Skip to main content

Black-Eyed Peas and Greens

Comforting and filling, this recipe is easy to make for New Year’s luck any time of the year.
Bowl of Black-Eyed Peas and Greens.
Prep time: 15 minutes + 6 hours to soak
Cook time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Makes: 5 cups
Nutrition Facts: View label

Ingredients

1 Tablespoon vegetable oil
1 medium onion, chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
½ cup chopped celery (optional)
½ cup chopped bell pepper or 2 to 4 Tablespoons chopped hot pepper (optional)
4 cups low-sodium broth (try vegetable or chicken) 
1 cup dry black-eyed peas, soaked in 3 cups water for at least 6 hours and rinsed (see Notes)
1 teaspoon paprika (regular or smoked)
1 teaspoon thyme
¼ teaspoon black pepper
½ teaspoon salt  
3 to 4 cups trimmed and chopped fresh collard greens (about 6 medium leaves) (see Notes)
1 teaspoon vinegar or hot sauce

Directions

  1. Wash hands with soap and water.
  2. Rinse fresh vegetables under running water before preparing.
  3. Heat oil in a large skillet or soup pot over medium heat. Add onion, garlic and other vegetables, if desired.  Stir and cook until onions soften, about 5 minutes.
  4. Add broth, black-eyed peas, paprika, thyme, pepper and salt.
  5. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer until the peas are tender, about 30 to 35 minutes.
  6. Add the greens and stir until they are wilted. Return the mixture to a simmer, cover the pot and cook for 10 to 30 minutes or until the greens are as tender as you like.
  7. Add vinegar or hot sauce. Serve with rice or cornbread.
  8. Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours.

Notes

  • Save stems after trimming from the middle of fresh greens to cook with onion, garlic and other vegetables.
  • No fresh collard greens? Use 1 bunch or about 12 ounces of fresh spinach, chard, kale or other leafy green. You can also use 2 to 3 cups frozen greens or 1 to 2 cans (15 ounce) drained greens. Cooking time will be less in step 6 depending on the greens used.
  • No dry black-eyed peas? Use 3 cups frozen black-eyed peas or 2 cans (15-ounces) black-eyed peas that have been drained and rinsed. Cooking time in step 5 will be less.
     

Comments

This version of Hoppin’ John was so easy to make for a 2025 good luck meal. I found frozen chopped collard greens at the store to save some prep time. I also chopped the peppers, celery and carrot into very small pieces in a small food processor. Adding vinegar at the end really brightens the flavors. Thanks!

You might also like...

Recipes A to Z (without photos)

Waldorf Salad
Bowl of creamy apple, celery and walnut mix.

Waldorf Salad

Crunchy apples topped with walnuts, raisins and a creamy dressing.
Prepare:
15 minutes
Cook:
15 minutes
Makes:
4 cups
Southern Okra Bean Stew
Bowl of okra, rice and bean soup with tomato-based broth.

Southern Okra Bean Stew

A combination of hearty whole grains, creamy beans and tasty veggies make a satisfying and delicious stew.
Prepare:
10 minutes
Cook:
30 minutes
Makes:
14 cups
Rhubarb Muffins
Platter of muffins with small pink rhubarb pieces.

Rhubarb Muffins

Easy to make muffins with bites of sweet and tart rhubarb.
Prepare:
15 minutes
Cook:
20 minutes
Makes:
12 muffins
Stovetop Kamut
Cooked kamut in bowls.

Stovetop Kamut

This nutrient-rich grain has a rich, nutty flavor with a chewy, firm texture.
Prepare:
8 hours
Cook:
60 minutes
Makes:
2 ½ to 3 cups
Meatball Soup
Bowl of meatballs, rice and vegetable soup served with lime and cilantro.

Meatball Soup

A hearty meatball soup loaded with veggies, Italian herbs and flavorful broth.
Prepare:
20 minutes
Cook:
45 minutes
Makes:
9 cups
Kale Dip
Cottage cheese and kale-based dip served with celery, carrot sticks and crackers.

Kale Dip

This recipe combines greens and cottage cheese for a dip that is perfect for veggies!
Prepare:
10 minutes
Cook:
5 minutes
Makes:
1 ½ cups