The tradition in the United States may be to ring in the New Year with a kiss from a loved one and a glass of bubbly. However we think of celebrating, it often includes some kind of food. Around the world, each country has their own tradition of what you can eat to bring you prosperity and good luck in the New Year.
One of the traditions in the Southern US and in Denmark is to eat something green (like the color of money) to bring fortune. From Italy to Brazil, legumes are the way to go for financial prosperity, like black-eyed peas in the South or kuro-mame (sweet black beans) in Japan.
Here’s a quick and easy way to green up your usual beans – moringa!
INGREDIENTS
- 1 can of Black beans, partially drained (can substitute with any other type of beans)
- 1 bunch of Kale, chopped
- 1 tsp Paprika
- 1 tsp Parsley
- 1 tsp Garlic Powder
- 1 tsp Cumin
- 1 Tbsp Moringa Powder
- Salt and Pepper to taste
Throw beans and spices into a pot or slow cooker and simmer for approximately 15-20 minutes. Once removed from heat, toss in chopped kale and season with salt and pepper to taste.
Serve as a side dish with pork (also told to bring good luck), rice (another good luck food), or by itself, hot or cold.
The more greens you eat, the more fortune your new year will bring. So dig into those veggies and enjoy ringing in 2016 with a full, happy belly.
You can find many more yummy moringa recipes on our blog!
