Mess of Greens

full bellies | warm welcomes

Appetizers

Delta State University on my mind: Roasted, spicy Okra

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For the past five years, I’ve spent at least 20 saturdays in Jobe Hall on Delta State University’s campus… yesterday, someone murdered a professor of history in that very building, causing the entire campus to lock down, and wreaking havoc on the mental state of students, faculty, staff, and the entire Mississippi Delta (who all have friends and family who work or attend school there). I’m so sad to think about the senseless loss of at least two lives (maybe three) at the hands of the shooter, but also, proud of the resilience and strength of those associated with the campus. It’s hard to go through a frightening event like that and not feel shaken, but I know all of the “fighting okra” (the campus unofficial mascot) will bounce back.

It turns out that I made this recipe for roasted spicy okra over the weekend with a big bag that had been left on Boone’s desk, so it just feels right to share it today after this week’s events. I’d only ever had it stewed, gumboed, and fried, so I thought I’d try a new way. It turns out that like the Fighting Okra, real okra just gets a little crispy and more flavorful when  you turn up the heat.
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EASY jalepeno poppers.

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Tonight’s the SuperBowl, and even though I don’t give two hoots about NFL football, AND I ended up with food posioning, I’m not eating anything tonight, but last week we had a fun party and made these poppers. Perfect for the Super Bowl or really anytime you need an easy, delicious, (did I mention easy?) appetizer! You only need a few ingredients a little prep time and you can make it happen!
 

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Lucky Black Eyed Pea + Pecan Hummus

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Last year I told y’all about my mama’s version of Pickled Peas for New Year’s Day.  I’m not SUPER superstitious, but I definitely I knock on wood an awful lot, and throw salt over my shoulder when I spill it, and I absolutely make sure to eat black eyed peas every single January 1st for luck. It turns out that I made a little too much of the pickled pea dip last year and ended up eating it for about a week too long (sad. it might be years before I make it again.) This year I needed a little change because I’m NOT going to chance an unlucky 2013. I thought about hoppin’ john, or a black eyed pea soup, but then remembered I had a supersized jug of tahini in my pantry that needed to be used up. Tangy, kinda spicy Black Eyed Pea Hummus it is! I used this vegan recipe as the base and adjusted it to my taste. Read on for the way to ensure luck in 2013.

Black Eyed Pea Hummus
Makes about 3 Cups

What you Need:
2 Cups Black eyed peas -I used fresh ones that just happened to be in my local Grocery store, but you can use dried or canned.
3 cloves garlic
1/2 Cup of Tahini (sesame seed paste)
1 Tablespoon Red pepper flakes
Juice of 1 or 1.5 lemons
Pecans (I used about 1/8 cup)
2 Tablespoons of Olive Oil
Some additional water or vegetable stock
Salt, pepper, and Tabasco sauce to taste

What to Do:
If you’re using fresh peas (not dried) make sure to rinse them thoroughly and then boil them until soft. Of course you can add bacon grease and onion for EXTRA flavor,  but I was trying to limit prep cooked them at a rolling boil for about 10 minutes until they were fairly soft and definitely not crunchy. If you’re using dried beans, follow the directions for preparing them, and if you use canned beans, rinse them super well to rid them of that metallicky taste…

Once the peas are cooked, put them in a food processor with all of the other ingredients and puree’ until smooth. If you find that the texture isn’t very smooth, add some water or chicken stock to smooth it out.

 

Voila! Serve with carrots, warm pita bread, or chips while you watch Football and recover from your big night out. This will definitely ensure luck and prosperity in 2013! Wishing y’all well in the new year.

 

new years day pickled peas!

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 southerners have a tradition of eating lucky foods on new year’s day to set us up for success in the coming months. there are lots of different kinds of lucky foods, but the most common in the south is black eyed peas in some form or fashion. turnip greens or cabbage are also pretty standard in the south since they look like money, which means you’ll have better finances in the new year.
so it turns out that boone (my honey) doesn’t really like the flavor of black eyed peas, but there is no way someone married to me is going to start off a brand new year on the wrong foot, so i insist that he eats at least one little pea.
lots of people like hoppin’ john, a recipe from south carolina or texas or something. our first NYday as a married couple we made it with black eyed pea and turnip green soup, which i liked just fine, but boone thought the peas tasted like an ashtray. ew.
last year, i made pickled peas or what my mom calls “redneck caviar” (see above) and it was a big hit because it was tart, juicy, and really so delishy. so much so that i made it again this year to take with us to austin, tx… and i just thought i’d share the recipe because i just can’t stand the thought that YOU might not have luck next year without it. 🙂 happy new year! ps: please remember that i’m absolutely not a professional photographer. keep this in mind if you feel compelled to judge my snapshots.

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