Sweet Potato and Black-Eyed Pea Stew with Collard Greens

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

A hearty Southern-inspired stew combining tender sweet potatoes, black-eyed peas, and nutritious collard greens simmered in a savory broth. This southern united states-inspired soups (vegetarian, gluten free) ready in about 45 minutes pairs sweet potatoes peeled and cubed, collard greens chopped, medium yellow onion diced 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: 15 min Cook: 30 min Serves 4 Southern United States cuisine 220 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add 1 medium diced yellow onion and 4 minced garlic cloves, sautéing for 4-5 minutes until soft and fragrant.
  2. Step 2: Add 2 cups peeled and cubed sweet potatoes, 1 tsp smoked paprika, 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp ground black pepper. Stir to coat the vegetables with spices.
  3. Step 3: Pour in 4 cups vegetable broth and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes until sweet potatoes begin to soften.
  4. Step 4: Stir in 1 1/2 cups drained and rinsed black-eyed peas and 2 cups chopped collard greens. Continue simmering uncovered for another 10 minutes until collard greens are tender and stew thickens slightly.
  5. Step 5: Remove from heat and stir in 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar to brighten flavors. Adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if desired. Serve warm.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Sweet Potato and Black-Eyed Pea Stew with Collard Greens take to make?

Total time is about 45 minutes (15 min prep + 30 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 Sweet Potato and Black-Eyed Pea Stew with Collard Greens?

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 collard greens chopped from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Sweet Potato and Black-Eyed Pea Stew with Collard Greens?

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 Sweet Potato and Black-Eyed Pea Stew with Collard Greens 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 Sweet Potato and Black-Eyed Pea Stew with Collard Greens vegetarian?

Yes — this recipe is tagged vegetarian, gluten free based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.