Black-Eyed Pea Collard Stew (Printable)

Comforting Southern stew with black-eyed peas, collard greens, and smoky seasonings.

# What You'll Need:

→ Vegetables

01 - 2 tablespoons olive oil
02 - 1 large yellow onion, diced
03 - 3 cloves garlic, minced
04 - 2 large carrots, diced
05 - 2 celery stalks, diced
06 - 1 jalapeño, seeded and finely chopped
07 - 1 bunch collard greens (approximately 10 ounces), stems removed, leaves chopped
08 - 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes with juices

→ Legumes

09 - 3 cups cooked black-eyed peas or 2 cans, drained and rinsed

→ Liquids

10 - 4 cups low-sodium vegetable broth
11 - 1 cup water

→ Spices and Seasoning

12 - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
13 - 1 teaspoon dried thyme
14 - 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
15 - 1 teaspoon salt
16 - 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
17 - 2 bay leaves
18 - 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar

# How To Make It:

01 - Heat olive oil in a large heavy pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add diced onion, carrots, celery, and jalapeño. Sauté for 6 to 8 minutes until vegetables soften.
02 - Add minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
03 - Stir in smoked paprika, dried thyme, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper. Cook for 1 minute to activate the spices.
04 - Add chopped collard greens and cook, stirring frequently, for 3 to 4 minutes until they begin to wilt.
05 - Pour in diced tomatoes with their juices, black-eyed peas, vegetable broth, water, and bay leaves. Stir thoroughly to combine all ingredients.
06 - Bring the stew to a simmer. Reduce heat to low, cover with a lid, and cook for 45 to 50 minutes, stirring occasionally, until collard greens are tender and flavors have melded together.
07 - Remove and discard bay leaves. Stir in apple cider vinegar. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper as needed.
08 - Ladle hot stew into bowls and serve immediately. Pair with cornbread if desired.

# Expert Suggestions:

01 -
  • Packed with plant-based protein and fiber from black-eyed peas and collard greens
  • Easy one-pot preparation perfect for busy weeknights or meal prep
  • Naturally vegetarian and gluten-free with rich, smoky Southern flavors
  • Budget-friendly ingredients that feed a crowd
  • Tastes even better the next day as flavors continue to develop
02 -
  • Use a large, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven to ensure even heat distribution and prevent scorching
  • Reserve some of the collard green stems to dice finely and add with the carrots for extra texture
  • If using canned black-eyed peas or broth, check labels for possible gluten or soy if you have allergies
  • Prepare the stew a day ahead for even better flavor—it reheats beautifully
  • Adjust the liquid during cooking if the stew becomes too thick; add water or broth as needed
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