For the last five years I’ve made a dish with Black-Eyed Peas for good luck in the New Year. I researched this thoroughly, wanting to ensure I executed the tradition correctly, and learned it must be the first bite in the New Year even if one second after midnight.
The best known traditional dish is Hoppin’ John which is a delicious simple black-eyed pea dish with ham. It’s soul-warming and hearty, incorporating the luck-rendering legumes and what is believed in many countries to represent wealth and prosperity for the upcoming year, pork. Though there is no denying this rustic dish is my favorite type of cuisine, I like to mix it up and have made a different black-eyed pea dish each year. I loved Coconut Black-Eyed Pea Soup which hails from Tanzania with a simple preparation and sublime flavors (it’s always a favorite of my children). Last year I made Black-Eyed Pea Fritters and Homemade Hot Sauce which was also well-loved albeit with a more labor intensive preparation.
For this New Year’s luck I decided to make a Smoky Black-Eyed Pea Bacon Hummus. It is everything one loves about traditional garbanzo bean hummus with a bit of smokiness added thanks to bacon and Hot Smoked Spanish Paprika. The bacon serves to deepen the flavor and I couldn’t resist the added bit of luck from including pork!
This is the time of year many of us refocus on our health, and quality of diet is certainly part of that. Hummus would traditionally be served with pita bread however being gluten-free I paired this zesty version with a variety of colorful vegetables to provide different flavor combinations and increased vegetable intake, keeping it gluten-free at the same time.
Smoky Black-Eyed Pea Bacon Hummus
Ingredients
- 2 large cloves Garlic
- 1 15- ounce can Black-Eyed Peas , drained
- Juice of 1 large lemon (approximately ¼ cup)
- 3 tablespoons Tahini
- ½ teaspoon ground Cumin
- ¼ teaspoon Kosher Salt
- ¼ teaspoon Hot Smoked Spanish Paprika
- Heaping ¼ cup (approximately thick-cut 3 slices) Hickory-Smoked Bacon, cooked but still pliable (not well done and crisp), any visible fat removed; rough chopped
Instructions
- In a food processor combine the garlic, black-eyed peas, lemon juice, tahini, cumin, salt and paprika. Process until all ingredients are incorporated and the mixture is smooth in texture.
- Add the chopped bacon and pulse to dice bacon and incorporate into the hummus. Can be served room temperature or chilled.
jacquie says
that looks wonderful. I like your idea of serving it with some fresh veggies rather than the pita chips. you wouldn’t happen to known of a vegetarian substitute for the pork in terms of luck would you? I know I could just leave out the pork but could really use some luck for the coming year. Happy New Year to you and yours.
Toni Dash says
Jacquie! I’m in desperate need of vegetables, fruit and water about right now; glad you appreciated them too. Round things are supposedly good luck as they symbolize coins, wealth and prosperity. How about serving this with baby carrots or carrot slices? A bit messy to dip but for luck, who cares! Check out this post at the bottom for other international symbols/customs for New Year good luck as well as what NOT to eat! I’ll be thinking lucky pork-free good luck thought for you tonight!
Kathy Hoffman says
Maybe my guys will eat THIS hummus….they won’t touch it otherwise, lol
Toni Dash says
Isn’t that funny? Add some bacon and what is normally thought of as too exotic or frou-frou and they are all over it. I keep catching my 10 year old in the fridge dipping just a little bit more like he’s sneaking chocolate.
Liz says
Thank you and Happy New Year!
Debra says
Do you have ESP? I had some black eyed pea hummus recently at a Medi-Eastern restaurant in Tulsa and I loved it. I bought fresh black eyed peas that same day form Whole Foods with the intent of recreating it for New Year’s Day. Thank you because this recipe sounds perfect!!!!!
Toni Dash says
I HAVE been told I’m psychic Debra! I actually have not ever had Black-Eyed Pea Hummus until making it. When thinking up new recipe ideas I tend to shut off the world to let my creative muse lead the way. This just seemed quick, healthy, delicious and who can resist bacon?! Happy New Year!
Kim | a little lunch says
Toni, I was going to make “regular” hummus for New Year’s Eve, but thanks to you I can have that appetizer and traditional Southern good luck in the same bite(s). What a great idea!
Toni Dash says
And what a better ‘party favor’ than some New Year’s Good Luck, right Kim?! It is so similar to regular hummus other than the black-eyed peas you probably have all the ingredients on hand too. Hope you’ll love it as much as my family has!