Black Eyed Peas New Years Recipe Vegan and Delicious Ideas

Updated On: October 7, 2025

Welcoming the New Year with a hearty and meaningful meal is a cherished tradition in many cultures. One of the most iconic dishes for ringing in good fortune is black eyed peas.

This vegan-friendly recipe is not only packed with nutrition but also steeped in symbolism, believed to bring prosperity and luck for the year ahead. Whether you’re vegan or simply looking to embrace a plant-based lifestyle, this dish offers a delicious way to start January 1st right.

Our vegan black eyed peas recipe combines the creamy texture of tender peas with savory herbs, smoky spices, and fresh vegetables to create a soulful and comforting meal. It’s easy to prepare, budget-friendly, and perfect for sharing with loved ones.

Plus, it pairs wonderfully with other festive dishes, making it a versatile addition to your holiday table.

Ready to learn how to make this classic New Year’s dish with a vegan twist? Let’s dive in!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This vegan black eyed peas recipe is a celebration of flavor, tradition, and health. Here’s why it deserves a spot on your holiday menu:

  • Simple Ingredients: Uses pantry staples and fresh produce that are easy to find.
  • Rich in Protein and Fiber: Black eyed peas are a fantastic plant-based protein source, keeping you full and energized.
  • Comforting & Flavorful: Slow simmered with smoky paprika, earthy cumin, and fresh herbs for deep, satisfying taste.
  • Gluten-Free & Allergy-Friendly: Perfect for diverse dietary needs.
  • Cultural Significance: A traditional dish believed to bring luck and prosperity in the New Year.

Ingredients

  • 1 cup dried black eyed peas (or 2 cups canned, drained and rinsed)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 medium yellow onion, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 large carrot, diced
  • 1 celery stalk, diced
  • 1 bell pepper (red or green), diced
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 4 cups vegetable broth
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 2 cups chopped kale or collard greens
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar (optional, for brightness)
  • Red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)

Equipment

  • Large bowl (for soaking peas, if using dried)
  • Colander
  • Large pot or Dutch oven
  • Wooden spoon or spatula
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Knife and cutting board
  • Ladle

Instructions

  1. Prepare the black eyed peas: If using dried peas, rinse them thoroughly and soak overnight in a large bowl with plenty of water. Drain and rinse before cooking. If using canned, simply drain and rinse well.
  2. Sauté the aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add diced onion, carrot, celery, and bell pepper. Cook for 5-7 minutes until softened and fragrant.
  3. Add garlic and spices: Stir in minced garlic, smoked paprika, cumin, and thyme. Cook for another 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently to avoid burning.
  4. Cook the peas: Add the soaked (or canned) black eyed peas to the pot along with the bay leaf and vegetable broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer uncovered for about 45-60 minutes if dried, or 20 minutes if canned. Stir occasionally and add more broth or water if necessary.
  5. Add the greens: When peas are tender, stir in chopped kale or collard greens. Cook for another 10 minutes until greens are wilted and tender.
  6. Season and finish: Remove the bay leaf. Stir in apple cider vinegar for brightness and season with salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if using. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
  7. Serve warm: Ladle into bowls and enjoy as a comforting main dish or side.

Tips & Variations

Tip: For extra smoky depth, try adding a small piece of smoked seaweed or a splash of liquid smoke to the broth.

You can swap kale or collard greens for spinach or mustard greens depending on your preference.

For a creamier texture, mash a portion of the cooked peas before adding greens.

Try serving with cooked brown rice, quinoa, or your favorite crusty bread for a complete meal.

Nutrition Facts

Nutrient Amount (per serving)
Calories 220
Protein 13g
Carbohydrates 35g
Fiber 10g
Fat 4g
Sodium 550mg (variable by broth)
Iron 3.6mg

Serving Suggestions

This vegan black eyed peas recipe pairs beautifully with a variety of dishes to round out your New Year’s feast.

Conclusion

Starting the New Year with a bowl of hearty vegan black eyed peas is both a nourishing and symbolic tradition. This recipe brings together wholesome ingredients, soulful flavors, and simple steps to create a dish that is as meaningful as it is delicious.

Whether you’re new to vegan cooking or a seasoned plant-based eater, this black eyed peas recipe offers a satisfying way to celebrate new beginnings.

Embrace the warmth, luck, and prosperity this classic dish brings while enjoying the health benefits of a plant-based meal. Don’t forget to explore other festive recipes on our site to complement your celebration, such as the comforting Chicken Shrimp And Broccoli Recipes (vegan alternatives available), or indulge in a sweet treat like the Chocolate Heaven Cake Recipe.

Here’s to a joyful, tasty, and prosperous New Year!

📖 Recipe Card: Black Eyed Peas New Years Recipe Vegan

Description: A traditional vegan black eyed peas dish symbolizing good luck and prosperity for the new year. Easy to prepare and full of hearty, comforting flavors.

Prep Time: PT15M
Cook Time: PT45M
Total Time: PT60M

Servings: 6 servings

Ingredients

  • 1 cup dried black eyed peas
  • 4 cups vegetable broth
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 bell pepper, diced
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon cumin
  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • Salt to taste
  • Fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions

  1. Rinse and soak black eyed peas for 4 hours or overnight.
  2. Heat olive oil in a pot over medium heat.
  3. Sauté onion, garlic, and bell pepper until soft.
  4. Add soaked peas, vegetable broth, bay leaf, and spices.
  5. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 40 minutes until peas are tender.
  6. Remove bay leaf, season with salt, and garnish with parsley before serving.

Nutrition: Calories: 180 | Protein: 10g | Fat: 5g | Carbs: 28g

{“@context”: “https://schema.org/”, “@type”: “Recipe”, “name”: “Black Eyed Peas New Years Recipe Vegan”, “image”: [], “author”: {“@type”: “Organization”, “name”: “GluttonLv”}, “description”: “A traditional vegan black eyed peas dish symbolizing good luck and prosperity for the new year. Easy to prepare and full of hearty, comforting flavors.”, “prepTime”: “PT15M”, “cookTime”: “PT45M”, “totalTime”: “PT60M”, “recipeYield”: “6 servings”, “recipeIngredient”: [“1 cup dried black eyed peas”, “4 cups vegetable broth”, “1 medium onion, diced”, “2 cloves garlic, minced”, “1 bell pepper, diced”, “1 teaspoon smoked paprika”, “1/2 teaspoon cumin”, “1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper”, “1 bay leaf”, “2 tablespoons olive oil”, “Salt to taste”, “Fresh parsley for garnish”], “recipeInstructions”: [{“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Rinse and soak black eyed peas for 4 hours or overnight.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Heat olive oil in a pot over medium heat.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Saut\u00e9 onion, garlic, and bell pepper until soft.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Add soaked peas, vegetable broth, bay leaf, and spices.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 40 minutes until peas are tender.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Remove bay leaf, season with salt, and garnish with parsley before serving.”}], “nutrition”: {“calories”: “180”, “proteinContent”: “10g”, “fatContent”: “5g”, “carbohydrateContent”: “28g”}}

Photo of author

Marta K

Leave a Comment

X