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Smoky Cajun Black Eyed Peas Pasta is sure to bring you health and wealth in the coming year.
Good Fortune
Need some good fortune for the coming year? Traditions say eating certain foods on New Year’s Day will bring you health and wealth. We could all use a little more of that, right? Black eyed peas and long noodles are two of those lucky foods. Fill up a bowl with this Smoky Cajun Black Eyed Peas Pasta and enjoy a fabulous 2016!
Black Eyed Peas
Black eyed peas are said to resemble coins and, therefore, represent wealth. These cream colored legumes with black spots are full of protein, fiber, iron and potassium, making them a good choice regardless. I happen to LOVE them. When I first made this dish, I made a huge batch of black eyed peas in my instant pot and I could’t stop popping them into my mouth as I finished the rest of the dish. They were plain, just cooked in water, and so delicious! Just don’t over cook them – I think they are best with a little bite left.
Long Noodles
Long noodles represent longevity. The trick is to slurp the entire noodle into your mouth without chewing or breaking it though. So, in this instance, it’s ok to slurp your food! Kids especially think this is super fun. 🙂
Cajun Black Eyed Peas Pasta
Cajun black eyed peas are traditionally served over rice, which is also delicious and would work just fine in this recipe if you prefer. We definitely enjoyed it served over pasta and the kids happily ate leftovers too.
To really up the ante on your chances of wealth, you could also add a cup of chopped greens towards the end of the cooking process. Collard greens or kale would work best, but spinach would be a good choice too.
Here’s to an amazing 2016! I wish health, wealth and happiness to all of you!
Do you enjoy any New Year’s traditions in your family?
Smoky Cajun Black Eyed Peas Pasta
Ingredients
- ½ white onion (diced)
- 2 garlic cloves (minced)
- 1 green bell pepper (diced)
- 1 red bell pepper (diced)
- 2 celery stalks (diced)
- ¼ cup vegetable broth or water
- 28 oz can crushed tomatoes
- 1 ½ tbsp smoked paprika
- 2 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 2 tsp liquid smoke
- 1 tsp salt (or to taste)
- ¼ tsp pepper (or to taste)
- 1 tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
- 2 ½ cups cooked black eyed peas
- 1 cup leafy greens (chopped) (collard greens, kale, spinach, etc), optional
- 1 lb long noodles (cooked according to package directions) (or pasta of choice...or rice) (gluten free noodles if desired)
Instructions
- In a large deep skillet over medium heat, sauté the onion, garlic, peppers and celery until softened - about 7-9 minutes.
- Add the crushed tomatoes and spices, turn down heat to med-low and simmer for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Add the cooked black eyed peas and greens, if using, and simmer another 5 minutes to heat through.
- Serve over pasta (or rice).
Jenn S. says
Haha! It will be our little secret. 🙂 And, yes, we really should eat black eyed peas all year – they’re so yummy!
Alisa Fleming says
I’ve never had black eyed peas, but always hear about them when the new year rolls around. I need to get on trying them and this recipe seems perfect for a meatless dinner.
Jenn S. says
What? Never? They’re really good – I’m not sure why we don’t eat them all year. Silly!
Alisa Fleming says
It’s very possible that I’ve inadvertently had them at a restaurant or party, but not in my memory! I’ll need to pick some up. I’ve been doing a lot of bean lunches lately 🙂
Jenn S. says
I hope you love them!
Rachel says
My sister-in-law makes black eyed peas and Collards every year! I should take after her tradition. 🙂
Jenn S. says
That’s a very traditional New Year’s meal. I LOVE collard greens and I actually do stuffed collard greens with a black eyed pea mixture that’s really good too. Gotta get as much luck as possible. 🙂
Whitney E. RD says
As if I needed another excuse to eat pasta 😉 I didn’t know that long noodles were good luck – excited to try this recipe! Looks fantastic!
Jenn S. says
Thank you, Whitney! We do a LOT of pasta around here. Thank goodness it’s lucky! 🙂
April @ Girl Gone Gourmet says
A double dose of luck in one dish – love it! I don’t think I’ve ever cooked with black-eyed peas – need to add them to the list 🙂 Great recipe!
Jenn S. says
Thanks, April! Black Eyed Peas are so good! You will love them!
Julia says
This looks great! I’m trying to cook more vegan dishes. This is definitely on my list
Jenn S. says
Thank you, Julia! I hope you love it! Please come back and let me know how it turns out for you. 🙂
revisfoodography says
A bi fan of pasta and black eyed peas right here. But I have never thought of combining both. This seems to be an amazing recipe. Looks gorgeous too 🙂
Jenn S. says
Thanks so much, Revi! I hope you enjoy!
Mark, CompassandFork says
This looks really good. Love the combination of ingredients.
Jenn S. says
Thank you so much, Mark!
Sina @ Vegan Heaven says
This looks like a recipe I’d absolutely love, Jenn! Can’t wait to give it a try! 🙂 And your photos are so gorgeous!
Jenn S. says
Thank you so much, Sina!
Howie Fox says
Is it just me or did you improve your food photography? These photos look amazing!!!
Plus this is my kind of recipe too. Just stocked up on all different kinds of legumes!! Will give this one a shot 🙂
Jenn S. says
Thanks so much, Howie! Definitely improved over the last few months!
Gin says
This looks so delicious Jenn! I love the idea of beans and noodles together, never tried it but you’ve inspired me!
Jenn S. says
Thanks, Gin! Hope you love it!
Manal's Bites says
How lovely Jenn…I never thought of using black eye peas with pasta before and I have a can in my pantry which I don’t know what to do with…here comes a recipe to try…many thanks and Happy New Year
Jenn S. says
Thank you so much, Manal! Hope you love it! Happy New Year!