8 ways to make black-eyed peas for New Year's Day

Serving up black-eyed peas for the New Year is a cherished Southern tradition believed to bring health and good fortune for the coming year.

6. Black-eyed peas, sausage, and kale stew

Beyond the Peel
This is a simple stew that can do many jobs. Serve it with some crusty bread for lunch or dinner, or even breakfast with a poached egg on top.

Editor's note: This photo features white beans. However, in the full recipe post the author noted that black-eyed peas could be substituted in easily. Read the full post on Stir It Up!

By France Morissette, The Restless Palatte

2 onions, sliced
3 garlic cloves minced
4 sausages (hot or mild Italian), about 1 pound, turkey or pork
3 cups cooked black-eyed peas
3 cups chicken stock
1 tablespoon chopped fresh thyme
1 bunch of Swiss chard or kale (spinach works, too)
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh thyme to garnish

1. In a large skillet, over medium high heat, sauté onions with olive oil for 3 minutes or until tender. Meanwhile slice the sausages into 1/2-inch pieces. Add the garlic and the sausage meat to the pan and cook until the sausage meat is almost cooked through. Reduce the heat to medium. Add the beans, stock and thyme. Cook for 15 minutes.

2. Using the back of a spoon or a potato masher, mash some of the white beans (leave some whole) to thicken the stock. Season with salt and pepper to taste. This will depend on the stock you used and the flavor of the sausage. Clean the chard and chop into 1 inch strips (if you’re using kale, remove the tough spine). Add the chard to the pot and cook until wilted (about two to five minutes). Serve as is, or with crusty bread, a poached egg or a dollop of sour cream.

3. My favorite supper for breakfast: Serve over a crusty toast with a poached egg on top. Adding only enough liquid to the bowl to soften the bread.

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