Lucky eats for the New Year

Pork, cabbage and black-eyed peas—according to Southern tradition, these are the foods you must eat on New Year’s Day to start the year off right. But no one says you have to eat these foods in their most basic forms—or that you can’t get started on your luck-gathering early.
Aalu Bodi Taama at The Himalayas Restaurant: When you think black-eyed peas, you think of a proper stewed Southern side dish. But give this traditional Nepalese dish a try, with its sour bamboo shoots and potatoes, and you’ll think about legumes in a whole new way.
Bean Burgers at BBPF: You won’t miss the meat in these patties served up just outside the North Gates of LSU. A West African favorite, this burger-without-the-burger is made from mashed black-eyed peas and is a palate-pleasing treat.
Pork Belly Preserves at Curbside: You may have to track them down, but it’s worth it to savor the salty goodness that Curbside’s pork belly preserves provide. Sure, it’s fattening—but that’s what New Year’s resolutions are for, right?
Nabeyaki Udon at Ichiban: This tasty traditional Japanese dish incorporates plenty of Nappa cabbage—packed with more protein and fewer calories than the Western varieties. Add in hearty noodles, veggies and seafood, and it’s a dish worth drooling over.

Got a way to try one of these traditional foods that shakes up expectations? Click here to share your recipes and favorites in the comments!