Quick and Healthy Southern-Style Beans and Greens

Quick and Healthy Southern-Style Beans and Greens

Preparation Time: 15 minutes

Cooking Time: 35 minutes

Total Time: 50 minutes

Servings: 6-8

Ingredients:

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 link sausage dice, 1 lb. shrimp, or 15 oz can dice mushrooms drained, etc. (OPTIONAL FOR A MEATY SOURCE)

1 medium onion, chopped

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 teaspoon smoked paprika

1/2 teaspoon black pepper

5 cups low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth

1 cup of water

1 bunch collard greens, ribs removed and leaves chopped

1 can (15 oz) black-eyed peas, rinsed and drained

1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar

Salt, to taste

Optional Ingredients for Serving:

Cooked brown rice, parboiled rice or quinoa

Hot sauce or red pepper flakes

Instructions:

Prepare the Aromatics: In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. (Optional) Add sausage here sauteing 7-8 min, Add the chopped onion, and garlic, sauteing until the meat is cooked, onions are translucent and the garlic is fragrant, about 3-4 minutes. 

Spice It Up: Stir in the smoked paprika and black pepper, cooking for another minute until the spices are fragrant.

Simmer the Greens: Pour in the broth, and water and bring it to a boil. Add the chopped collard greens, reduce the heat to low, and simmer, covered for about 10-15 minutes or until the greens are tender.

Add Beans, and/or shrimp or mushrooms (optional): Stir in the black-eyed peas, and/or shrimp or mushrooms (optional). Bring the mixture back to a simmer and cook for an additional 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.

Finish with Vinegar: Remove from heat and stir in the apple cider vinegar. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and possibly more vinegar if desired.

Serve: Dish up over cooked brown rice, parboiled rice, or quinoa for a complete meal. Add hot sauce or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a little extra heat if liked.

Cooking Tips:

This recipe is designed to be flexible and budget-friendly. You can substitute the collard greens with other hearty greens like kale or mustard greens depending on what's available or on sale.

For a vegetarian or vegan option, ensure the broth is vegetable-based, topped with nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor boost, and use mushrooms as the meaty source.

This meal is not only hearty and satisfying but also incorporates the nutritious punch of greens and fiber-rich black-eyed peas, making it a healthier take on Southern comfort food.