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black eyed peas collard greens

Quick Black Eyed Peas and Collard Greens

A delicious and nutritious Southern-inspired dish that combines hearty black-eyed peas with tender collard greens. It's quick enough for busy weeknights and bursting with flavor and wholesome ingredients.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Main Dish, Side Dish, Stew
Cuisine: Healthy, Soul Food, Southern
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Base and Aromatics
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 large onion chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
Greens and Peas
  • 4 cups fresh collard greens washed, stemmed, and chopped
  • 1 can black-eyed peas 15-ounce, rinsed and drained
  • 1 can diced tomatoes 14.5-ounce, undrained
  • 1 cup vegetable broth
Seasoning and Finish
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes optional, for heat
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar for finishing
  • Salt and black pepper to taste

Equipment

  • Large Pot or Dutch Oven

Method
 

  1. Sauté Aromatics: Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
    1 tablespoon olive oil, 1 large onion, 2 cloves garlic
  2. Wilt Greens: Add the chopped collard greens to the pot. Cook, stirring frequently, until they begin to wilt, about 5-8 minutes.
    4 cups fresh collard greens
  3. Simmer: Stir in the black eyed peas, diced tomatoes (with their juice), vegetable broth, smoked paprika, and red pepper flakes (if using). Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce heat to low, cover, and cook for **20-30 minutes**, or until the collard greens are tender.
    1 can black-eyed peas, 1 can diced tomatoes, 1 cup vegetable broth, 1 teaspoon smoked paprika, 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
  4. Finish and Serve: Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Stir in the apple cider vinegar just before serving to brighten the flavors. Serve warm.
    Salt and black pepper, 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar

Notes

For an authentic Southern taste, the finishing touch of apple cider vinegar is crucial—it cuts through the richness and brightens the overall flavor profile.