b"SOUL FOODPeas Just Might Bringa Little Luck in 2021T hisAfrican-Americanblack-eyedPreparation peasandpickthrough peas recipe is part of the traditionalRinsethe start of the New Year celebration, root- themtodiscardanysmallstonesor ed in African tradition, and migratedbroken peas. Pour the peas into a large to America through enslaved Africans.saucepan and cover with cold water by Over time, this New Years Day tradi- 2 inches. Bring them to a boil and cook tion has taken on various forms. for 5 minutes. Remove the pot from the In the Carolinas, particularly in theheat, cover, and let stand for 1 hour. areas strongly influenced by Geechee(Alternatively, place the peas in a large andGullahculture,riceiscookedbowl,coverwithcoldwater,andlet along with black-eyed peas or red fieldstand at room temperature overnight.)peas and called 'Hoppin John'. Meanwhile, make a stock by placing Thisdishisthoughttobringgoodthe ham hock or turkey wing in anoth-luck and fortune, something we coulderlargesaucepan.Coverwithwater all use a little more of!by2inches.Bringtoaboil,reduce the heat, and simmer until the stock So start your 2021 off right and giveis flavorful, about 1 hour. Set aside or it a try!discard the hock or wing.Drainthesoakingliquidfromthe Ingredients peas and add them to the stock. Make Makes 8 servings sure the peas are submerged. Stir in the onion and pepper flakes. Add the1 pound dried black-eyed or otherbay leaf if using.field peas Simmeruntilthepeasarenearly1smokedhamhockorsmokedtender, about 30 minutes. Season with turkey wing (about 8 ounces) salt and continue simmering until the peasaretenderandwell-seasoned,1 medium onion, chopped about 10 minutes more. Crushedredpepperflakes,toServe the peas warm. If desired, pull taste meat off the ham hock or turkey wing1 bay leaf (optional) and add it to the dish before serving. Salt, to tasteThisisarecipewashandeddown from Johnetta Miller to Adrian Miller, a Denver Native, Author, and Soul Food Scholar. BODY OF CHRIST NEWS JANUARY 2021 11"