Hearty Southern Black-Eyed Peas and Rice

Hearty Southern Black-Eyed Peas and Rice brings classic comfort food to the table with smoky bacon, tender collard greens and perfectly seasoned black-eyed peas simmered together for rich, soulful flavor.

Long grain and wild rice create a hearty base that soaks up every savory bite, while fire-roasted tomatoes add just the right touch of warmth and depth. It’s just the perfect Side Dish!

Served alongside cornbread, this satisfying dish feels rooted in tradition yet simple enough for an easy family meal, making it a dependable recipe to revisit when cozy, filling food sounds just right.

Why You’ll Love This Southern Recipe

This Hearty Southern Black-Eyed Peas and Rice brings comforting, good-luck flavor to the table with simple pantry staples.

• Classic Southern Comfort: Bacon, collard greens and black-eyed peas create a rich, savory base.
• Simple One-Pan Flavor: Cooking the greens and peas in the bacon drippings builds depth without extra steps.
• Balanced and Filling: Wild rice adds heartiness that makes this dish satisfying on its own.
• Perfect Pairing: Cornbread rounds everything out with a warm, familiar finish.

Serve this dish warm and enjoy a cozy, comforting meal that feels both traditional and nourishing.

A special thanks to Culinary.net for this yummy recipe.

Why Black Eyed Peas for New Year

Black-eyed peas are eaten on New Year’s Day because they are a symbol of good luck, prosperity and health.

This tradition comes from the American South, where black-eyed peas are thought to bring wealth and good fortune for the coming year, especially when served with greens (representing money) and cornbread (representing gold).

What Goes With Black-Eyed Peas

This dish pairs best with classic comfort sides that balance its smoky, savory flavors and turn it into a complete Southern-style meal.

What It Pairs Well With:

• Cornbread: A natural companion that soaks up the flavorful juices and adds a touch of sweetness.
• Fried or baked chicken: Crispy or seasoned chicken complements the smoky bacon and earthy collards.
• Smoked sausage or ham: Extra protein with bold flavor enhances the traditional Southern profile.
• Simple green salad: Fresh greens with a light vinaigrette cut through the richness of the dish.
• Stewed or roasted vegetables: Okra, green beans, or sweet potatoes round out the plate without overpowering it.

Paired with classic Southern sides or a fresh contrast, this side dish easily anchors a comforting, satisfying meal.

Black-Eyed Peas Ingredients

Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 30 minutes
Total time: 45 minutes
Servings: 6 servings

• bacon
• collard leaves
• butter
• garlic powder
• onion powder
• chicken broth
• fire-roasted diced tomatoes
• black-eyed peas
• long grain and wild rice
• cornbread

Kitchen Tools You’ll Need

Here’s a hearty Southern dish that combines smoky bacon, tender collard greens for a flavorful, comforting meal.

Here are the kitchen tools you’ll need:

• Skillet or frying pan: to cook the bacon and sauté the collard greens.
• Kitchen shears: to cut the bacon into pieces.
• Knife and cutting board: to wash, devein, and chop collard leaves.
• Measuring spoons: for butter, garlic powder, and onion powder.
• Measuring cup: for chicken broth.
• Can opener: to open fire-roasted diced tomatoes and black-eyed peas.
• Colander: to drain and rinse black-eyed peas.
• Saucepan: to cook the rice.
• Wooden spoon or spatula: to stir greens, beans, and bacon.

With these tools on hand, you’ll effortlessly prepare a flavorful Southern-inspired dish perfect for family dinners.

How to Make Black-Eyed Peas

Cut bacon into pieces with kitchen shears and fry in a skillet, then drain and set aside. Wash and devein collard leaves, roll, and cut into very small pieces.

In the same skillet, sauté collard greens with butter, garlic powder, and onion powder over medium heat, then add chicken broth and diced tomatoes.

Drain and rinse black-eyed peas, then add them to the pan with the cooked bacon.

Prepare rice according to package instructions and serve alongside the peas and greens.

More Recipes with Black Eyed Peas

• Cowboy Caviar
• Potato Black-eyed Pea Tacos
• Avocado Black Eyed Pea Salad
• Air Fryer Black Eyed Peas