Hearty Southern stew with black-eyed peas, collard greens, and smoky spices, perfect for cozy gatherings.
# What You'll Need:
→ Vegetables
01 - 2 tablespoons olive oil
02 - 1 large yellow onion, diced
03 - 3 cloves garlic, minced
04 - 2 large carrots, diced
05 - 2 celery stalks, diced
06 - 1 jalapeño, seeded and finely chopped
07 - 1 bunch collard greens, approximately 10 ounces, stems removed, leaves chopped
08 - 1 can diced tomatoes 14.5 ounces, with juices
→ Legumes
09 - 3 cups cooked black-eyed peas or 2 cans, drained and rinsed
→ Liquids
10 - 4 cups low-sodium vegetable broth
11 - 1 cup water
→ Spices and Seasoning
12 - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
13 - 1 teaspoon dried thyme
14 - ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper
15 - 1 teaspoon salt or to taste
16 - ½ teaspoon black pepper
17 - 2 bay leaves
18 - 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
# Cooking Steps:
01 - Heat olive oil in a large heavy pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add diced onion, carrots, celery, and jalapeño. Sauté for 6 to 8 minutes until vegetables soften.
02 - Add minced garlic to the pot and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
03 - Stir in smoked paprika, dried thyme, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper. Cook for 1 minute to activate the spice flavors.
04 - Add chopped collard greens and cook, stirring frequently, for 3 to 4 minutes until they begin to wilt.
05 - Pour in diced tomatoes with their juices, black-eyed peas, vegetable broth, water, and bay leaves. Stir thoroughly to combine all ingredients.
06 - Bring the stew to a simmer. Reduce heat to low, cover the pot, and cook for 45 to 50 minutes, stirring occasionally, until collard greens are tender and flavors have melded.
07 - Remove bay leaves from the stew. Stir in apple cider vinegar. Taste and adjust salt and pepper as needed.
08 - Ladle the stew into bowls and serve hot. Accompany with cornbread if desired.
