Luck and Money

Luck and Money Recipe: A Hearty American Dish with Tomatoes, Black-Eyed Peas, and Collard Greens

Region / culture: USA | Preparation time: 10 minutes | Cooking time: 20 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

This recipe for Luck and Money is a traditional Southern dish that is said to bring good luck and prosperity to those who eat it. It is a hearty and flavorful meal that is perfect for New Year's Day or any time you want to bring some good fortune into your life.

History

Luck and Money is a dish that has its roots in Southern cuisine, particularly in African American culture. It is often served on New Year's Day as a way to bring luck and prosperity in the coming year. The black-eyed peas are said to represent coins, while the collard greens symbolize paper money. The ham is added for flavor and richness, making this dish a delicious and meaningful way to start the new year.

Ingredients

1 can of diced tomatoes
1 can of black-eyed peas (drained and rinsed)
0.5 package of frozen chopped collard greens
0.5 lb (227 g) of ham, cut into cubes (optional)
1 cup of prepared rice
1 tsp of sugar
garlic powder
dried onion
shredded cheese (optional)

How to prepare

In a medium saucepan, combine tomatoes, black-eyed peas, and sugar.
Add garlic and dried onions to taste.
Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and let it simmer uncovered for at least 10 minutes (longer cooking time is preferable).
Add collards and ham, and continue cooking for another 5–10 minutes, or until the collards are cooked.
Remove from heat and add rice, mixing well.
If desired, top with shredded cheese after serving.

Variations

Skip adding the rice and serve the dish over baked potatoes.
To make this a vegetarian dish, omit the ham.
For a vegetarian version, omit the ham and add extra seasonings for flavor.
You can also add other vegetables like bell peppers or onions for added texture and flavor.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to cook the collard greens until they are tender but still have a bit of bite to them.

- You can use smoked ham for extra flavor, or omit it for a vegetarian version of the dish.

- Feel free to adjust the seasonings to suit your taste preferences.

Serving Suggestions

Luck and Money is delicious on its own, but you can also serve it with cornbread or a side salad for a complete meal.

Cooking Techniques

Luck and Money is a simple one-pot dish that is easy to prepare. Just combine the ingredients in a saucepan and let them simmer until the flavors have melded together.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have collard greens, you can use kale or spinach instead.

- Feel free to use any type of rice you prefer, such as brown rice or jasmine rice.

Make Ahead Tips

Luck and Money can be made ahead of time and reheated when ready to serve. Just store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Presentation Ideas

Serve Luck and Money in a bowl with a sprinkle of shredded cheese on top for a colorful and appetizing presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Luck and Money pairs well with cornbread, sweet tea, or a glass of white wine for a complete meal.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers of Luck and Money in the refrigerator in an airtight container. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Luck and Money contains approximately 300 calories, making it a satisfying and filling meal option.

Carbohydrates

Luck and Money is a carbohydrate-rich dish, thanks to the black-eyed peas, rice, and collard greens. Carbohydrates are an important source of energy for the body, so this dish is a great option for a filling and satisfying meal.

Fats

The ham in this recipe adds some fat to the dish, which helps to give it flavor and richness. While fats are an essential part of a balanced diet, it's important to enjoy them in moderation.

Proteins

The ham and black-eyed peas in Luck and Money provide a good amount of protein, which is important for building and repairing tissues in the body. This dish is a great option for those looking to increase their protein intake.

Vitamins and minerals

Collard greens are a rich source of vitamins A, C, and K, as well as minerals like calcium and iron. These nutrients are important for overall health and well-being, making Luck and Money a nutritious choice.

Alergens

This recipe contains ham, which may be a potential allergen for some individuals. Be sure to check for any allergies before serving this dish.

Summary

Luck and Money is a nutritious and flavorful dish that is rich in carbohydrates, proteins, and essential vitamins and minerals. It is a great option for those looking to enjoy a hearty and satisfying meal.

Summary

Luck and Money is a delicious and meaningful dish that is perfect for bringing good luck and prosperity into your life. With its hearty ingredients and rich flavors, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your household.

How did I get this recipe?

I vividly recall the moment I first laid eyes on this recipe for Luck and Money. It was many years ago, when I was just a young girl living in a small village nestled in the rolling hills of the countryside. My grandmother, who was a renowned cook in our village, would often share her recipes with me as we worked together in the kitchen.

One day, as we were preparing a feast for a special celebration, my grandmother pulled out a tattered old notebook from the bottom of her recipe box. She flipped through the pages with a look of nostalgia in her eyes, and finally landed on a page that was yellowed with age and smudged with remnants of ingredients long past.

"This," she said with a smile, "is the recipe for Luck and Money. It's a special dish that my own grandmother passed down to me, and now I pass it down to you."

Intrigued by the name and eager to learn the secret behind this mysterious recipe, I eagerly watched as my grandmother began to explain the ingredients and steps to me. The recipe called for a mix of herbs and spices, each carefully selected for their unique properties to bring luck and prosperity into the lives of those who partook in the dish.

The main ingredient was a handful of lucky beans, which were said to bring good fortune and wealth to those who consumed them. These beans were to be cooked slowly over a low flame, allowing their magical properties to infuse into the dish. Along with the beans, the recipe called for a medley of fresh vegetables and savory meats, all chosen for their symbolic significance in attracting luck and money.

As my grandmother shared the recipe with me, she also shared the stories and traditions that had been passed down through generations of our family. She told me tales of how our ancestors had used this recipe to bring prosperity to their homes, and how it had become a staple at celebrations and festivals throughout the years.

I listened intently, absorbing every detail and committing the recipe to memory. I knew that this dish held a special significance, not just in its ingredients and preparation, but in the history and traditions that surrounded it.

Over the years, I have continued to make Luck and Money for my own family and friends, sharing the recipe and the stories that come with it. Each time I prepare the dish, I feel a connection to my grandmother and our ancestors, a sense of pride in carrying on a tradition that has spanned generations.

And as I watch my loved ones enjoy the flavors and aromas of Luck and Money, I can't help but feel a sense of gratitude for the recipe that has brought so much joy and prosperity into our lives. It is a reminder of the power of tradition, of the importance of connecting to our roots, and of the simple pleasures that can be found in a shared meal with loved ones.

So as I pass this recipe on to you, my dear grandchild, I hope that you will embrace it with the same love and reverence that I have. May it bring you luck and money, yes, but more importantly, may it bring you a sense of connection to your family and your heritage. And may it remind you of the power of a good meal shared with those you hold dear.