Southern Style Collard Greens and Black-Eyed Peas

collard greens, black eyed peas, and ham in a bowl

Southern Style Collard Greens and Black-Eyed Peas

Collard greens and black-eyed peas come together in this hearty Southern dish that can be served as a flavorful side or enjoyed as a simple meal on its own. Made with tender greens, black-eyed peas, onion, and savory seasonings, this comforting recipe is easy to make and full of old-fashioned country flavor. It is especially popular around New Year’s Day in the South, but it is delicious any time you are craving a warm and filling bowl of comfort food.

Course Side Dish

Cuisine Southern

Keyword Country Cooking side dish, Easy Black Eyed Peas, Easy Collard Greens, Soul Food Sides, Southern New Year Foods

Calories 140kcal

Equipment

Dutch Oven

Ingredients

1 Tablespoon Bacon Grease or Olive Oil
1 Small Sweet Vidalia Onion chopped
2 cloves Garlic minced
4 cups Collard Greens fresh, rinsed, stems removed and chopped into bite-sized pieces
31 ounces Black-Eyed Peas with only salt added - 2 cans, 15.5 ounces each, drained
2 cups Chicken Broth
1/2 teaspoon Salt
1/2 teaspoon Black Pepper
1/4 teaspoon Red Pepper Flakes
1 teaspoon Sugar optional
1 tablespoon Apple Cider Vinegar
Ham Bone ham hocks, or chopped ham (4 cups)

Instructions

In a large pot or Dutch Oven, heat the bacon grease or olive oil over medium heat.
1 Tablespoon Bacon Grease or Olive Oil
Add the chopped onion and garlic; cook until tender (about 5 minutes)
1 Small Sweet Vidalia Onion, 2 cloves Garlic
Stir in the collard greens and let them cook down slightly (about 5 minutes)
4 cups Collard Greens
Add ham. Stir in the black-eyed peas, chicken broth, salt, pepper, red pepper flakes, and sugar if using. . Lower heat to medium-low. Cover and cook for 20 minutes.
31 ounces Black-Eyed Peas, 2 cups Chicken Broth, 1/2 teaspoon Salt, 1/2 teaspoon Black Pepper, 1/4 teaspoon Red Pepper Flakes, Ham Bone, 1 teaspoon Sugar
Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 25 to 30 minutes.
Stir in the apple cider vinegar before serving.
1 tablespoon Apple Cider Vinegar
Serve warm as a side dish or a hearty meal on its own.
Note: Vinegar or “Apple cider vinegar “ is used when cooking collards greens (or any greens) to balance out the bitterness of the greens. It adds a freshness to this dish. Plus is helps to tenderize any tough collards that may be in your batch.

Notes

Nutrition Disclaimer: All nutritional information shared on this site is an approximation. I am not a certified nutritionist, and any nutritional information shared on this site should be used as a general guideline. Any nutritional information provided by “Back to the Basics with Laura,” is provided as a courtesy and should be considered an estimate rather than a guarantee. Ingredients can vary, and we cannot guarantee the accuracy of this information.

Nutrition