Black Eyed Peas & Collard Greens Stew | Vegan Value Meal

It’s another Vegan Value Meal where we show you how to cook comforting, plant-based meals for a family of four without breaking the bank. Black-eyed peas, collard greens, and cornbread are traditionally enjoyed as symbols of abundance and good luck, especially around the New Year, and this Cajun-inspired stew brings those familiar flavors together in an affordable, nourishing way. This hearty meal is soulful, filling, and costs less than $20 to make.

🛒 Grocery List (with approximate prices):

• Black-eyed peas (2 cans) – $2.50

• Red-skinned potatoes (2 lb bag) – $3.00

• Collard greens (1 bunch) – $2.50

• Yellow onion – $1.00

• Green bell pepper – $1.00

• Celery – $1.50

• Garlic – $0.75

• Diced tomatoes (1 can) – $1.25

• Vegetable broth (32 oz) – $2.50

• Cajun seasoning / Old Bay style – $1.50

• Smoked paprika – $1.00

• Dried thyme – $1.00

  
  

Estimated Total: $15.00

📌 Grocery Price Disclaimer: These prices are based on average costs and may vary depending on your location and store. The goal of Vegan Value Meals is to show how affordable plant-based eating can be with simple, accessible ingredients.

🔪 Kitchen Tools Needed:

• Large pot or Dutch oven

• Cutting board

• Sharp knife

• Wooden spoon

• Measuring cups & spoons

🍽️ Serving Size: Serves 4⏱️ Prep Time: 15 minutes🔥 Cook Time: 35–40 minutes

🌿 Ingredients:

For the Stew:

• 2 cans black-eyed peas, drained and rinsed

• 3–4 red-skinned potatoes, diced

• 1 bunch collard greens, chopped

• 1 yellow onion, diced

• 1 green bell pepper, diced

• 2 celery stalks, diced

• 3 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 can diced tomatoes

• 4 cups vegetable broth

• 1½ tbsp Cajun or Old Bay–style seasoning

• 1 tsp smoked paprika

• 1 tsp dried thyme

• 1 bay leaf

• A few dashes of liquid smoke

• Salt & black pepper, to taste

• Optional: cayenne or red pepper flakes

📝 Instructions:

1. Start the stew base: In a large pot over medium heat, sauté onion, bell pepper, and celery until softened (5–7 minutes). Add garlic and cook 30 seconds.

2. Season: Stir in Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, thyme, bay leaf, salt, and pepper.

3. Build the stew: Add diced potatoes, black-eyed peas, diced tomatoes, and vegetable broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer.

4. Simmer: Cook uncovered for 25–30 minutes, until potatoes are fork-tender.

5. Add greens: Stir in collard greens and simmer an additional 5–10 minutes until tender. Adjust seasoning as needed.

6. Serve: Ladle stew into bowls and serve warm with a slice of cornbread. (Try our homemade cornbread recipe here).

Why You’ll Love This Recipe:

✅ Feeds a family of 4 for under $20

✅ One-pot, hearty comfort food

✅ Rich Cajun flavor without meat

✅ Perfect for meal prep and leftovers

✅ Soulful, seasonal, and satisfying

This Cajun Black-Eyed Pea & Potato Stew proves that soulful, nourishing meals don’t have to be expensive or complicated. It’s the kind of dish that brings everyone to the table — warm, full, and happy. Check out our Affordable Recipes You'll Love Directory here to help your family eat delicious, filling meals on a budget.

#veganvaluemeals