Good Luck Food for the New Year

 

 

I am making some southern influenced good luck food today. It's a tradition in our house on New Year's Day.
 

Hoppin John, Steamed Kale and Cornbread Muffins.

 

In case you are not familiar with the tradition, Hoppin John is a black eyed peas and rice dish served in The South. The black eyed peas are symbolic of coins (prosperity), the kale or other greens represent wealth or prosperity as they are the color of US currency and the cornbread is golden in color representing gold, which is also a symbol of wealth or prosperity. All three together should bring good luck and fortune in the New Year.

 

 

 

 

I have tried a few Vegan Hoppin John recipes over the years, and this is the most recent one I have been using. Try it and tell me what you think!

 

Hoppin Johns Vegan Style

 

1 T olive oil

1 medium yellow onion diced

1 medium green pepper diced

1 large stalk of celery diced

1 tsp dried thyme

1/2 tsp smoked paprika

1/2 tsp salt

1 1/4 cup vegetable broth

15 oz can diced tomatoes

15 oz can Black Eyed Peas

1 cup jasmine rice and 1 cup water prepared in rice cooker separately

1/4 tsp cayenne pepper

ground pepper to taste

dash or two of Tabasco sauce

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

1. Saute onion pepper and celery in olive oil over medium heat for 6-8 minutes.

 

2. Add spices, salt vegetable broth, tomatoes and black eyed peas. Lower temperature and simmer 35 minutes.

3. Make jasmine rice in rice cooker or on stovetop.

4. Combine tomato/black eyed pea/broth mixture with rice.

5. Add cayenne pepper, black pepper and Tabasco sauce.

6. Enjoy with greens and cornbread!