Smoky Black-Eyed Pea and Collard Green Stew

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A hearty, smoky stew featuring tender black-eyed peas and wilted collard greens simmered with paprika and garlic. This southern american-inspired vegan (vegan) ready in about 80 minutes pairs dried black-eyed peas, water, olive oil for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 220 calories and feeds 4, 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.

Prep: 10 min Cook: 70 min Serves 4 Southern American cuisine 220 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Rinse and soak 1 cup dried black-eyed peas in water overnight or for at least 6 hours. Drain and rinse.
  2. Step 2: In a large pot, heat 2 tbsp olive oil over medium heat. Add 1 diced medium yellow onion and sauté for 5 minutes until translucent and fragrant.
  3. Step 3: Add 4 minced garlic cloves, 2 tsp smoked paprika, and 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper, cooking for 1 minute until spices are aromatic.
  4. Step 4: Add the soaked black-eyed peas, 4 cups water, and 2 cups vegetable broth. Bring to a boil then reduce heat to low, simmer covered for 45 minutes until peas are tender.
  5. Step 5: Stir in 4 cups chopped collard greens, 1 1/2 tsp salt, and 1 tsp black pepper. Cook uncovered for 15 minutes until greens are wilted and tender.
  6. Step 6: Remove from heat and stir in 1 tbsp lemon juice to brighten the flavors. Serve warm.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Smoky Black-Eyed Pea and Collard Green Stew take to make?

Total time is about 80 minutes (10 min prep + 70 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 Smoky Black-Eyed Pea and Collard Green Stew?

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 dried black-eyed peas from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Smoky Black-Eyed Pea and Collard Green Stew?

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 Smoky Black-Eyed Pea and Collard Green Stew for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). 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 Smoky Black-Eyed Pea and Collard Green Stew 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.