cup cilantro, chopped

2 Tbsp White Wine Vinegar

1 tsp cumin

2 medium tomatoes, seeded and chopped

 ¼ tsp salt

3 Tbsp fresh lime juice

2 cloves garlic, minced

¼ cup olive oil

 1 yellow bell pepper, diced

Instructions:

1. In a large bowl, mix all ingredients together.  Mix well.  Place in an airtight container and place in the refrigerator.  It is best if stored overnight before serving.
2. Serve with pita chips or tortilla chips.

Cheers!  Happy 2010!