Smoky Sweet Black Eyed Peas & Greens

Posted on by MYP.PS1
"I love black-eyed peas and I don’t just reserve them for New Year’s luck. Any day that I can eat them is a lucky day. However, it is said that eating black eyed peas and greens will bring you luck. They might also bring you health. It seems worth a try."

-- Jill Nussinow, "The Veggie Queen"
SMOKY SWEET BLACK-EYED PEAS & GREENS
Serves 4-6

INGREDIENTS
  • 1 teaspoon oil (optional)
  • 1 medium to large onion, thinly sliced
  • 2–3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup diced red pepper
  • 1 small jalapeno or other hot chile, minced
  • 1–2 teaspoons smoked paprika
  • 1–2 teaspoons chili powder
  • 1 1/2 cups dried black-eyed peas, soaked overnight and drained
  • 4 dates, chopped fine
  • 3 cups water plus more as needed
  • 1 (15-ounce) can Fire Roasted tomatoes with green chilies
  • 2 cups chopped greens such as kale, collards or Swiss chard
HOW TO MAKE IT
Heat a large saucepan over medium heat. Dry sauté the onion for a few minutes, adding some of the water if the onion starts to stick. Add the garlic and peppers and sauté for another minute. Add the smoked paprika and chili powder along with the peas and dates. Stir to coat them and then add the water to cover them. Bring to a boil and reduce the heat to a simmer. Put a lid on, keeping it slightly ajar. Cook by simmering, keeping the peas covered with water, for 35–45 minutes until they are cooked through and almost all of the water has been absorbed. Drain any excess water. Add the tomatoes and greens and cook for another 5 minutes or more until the greens are wilted. Add salt to taste.

Note: The pea mixture can be pressure cooked up until the point where you add the tomatoes. It will require 1 1/2 cups water, under pressure for just 3 minutes with a natural pressure release. You can add the tomatoes and greens and pressure cook for 1 more minute, or simmer on the stove top for a few minutes. Or if you buy frozen or canned black eyed peas, use far less water, about 1/2 cup, and all the other ingredients and cook.
Like it? Share it!

© 2020 by Jill Nussinow.
Adapted from "Nutrition CHAMPS: The Veggie Queen's Guide to Eating and Cooking for Optimum Health, Happiness, Energy & Vitality Cookbook" by Jill Nussinow. Photo by Kathy Hester.
Want more great recipes? Visit Jill's website, theveggiequeen.com/
Follow Jill on social media:
Instagram  •  Facebook  •  Pinterest