The South is known for some curious superstitions — painting porch ceilings blue, covering mirrors when someone passes away, and, of course, being intentional about what you eat on New Year’s Day. Black-eyed peas, collard greens, and cornbread are all said to bring good luck in the year ahead. With this in mind, we rounded up five recipes perfect for New Year’s Day, as each one is said to bring a wealth of good luck. Enjoy, and Happy New Year!
5 New Year’s Day Recipes for Good Luck
Slow Cooker Black-Eyed Peas
Black-eyed peas are said to symbolize prosperity because they increase in size when they are cooked. If you wish to put this theory to the test, whip up a batch of these slow cooker black-eyed peas from Sarah Olson of The Magical Slow Cooker. In addition to black-eyed peas, Sarah adds ham, bacon, and onion to make this dish even more hearty and delicious. While Sarah’s recipe does not require you to soak your beans, she says if you do soak them, make sure to rinse off the soaking water, add the chicken broth on top, and only use five cups of chicken broth (instead of seven).
Slow Cooker Black-Eyed Peas
Equipment
- Slow cooker (6 quarts or larger)
Ingredients
- 1 lb. black-eyed peas dried
- 7 cups chicken broth
- 14 oz. can petite diced tomatoes
- 6 bacon pieces cooked and sliced
- 1 cup diced ham
- ½ cup sweet onion diced
- 1 garlic clove minced
- 1 tsp oregano
- ¼ tsp pepper
- Salt to taste add at the end of cooking time
Instructions
- Add the dried peas to the slow cooker. (You do not need to presoak them.)
- Add the chicken broth, can of diced tomatoes, bacon, ham, onion, garlic, oregano, and pepper. Stir and wait to add the salt.
- Cover and cook on high for 7 hours. Do not open the lid during the cooking time.
- Add salt to taste.
- For creamier beans, remove 1 cup of the beans and mash. Add back to the slow cooker and stir.
Instructions if you prefer to soak your beans:
- Start by soaking the black-eyed peas overnight in the slow cooker. Do this by adding the black-eyed peas to the slow cooker and add water to cover, plus a few inches more. Let the black-eyed peas soak for at least 8 hours (don't turn on the slow cooker, just let them soak).
- Drain off the water in the morning. You will only need 5 cups of chicken broth for this recipe if you soak your beans. Add the chicken broth and remaining ingredients (except salt).
- Place the lid on the slow cooker and cook on low for 10 hours or high for 6 hours. Mash 1 cup of the beans if you want a creamier texture.
Nutrition
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Buttermilk Cornbread Muffins
Legend says that cornbread’s yellow color symbolizes gold, so eating this dish on New Year’s Day is said to bring money your way. These buttermilk cornbread muffins are courtesy of Pam and Sara Brand of Biscuits & Burlap. Calling for only six ingredients, you can whip up these made-from-scratch muffins in no time for a delicious, Southern-style side. Pam and Sara note that it’s important to let your batter rest for at least five minutes before filling your muffin tin, as this step is what gives your muffins their light and airy tops. (These pair beautifully with a batch of slow-cooked black-eyed peas!)
Buttermilk Cornbread Muffins
Ingredients
- 2 cups self-rising cornmeal mix
- â…“ cup honey
- 2 eggs lightly beaten
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
Instructions
- Stir all ingredients until well blended, but do not over-blend.
- Allow batter to "rest" in bowl for 5 minutes.
- Fill cups in sprayed muffin tins ⅔-¾ full.
- Bake at 425 degrees Fahrenheit for 10-12 minutes or until light golden brown and centers have risen.
Nutrition
Instant Pot Collard Greens
Similar to cornbread, eating collard greens on New Year’s Day is said to invite wealth and prosperity. These Instant Pot collard greens from Laurie Fleming of Fork to Spoon put a delicious (and easy!) twist on the Southern staple. Using only water, a few seasonings, and bacon, you can pull this dish together in just 30 minutes! Plus, it’s a great way to hit your daily vitamin goals during the winter months.
Instant Pot Collard Greens
Equipment
- Pressure cooker
Ingredients
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 onion peeled and diced
- 1 tbsp minced garlic
- 1 16-oz. package of pre-washed collard greens
- 1 cup water or vegetable stock
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- Crumbled bacon optional
Instructions
- Start by adding the olive oil into the Instant Pot, and then press the sauté button.
- Give it 30 seconds to let the olive oil heat up, add the onions and garlic, and continue to sauté until the onions are softened, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add the collard greens and the water. Add the lid and set the manual high pressure for 20 minutes, letting it naturally release.
- Strain the collard greens and mix in the spices if you want to add some crumbled bacon.
- Plate, serve, and enjoy!
Nutrition
RELATED:Â RECIPE: Instead of Kale, Try This Collard Greens Salad
Buxton Hall Hoppin’ John
Hoppin’ John is a traditional Southern dish that is typically made with rice, beans, and fresh chopped onion. Plus, it’s a great way to start the new year because it combines both collard greens and black-eyed peas for double the luck! This variation comes from Chef Elliott Moss at Buxton Hall BBQ in Asheville, NC. Buxton Hall has been whipping up Hoppin’ John as a New Year’s Day special since it opened six years ago, and now you can make it at home!
Buxton Hall Hoppin' John
Ingredients
- ¼ cup vegetable oil
- 8 oz. smoked bacon chopped
- 1 large onion finely chopped
- 1 head of garlic cloves separated and thinly sliced
- 1 tsp crushed red pepper flakes
- 1 tsp freshly ground black pepper
- 3 cups pork or chicken stock
- 1 cup apple cider vinegar
- â…“ cup dark brown sugar packed
- ¼ cup hot sauce preferable Texas Pete
- 2 medium bunches collards stems trimmed and leaves chopped
- 2 cups frozen black-eyed peas
- 1½ cups rice
Instructions
- Cook oil and bacon in the same pot over medium-low heat, stirring often, until bacon is browned around the edges, 5-8 minutes. Add onion and garlic and cook, stirring often, until garlic is golden, about 5 minutes. Stir in red pepper flakes and black pepper, then add stock, vinegar, brown sugar, and hot sauce. Mix in collard greens and reduce heat to low. Bring to a simmer; cover and cook, stirring occasionally, until greens are very tender but still have some chew, 60-70 minutes.
- Uncover pot, add black-eyed peas, and simmer until the peas are very tender and liquid is slightly reduced, 15-20 minutes. Season with salt.
- While black-eyed peas are cooking, start rice in a separate pot according to package instructions.
Nutrition
BONUS: New Year’s Day Superstitious Soup
This recipe comes from the StyleBlueprint archives and also combines a few of the aforementioned good luck foods, including greens and black-eyed peas. While some people may not be fans of either of these foods, this soup is a tasty way to cloak the distinctive taste of both! View the full recipe HERE.
Happy New Year!
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