Black-eyed beans: Said to bring luck in the new year.

Black-eyed beans: Said to bring luck in the new year. (William Aidasson, xx)

Los Angeles Times Staff Writer

BLACKEYE BEAN SALAD

2 cups hot cooked rice

1 2/3 cups drained, cooked or canned blackeye beans

Red Pepper Dressing (recipe below)

8 ounces sliced hot cooked sausage or cubed ham

1 cup thinly julienne sliced carrots

1/2 cup minced celery

1/4 cup minced onion

Dash salt

Chopped parsley

Marinate hot rice and beans in 1/3 cup Red Pepper Dressing. Cool at room temperature. Add sausage, carrots, celery, onion and salt. Mix gently. Sprinkle with parsley. Makes 6 to 8 servings.

Red Pepper Dressing

1/2 cup oil

1/4 cup vinegar

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon crushed oregano

1/8 teaspoon black pepper

1/8 teaspoon cayenne

1/2 bay leaf

Combine oil, vinegar, salt, oregano, black pepper, cayenne and bay leaf. Mix well. Let stand at least 1 hour to blend flavors. Remove bay leaf before using. Makes 2/3 cup dressing.