Black-Eyed Peas & Collard Greens 🥬🍲

Start the New Year on a lucky and prosperous note with a dish that’s as symbolic as it is delicious! In Southern tradition, black-eyed peas represent luck, while collard greens signify wealth. This recipe combines these powerful ingredients in a simple, healthy, and flavorful dish that’s perfect for your holiday menu for any holiday feast.

A Dish Full of Meaning and Flavor

This recipe brings together nourishing greens, hearty beans, and just a touch of sweetness for balance. It's packed with nutrients, easy to make, and sure to become a family favorite.

The Ingredients

• 1 Medium Diced Onion: Adds savory depth to the dish.

• 1 Large Bunch of Collard Greens: Packed with vitamins and fiber to support your health.

• 1 Can Black-Eyed Peas: A protein-rich legume to symbolize luck and prosperity.

• Salt, Pepper, and Spices to Taste: Customize with your favorite seasonings—paprika, garlic powder, or chili flakes all work well.

• Maple Syrup (1 tsp): Adds a subtle sweetness to balance the flavors.

The Directions

1. Sauté the Onion: Heat olive oil in a large sauté pan over medium heat. Cook the onion for 5-8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it softens and turns golden.

2. Prep the Collard Greens: While the onion cooks, remove the tough stems from the collard greens. Slice the stems thinly and set the leaves aside.

3. Cook the Stems: Add the sliced stems to the sauté pan with the onion and continue cooking until the stems soften and lose their bright green color.

4. Add the Black-Eyed Peas: Pour the can of black-eyed peas into the pan, including a few spoonfuls of the liquid for flavor. Reserve the remaining liquid.

5. Julienne the Leaves: Stack a few collard leaves at a time, roll them tightly, and slice thinly. Repeat until all the leaves are julienned.

6. Cook the Leaves: Add the collard greens to the pan. Stir everything together and season with salt, pepper, and any additional spices you like. Use the reserved bean liquid as needed to keep the ingredients moist but not overly wet.

7. Finish with Maple Syrup: Once the leaves turn a deep bright green and reduce in volume by half, add 1 tsp of maple syrup. Stir well, taste, and adjust seasoning as needed.

A Holiday Staple with Heart

This Black-Eyed Peas & Collard Greens dish is more than just a tradition—it’s a flavorful, nutrient-packed addition to your holiday table. Serve it as a side dish, a light main, or even with a slice of cornbread for a classic pairing.

Part of Our Healthy Holiday Recipe Compilation

For personalized nutrition tips and more wellness inspiration, explore our services at Monarch Wellness. Let’s make this New Year your healthiest one yet!

Here’s to luck, wealth, and good health from the Monarch Wellness team!