Exploits of a Vegan Wannabe

Certain foods are consumed to ring in the New Year in many countries, traditions that are steeped in beliefs about bringing fortune and passed from generation to generation.   Interestingly enough, they are vegetables, which comes as no surprise to us here at Exploits.  We too believe in vegetables being good fortune to ring in the New Year and any mealtime adventure.   Have a look at some of the variations on these vegetables of fortune.

Cooked Greens

Cooked greens, including cabbage, collards, kale, and chard, are consumed at New Year’s in different countries for a simple reason — their green leaves look like folded money, and are thus symbolic of economic fortune.

The Danish eat stewed kale sprinkled with sugar and cinnamon, the Germans consume sauerkraut (cabbage) and in the southern United States, collards are the green of choice. It’s widely believed that the more greens one eats the larger one’s fortune next year.

Legumes

Legumes including beans, peas, and lentils are also symbolic of money. Their small, seedlike appearance resembles coins that swell when cooked so they are consumed with financial rewards in mind.

Brazil, the first meal of the New Year is usually lentil soup or lentils and rice

Japan, the osechi-ryori, a group of symbolic dishes eaten during the first three days of the new year, includes sweet black beans called kuro-mame.

In the Southern United States, it’s traditional to eat black-eyed peas or cowpeas in a dish called hoppin’ john. There are even those who believe in eating one pea for every day in the new year. This all traces back to the legend that during the Civil War, the town of Vicksburg, Mississippi, ran out of food while under attack. The residents fortunately discovered black-eyed peas and the legume was thereafter considered lucky.

Read more at Epicurious.com

Here is a New Year recipe for luck and good fortune using the Black Eyed Pea.

Black Eyed Peas Walnut Lettuce Wraps

By: California Walnut Board

Ingredients

2 cups frozen black-eyed peas
3/4 cup water
1 onion, chopped
1 red pepper, seeded and chopped
6 ounces butternut squash, cut in 1/2-inch dice (about 1 cup diced)
1/2 cup chopped walnuts
1/4 cup sherry vinegar or wine vinegar
1/4 cup chopped parsley
salt and pepper to taste
16 leaves iceberg lettuce or butter lettuce

Make It Happen

In a medium saucepan combine the black-eyed peas and water. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce the heat to low and simmer, covered, for about 30 minutes, until the peas are tender but not mushy. Discard any liquid remaining in the pan and transfer the peas to a large bowl.

Coat a large nonstick skillet with nonstick cooking spray and place over medium-high heat. Add the onion, pepper and squash and cook, stirring occasionally, for 5 minutes. Turn the heat to low, cover the pan and continue cooking until the squash is just tender, 5 – 7 minutes more. Stir in the walnuts. Add the walnut mixture to the peas along with the vinegar and parsley. Stir and toss to combine, then season with salt and pepper to taste. Let cool slightly.

Spoon about 1/4 cup of the pea and walnut mixture into each lettuce leaf and enjoy.

Have a delicious New Year!

Tags: compassionate eating, dairy free, going veg, New Years food traditions, trying vegetarian, vegan, vegan challenge, vegan experience, vegan wannabe