25 red eve recipes

Along the coast of the Southern US eating Hoppin' John on New Year's Day is thought to bring a year filled with luck and prosperity. The beans symbolize coins or pennies. Sometimes a penny is added to the pot or can be left under the bowls of Hoppin' John. Greens such as Collards, chard or kale can be added and symbolize the color of money and are said to add to ones wealth in the new year. The day after New Year's Day the leftovers are called "Skippin' Jenny," and further demonstrates one's frugality. A common tradition in the south US is each person at the meal should leave three peas on their plate to ensure the New Year will be filled with Luck, Fortune and Romance. Another tradition holds that counting the number of peas in a serving predicts the amount of luck (or wealth) that will be collected over the next year.

A no-cook Southern-style salad with black-eyed peas, chopped ham, celery, red onion, and fresh jalapeño in a tangy red wine vinegar dressing. Ready in minutes, feeds a crowd, and gets better as it sits.

Pickled black-eyed peas marinated in a garlic-infused oil and red wine vinegar dressing with red onion and cayenne. A Southern make-ahead appetizer that improves over several days.

Good, inexpensive hearty meal although I would spice it up a little more probably with garlic and more onion.

Mixed bean soup: a hearty medley of ten beans, peas, and lentils soaked and slow-simmered into a thick, savory pot, finished with red wine and fresh parsley. Frugal, high-fibre comfort in a bowl.

Penne with eggplant, mushrooms, and red wine tomato sauce finished with melted mozzarella. A hearty Italian pasta ready in 45 minutes.

Southern black-eyed peas simmered low and slow with smoky ham, balsamic vinegar, garlic, and a bay leaf. A one-pot comfort dish with just the right kick of crushed red pepper.

A quick rendition of a tasty black-eyed pea soup that tastes amazing with a crusty bread.

Pepper-crusted roast beef eye of round coated in Dijon mustard and cracked black pepper, served with a roasted red pepper and fresh basil compound butter. An elegant, simple roast.

A vegetarian black-eyed pea salad tossed in a bold dressing of sambuca, fresh basil, lemon juice, and balsamic vinegar. The anise-kissed liqueur gives this bean salad an unexpected, aromatic twist you won't find anywhere else.

Hot Hoppin' John salad with black-eyed peas, rice, ham, and crispy bacon served over stir-fried cabbage. A Southern rice and pea dish with a kick of hot sauce.

Black-eyed pea and rice salad with a Dijon red wine vinaigrette, grated carrot, and fresh herbs. A make-ahead vegetarian salad served at room temperature.

Hearty lima beans and black-eyed peas tossed with roasted cashews, crunchy veggies, and a smoky cumin-balsamic dressing. Vegetarian, protein-packed, and ready in 20 minutes.

West Indian rice and peas turns vegan with crisp tempeh, coconut-toasted brown rice, and black-eyed peas simmered with bay. Cinnamon, chile, and bell pepper bring Caribbean warmth.

Southern black-eyed pea salad with spinach, pecans, Monterey Jack, and mushrooms in a smoky vinegar dressing. A make-ahead side that gets better overnight in the fridge.

Black-eyed pea and crab salad with bacon, roasted peppers, and fresh herbs in a bright vinaigrette. A Stephan Pyles-style Southwestern recipe served on gorditas or crisp tortillas.