Black-Eyed Peas Collard Greens (Print Version)

Tender black-eyed peas simmered with collard greens for a rich and hearty Southern-style meal.

# What You'll Need:

→ Legumes & Greens

01 - 2 cups dried black-eyed peas, rinsed and soaked overnight, or 3 cans black-eyed peas, drained and rinsed
02 - 1 large bunch collard greens, about 1 lb, stems removed and leaves chopped

→ Aromatics

03 - 1 large onion, finely chopped
04 - 3 cloves garlic, minced
05 - 2 celery stalks, diced
06 - 1 medium carrot, diced

→ Seasonings

07 - 1 bay leaf
08 - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
09 - 1 teaspoon dried thyme
10 - 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
11 - Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

→ Liquids

12 - 6 cups vegetable broth or chicken broth
13 - 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar

→ Optional Additions

14 - 4 oz smoked ham hock or diced smoked turkey
15 - Hot sauce for serving
16 - Cornbread wedges for serving

# How-To Steps:

01 - If using dried black-eyed peas, rinse thoroughly under cold water and soak overnight in cold water. Drain and set aside.
02 - In a large Dutch oven or soup pot, heat a splash of oil over medium heat. Add chopped onion, celery, and carrot. Sauté until softened, approximately 5 minutes.
03 - Stir in minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
04 - If using smoked ham hock or turkey, add to the pot and cook for 2 minutes.
05 - Add black-eyed peas, bay leaf, smoked paprika, thyme, and red pepper flakes. Stir to evenly coat vegetables and peas with spices.
06 - Pour in broth and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to simmer, cover, and cook for 45 minutes for dried peas or 20 minutes for canned peas.
07 - Add chopped collard greens and simmer uncovered for 30 minutes until peas are tender and greens are silky.
08 - Stir in apple cider vinegar. Remove bay leaf and ham hock if used; shred any meat and return to pot. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
09 - Ladle into bowls and serve hot with cornbread wedges and hot sauce.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • It tastes even better the next day, making it the gift that keeps giving through your week.
  • Deeply satisfying without being heavy, this dish proves soul food doesn't need to weigh you down.
  • Works for vegetarians and meat-eaters at the same table without any fuss or separate pots.
02 -
  • Don't skip the apple cider vinegar at the end—it's the difference between a good pot of peas and one that tastes like it's been simmering in someone's kitchen all day.
  • Leftover peas actually taste better the next day when the flavors have had time to get to know each other, so make extra without hesitation.
03 -
  • If your peas aren't softening, check your water—old or hard water can prevent them from breaking down, so use filtered water if you suspect that's happening.
  • Don't stir too aggressively once the greens are in, or you'll break apart the peas and turn everything into mush.
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