Collard Greens and Black-Eyed Pea Stew with Smoked Paprika
Hearty and smoky stew combining tender collard greens with black-eyed peas and aromatic smoked paprika for a comforting plant-based meal. This african-inspired vegan (vegan) ready in about 75 minutes pairs chopped collard greens, dried or 2 cups cooked black-eyed peas, olive oil for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 210 calories and feeds 6, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 1 lb, chopped collard greens
- 1 cup dried or 2 cups cooked black-eyed peas
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 large, diced yellow onion
- 3 cloves, minced garlic cloves
- 1 tbsp smoked paprika
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 cup, canned diced tomatoes
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 tsp (optional) cayenne pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: If using dried black-eyed peas, soak 1 cup overnight and cook until tender, about 45 minutes; if using cooked, proceed to step 2.
- Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add 1 large diced yellow onion and sauté for 5 minutes until translucent. Add 3 minced garlic cloves and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Step 3: Stir in 1 tbsp smoked paprika and 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (if using), cooking for 30 seconds to release aromas.
- Step 4: Add 1 lb chopped collard greens, 2 cups cooked black-eyed peas, 4 cups vegetable broth, and 1 cup canned diced tomatoes. Stir to combine.
- Step 5: Bring the stew to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer uncovered for 40 minutes until the collard greens are tender and flavors meld.
- Step 6: Season with 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper, adjust to taste. Serve warm as a filling vegan stew.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Collard Greens and Black-Eyed Pea Stew with Smoked Paprika take to make?
Total time is about 75 minutes (15 min prep + 60 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Collard Greens and Black-Eyed Pea Stew with Smoked Paprika?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep chopped collard greens from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Collard Greens and Black-Eyed Pea Stew with Smoked Paprika?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Collard Greens and Black-Eyed Pea Stew with Smoked Paprika for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 6 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 6). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
Is Collard Greens and Black-Eyed Pea Stew with Smoked Paprika vegan?
Yes — this recipe is tagged vegan based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.
Related recipes
Slow-Cooked Lentil Shiro Stew with Berbere and Niter Kibbeh
Senegalese Millet and Vegetable Stew with Tamarind
Berbere-Spiced Lentil and Collard Green Stew
Smoky Egyptian Black-Eyed Peas Stew with Olive Oil
Slow-Simmered Ethiopian Berbere Lentil Stew
Sweet Plantain and Peanut Stew with Tangy Tamarind
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
