A Healthy Twist on Your New Year’s Meal

2021 is almost gone and hopefully, you’ve set your intentions for the next year to include eating healthier. But why wait? Make your traditional New Year’s Day meal do your body good.

Try our nutritious twist on Southern New Year’s meal favorites.

And if you’re suspicious, then the healthy twist may be even luckier.

Savory Black-Eyed Peas For Luck

Ingredients:

• 4 cups raw organic black-eyed peas
• 2 tbsp baking soda
• 6 cups purified water
• 1 cup vegetable stock
• 1 large red onion, chopped
• 1 large red onion, chopped
• 4 garlic cloves, chopped
• 3 tbsp olive oil
• 2 tbsp liquid smoke
• 2 tsp sea salt
• 2 tbsp Spike All-Purpose seasoning
• Optional: 2 slices Lightlife Vegetarian Bacon (for a more traditional dish flavor)

Directions:

The night before cooking, place the black eyed peas in a large storage container. Pick out any debris from the peas. Pour 2-3 cups of purified water into the container to cover the peas. Add the baking soda and mix well. The baking soda softens the peas and shortens cooking time. Seal the container and place in the refrigerator overnight. Don’t soak the peas longer than overnight as they will become mushy.

When ready to cook, drain the peas and rinse with cold water. Set aside.

Heat olive oil in a heavy pot. Add onions and garlic and saute until the onions are translucent. Add the peas and stir until mixed well. Add the remaining ingredients and cook on low to medium heat for 30-45 minutes. Cook until peas are tender and to desired texture. Adjust seasonings to taste.

Smokey Collard Greens For Money

Ingredients:

• 2 bunches organic collard greens, chopped
• 1 cup purified water
• 1 cup vegetable stock
• 2-3 tbsp Spike All-Purpose seasoning
• 1 tbsp onion salt
• 6 raw garlic cloves, chopped
• 2 tbsp liquid smoke
• 3 tbsp olive oil

Directions:

Heat olive oil in saute pan. Add garlic. Heat until slightly brown. Add greens and cook until wilted and covered with oil. Add water and spices. Simmer until greens are tender, about 30 minutes. Adjust seasoning to taste.

Serve collard greens and black-eyed peas with brown rice and cornbread for a healthy meal.