A quick Indian inspired Black Eyed Peas Curry with Greens to eat on New Years Day!

This Indian inspired black eyed peas curry recipe is family friendly, Instant Pot cooked, and packed with subtle healing spices like turmeric, mustard seeds, and garlic. It is enjoyed by my family on New Years Day to bring good health and wealth for the year ahead.

Black Eyed Peas and Greens

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I can't tell you guys how excited I am to share this recipe with you. This is one thing I have convinced all of my friends to eat on New Years Day for one superstitious reason or another. It is a tasty and comforting Indian inspired recipe that is enjoyed by everyone in the family. Memories upon memories are tied behind this recipe and I hope it does the same for you and yours! Hope you all have a wonderful New Year!!!

How this recipe came about

I am so thankful to have been brought up my parents who value other cultures and traditions. We celebrated almost every holiday under the sun in our very own way, and this particular one did not slip away any given year. Growing up, I do not remember a New Year Day when we didn't eat Black-Eyed Peas and Greens. It was a tradition my Dad had learned about before I was even born from a fellow employee. Since, then the tradition has lived on in our household with Indian inspired spices of course. With that said...

This southern gal can't forget black-eyed peas and greens on New Year's Day and neither should you!

Why eat black eyed peas on new years day?

The tradition says black eyed peas and greens are a mix of wealth and health for the given year. Exactly 365 beans are eaten with some greens (usually in a form of collard or turnip greens). The beans are there to symbolize great health for 365 days and the greens are there to symbolize wealth or as we like to see it "money".

What type of greens can I use in this New Years Black Eyed Peas Curry?

I love to make it with spinach because it goes well with Indian Food. However, you can also use collard or turnip greens which are tougher to cook and will need to be added with the black eyed peas to tenderize the leaves.

Where to buy Black Eyed Peas?

There are many variations of black eyed peas available throughout the world. In the US, you can readily find them available at any grocery store, Indian Grocery store, or even online. Click here to order via amazon.

How long does it take to cook black eyed peas?

Depending on soak time, the cooking time can vary. It has been said that soaking beans can help absorption and prevent digestive issues. However, if you are crunching on time, then use the "bean" mode on an Instant Pot. It cooks the Black Eyed Peas perfectly.

Black Eyed Peas for Diabetes

Black Eyed Peas have a low glycemic index which means they are a great legume to eat. However everything in moderation considering the sides eaten with this dish include either rice, tortillas, or in the Indian culture roti.

Black Eyed Peas and Rice

I love to eat this black eyed peas curry with plain white rice if I am not eating it straight out of a bowl as is. It's very comforting and makes a complete meal with greens, protein, and a carb. The flavors of the curry mix well with plain rice and textures seem to hit every need when adding a side of papad to to make it a complete meal.