01/02/2026
WHAT TO EAT ON NEW YEARS DAY FOR LUCK ALL YEAR ROUND Black-Eyed Peas
Legend has it that eating 365 black-eyed peas (one for each day of the year!) on New Year's Day will bring good luck to the year ahead. Ree's Hoppin' John, a comforting blend of black-eyed peas (which are actually beans!) and rice, will definitely do the trick, but you can also try her hearty black-eyed pea burrito or cheesy black-eyed pea dip.
Leafy Greens
Since collard greens are the color of paper money, they're said to symbolize a year full of prosperity. This effect is even stronger when eaten alongside black eyed-peas (see above!) and cornbread, since they represent the shape of coins and the color of gold, respectively. If collard greens aren't your thing, you can easily swap them for any other leafy green.
Onions
In ancient Greece, onions became the ultimate symbol of luck and fertility once the civilization realized they'd sprout even when left alone. That's why the Greek tradition of hanging a bag of onions from the door on New Year's Eve emerged. To fill your year with growth and rebirth, whip up one of Ree's delicious onion recipes. Her air-fryer onion rings are a tasty and easy place to start!
Pork
If you want to bless the new year, whip up one of Ree's pork recipes on New Year Day! Since pigs are known to push forward as they eat, a pork dish will help you move forward in the new year. Pork is also fatty and rich, which is said to bring wealth to the upcoming year. Ree's chipotle-orange pork roast will make a delicious entrée for your New Year's dinner!
Noodles
Many countries serve noodles for their New Year’s celebration to symbolize the longevity of life. Try the sesame pork noodle salad or beef curry with sweet potato noodles, but whatever you do, don't break the noodles before you eat them (it's all part of the tradition).
Try the Lo Mein recipe.
Lentils
Similar to black-eyed peas, lentils are a type of legume that look like little coins. They're typically eaten in Italy (and in other countries) on New Year’s to bring luck and good fortune. The red lentil hummus would make a great New Year's eve party snack, while the Mediterranean lentil salad would be a refreshing dish on New Year's Day.
Fish
Depending on the culture or country, fish is eaten on New Year's for different reasons: It can be considered a symbol of abundance because fish swim in big schools or a sign of good fortune for their shiny scales. Either way, you can't go wrong with one of these tasty fish recipes.
Pomegranate seeds add a pop of color and flavor to festive New Year's eve cocktails, like pomegranate sparklers, but they'll also bring fertility and life to those who eat them. At least, according to some people Turkey, Greece, and the Mediterranean.
Ring-Shaped Cakes
It's always a good time for cake—especially if you're celebrating a special occasion like ringing in the New Year. A round, ring-shaped cake in particular is known to represent the full circle of life. Try one of Ree's crowd-pleasing Bundt cakes in pumpkin spice or lemon-lime flavor or go for something unexpected like a round-shaped monkey bread.
Cornbread
Here's another symbol of gold for your New Year's table: cornbread! Combine this Southern favorite with black-eyed peas and collard greens for triple the luck.
Get Ree's Skillet Cornbread recipe.
