Quick Collard Greens And Black Eyed Peas Recipe For Weeknights

Olivia Johnson

4 min read

Post on Apr 11, 2025

4.0

Share

Quick Collard Greens and Black Eyed Peas Recipe for Weeknights: A Speedy Southern Comfort Food

Weeknights are busy! Who has time for hours spent simmering collard greens? This quick collard greens and black-eyed peas recipe delivers delicious, healthy collard greens and black-eyed peas in a fraction of the time, perfect for even the busiest weeknights. Learn how to make this flavorful and satisfying Southern staple quickly and easily, without sacrificing taste. This recipe is your shortcut to a healthy and comforting meal.

Ingredient Gathering: Your Pantry Staples & Fresh Finds

This quick collard greens and black-eyed peas recipe relies on ingredients you likely already have or can easily find. Many are pantry staples, making this a perfect weeknight solution when you're short on time and need a healthy meal.

• Collard Greens: Fresh or frozen collard greens work equally well. Frozen collard greens often require less cooking time.
• Black-Eyed Peas: Canned black-eyed peas are a convenient choice, saving significant cooking time. If you prefer dried black-eyed peas, soak them overnight for faster cooking the next day. Remember to adjust cooking times accordingly.
• Onion: One medium yellow onion adds sweetness and depth of flavor.
• Garlic: 2-3 cloves of garlic provide a pungent aroma and flavor boost.
• Smoked Ham Hock or Bacon (Optional): For a richer, smokier flavor, add a small smoked ham hock or a few strips of bacon. This is completely optional; the recipe is delicious without it!
• Vegetable Broth or Water: Use low-sodium vegetable broth for a more flavorful base. Water works in a pinch.
• Seasoning: Salt, pepper, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder are essential. Feel free to substitute other spices you enjoy, such as cayenne pepper for heat or thyme for an earthy note.

Quick Cooking Method: Minimize Time, Maximize Flavor

This quick collard greens and black-eyed peas recipe prioritizes speed without compromising flavor. You'll have a delicious meal ready in under 30 minutes!

1. Sauté the Aromatics: Start by sautéing the chopped onion and garlic in a large pot or Dutch oven with a little oil until softened (about 5 minutes). This builds the flavor base for your dish.
2. Add the Greens and Peas: Add the collard greens (chopped if using fresh) and black-eyed peas to the pot. Stir to combine.
3. Simmer in Broth: Pour in your vegetable broth or water, ensuring the greens and peas are mostly submerged. Bring to a simmer.
4. Pressure Cooker Alternative: For an even quicker option, use a pressure cooker! Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for cooking collard greens and black-eyed peas – this significantly reduces cooking time.
5. Season and Adjust: Add your seasonings – salt, pepper, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed. You might want to add more salt, pepper, or smoked paprika depending on your preference.
6. Quick Cooking Time: Simmer (or pressure cook) until the collard greens are tender but still slightly vibrant green (about 10-15 minutes for simmering, or less in a pressure cooker). Remember, the goal is a quick, delicious meal!

Flavor Boosters: Elevating Your Weeknight Meal

Take your quick collard greens and black-eyed peas recipe to the next level with these optional flavor boosters:

• Apple Cider Vinegar: A splash of apple cider vinegar adds brightness and acidity, cutting through the richness of the dish.
• Red Pepper Flakes: A pinch of red pepper flakes introduces a pleasant heat. Adjust to your spice preference.
• Liquid Smoke: For a more intense smoky flavor, add a few drops of liquid smoke.
• Fresh Herbs: Fresh parsley or thyme adds a lovely herbaceous note. Stir in at the end of cooking.
• Lemon Juice: A squeeze of fresh lemon juice at the end brightens the flavors and adds a zesty finish.

Serving Suggestions and Leftovers

This versatile quick collard greens and black-eyed peas recipe can be enjoyed in many ways:

• Side Dish: Serve as a delicious side dish with grilled chicken, fish, or pork.
• Hearty Vegetarian Main: Enjoy it as a satisfying vegetarian main course, perhaps with a side of cornbread.
• Creamy Addition: Add a dollop of plain yogurt or sour cream for extra creaminess and richness.

Leftovers: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheating is a breeze – simply warm in a saucepan or microwave until heated through.

Conclusion

This quick collard greens and black-eyed peas recipe proves that healthy, flavorful, and satisfying meals don't require hours in the kitchen. The speed and simplicity of this recipe make it perfect for busy weeknights. You’ll enjoy a taste of Southern comfort without the lengthy cooking time. Try this quick collard greens and black-eyed peas recipe tonight! Enjoy a healthy, flavorful, and satisfying meal without spending hours in the kitchen. You'll wonder why you ever waited so long to make this easy and delicious Southern classic. Share your experience with us – leave a comment below!