Historically, a typical New Year’s Day meal in the south contained Hoppin’ John, greens and cornbread. For generations of Southerners the meal symbolized financial prosperity and good luck. The peas used in Hoppin’ John were dependent on regional availability. Field peas, black-eyed peas or Sea Island red peas symbolized coins. The greens symbolized cash and the cornbread, gold.

Braised Greens

2 tablespoons canola oil
1 cup diced onion
2 ounces country ham, 1/4 inch dice
16 to 24 ounces 33% less sodium chicken broth (start with 16 ounces)
greens, mustard, turnip or kale
1/2 teaspoon garlic salt
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon red chili flakes
1 to 1 1/2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar

Sauté onion in oil until translucent. Add chopped country ham. Add enough chicken broth to cover the greens. Add the garlic salt, onion powder, red chili flakes and apple cider vinegar. Cook on medium high heat for 45 minutes to 1 hour or until tender. Add more chicken broth if necessary.

Published in The News and Neighbor on January 6, 2016