Local Dish: NC Black-eyed Pea Salsa

by | Dec 28, 2017

In the South, black-eyed peas and turnip greens are traditional dishes served on New Year’s Day. The reason? Luck and money. Black-eyed peas are believed to bring you luck and turnip greens bring money. Whether or not this folklore is true, many gatherings on Jan. 1 will include one or both. Turnip greens are readily available this time of year and dried black-eyed peas can be picked up at the grocery store.

Here’s a recipe from Lisa Prince and Local Dish that incorporates black-eyed peas in tasty way. It would be perfect for that New Year’s Eve party or to serve the first day of 2018.

  • 3 cups fresh black-eyed peas (cooked and drained)
  • 4 Roma tomatoes or 2 large tomatoes (seeded and diced)
  • 2 avocados (chopped)
  • 1 small yellow pepper (diced)
  • 3⁄4 cup purple onion (diced)
  • 3⁄4 cup Zesty Italian dressing
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
  • 1⁄4 teaspoon salt
  • 1 jalapeno (seeded and diced)

Combine all ingredients and place in the refrigerator for 30 minutes. Serve dip with chips. If you like a spicier taste, add an additional jalapeno to the recipe.

Have a Happy New Year!