California Rice and Black-Eyed Pea Stew
By Julie Cader
This tasty and spicy stew provides several foods that are associated with good luck and prosperity for ringing in the New Year. Did you know that rice has a long history of being associated with wealth, black-eyed peas for prosperity and the yummy kale symbolizes money? Have a fabulous 2019! Serves 8.
Ingredients
3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
½ cup uncooked California Calrose white rice
1 yellow onion, chopped
1 jalapeno, membrane and seeds removed, finely chopped
4 large cloves garlic, minced
1 bunch kale, ribs discarded
16 ounce package sausage with roasted bell pepper and caramelized onion
1 cup ham, chopped
15.5-ounce can of Black-Eyed Peas with Jalapeno
14.5-ounce can of organic stewed tomatoes
32 fluid ounces organic chicken broth
½ teaspoon dried oregano
½ teaspoon ancho chili powder
½ teaspoon white pepper
½ teaspoon cumin
Topping
½ cup shaved Parmesan Cheese
Directions
Heat olive oil in a large pot and add rice, onion, jalapeno, garlic, torn kale and crumbled sausage. After the rice begins to turn opaque and golden brown (about 5-8 minutes), add remaining ingredients, stirring well.
Bring mixture to a slow boil, then cover and simmer over low heat for 30-45 minutes. Serve the stew in bowls, topped with shaved Parmesan Cheese.
Happy New Year and May 2019 Bring You Prosperity and Good Luck!
Julie recently retired as the Finance & Administration Manager for the California Rice Commission, and is a big proponent of trying new recipes- especially if they feature California rice.