Lucky Black-Eyed Peas Salad

A fresh salad with greens and radishes on a plate, next to a glass of sparkling wine on a wooden table.

Black-eyed peas are associated with a mystical and mythical power to bring good luck and so are a tradition in many families for New Year’s. Served as a salad with Sparkling Wine, it becomes a delicious California way of calling forth health, happiness and prosperity for 2023. This recipe serves 4 to 6 people.

Ingredients

1 lb dried black-eyed peas, picked over, and soaked 2 hours (or overnight)
2 cloves garlic
2 bay leaves
2 large stalks celery with leaves, washed, peeled if necessary, and dried
3 green onions, washed, dried, sliced thin, white and green parts
½ jalapeño pepper, diced small
½ red bell pepper, diced small
2-3 Meyer lemons, juiced
1 lime, juiced
1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
1 cup extra virgin olive oil
Kosher salt
Freshly ground pepper
1 head butter lettuce, washed and dried

How to Make

1

Drain the soaking water and rinse the peas. In a large sauce pan, add the peas, garlic cloves and the bay leaves. Fill the pan with water about 2-3 inches above the peas. Bring to a boil over medium heat, no cover, gently skim. Note: Prefer not to add salt during the cooking time.

2

Reduce heat, cover and cook until just tender. Check at 20 minutes.

3

Drain peas, discard bay leaves and garlic. As the peas are cooling, sprinkle with salt. About a teaspoon.

4

Make the salad: In a large bowl, add celery, celery leaf, green onions, peppers. Toss together with a little salt an a couple of turns of black pepper. Add the citrus juices and the cider vinegar. Toss gain. Add the EVOO and mix again. Add the peas and mix well.

5

Taste and adjust for seasoning, adding, if you wish, generous turn of black pepper and salt. Allow salad to sit for 10 minutes.

6

Serving: Line a salad bowl or individual plates with the butter lettuce leaves. Generously top with the black-eyed pea salad. Enjoy with a glass of chilled bubbly.

Other Favorites

Sautéed Chanterelles and Frisée Salad

Cured Salmon Gravlax