NEW YEAR’S DAY BLACK-EYED PEA CASSEROLE

Prep Time: 5 mins | Cook Time: 1 hr | Total Time: 1 hr 5 mins | Yield: 6 to 8 Servings

It’s always a new year with this Black-eyed Pea Casserole! You have got to give this recipe a try! I promise you that it is worth all your time and effort! Ready in just about an hour. Enjoy!

Ingredients:

2 cans of black-eyed peas, rinsed and drained

2 c shredded cheddar cheese, divided

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 ½ c brown rice

4 c collard greens, stems removed and thinly sliced

1 small onion, chopped

3 cups low-sodium chicken broth (plus extra for a casserole, if needed)

4-5 slices of bacon (I use thick-cut)

¼ c sliced green onions

¼ tsp black pepper

½ tsp salt

⅛ tsp cayenne (optional)

Directions:

Place a large skillet on the stove and turn the heat to medium.

Add bacon, then cook for a few minutes until brown and crispy.

Transfer the crispy bacon onto a clean plate with paper towels to remove any accumulated fat. Crumble into small pieces.

In the same skillet with the bacon grease, add the sliced onion and sauté for a few minutes until translucent.

Add garlic and sauté for about a minute or until aromatic.

Add rice, salt, cayenne, and pepper. Toss the rice until coated with the ingredients.

Add the chicken broth and stir until just mixed, then allow the mixture to boil.

Cover the skillet and turn the heat down to low. Cook for about 2 minutes.

Prepare the oven and preheat to 175 degrees C or 350 degrees F.

Apply cooking spray to a 9×13-inch casserole dish.

Remove the lid of the pot, then add the sliced collard greens. Stir until well combined. Cover and remove from the heat. Let it rest for 5 minutes.

Transfer into a large mixing bowl, then add the black-eyed peas and 1 cup of cheddar cheese. Stir until well incorporated.

Move the mixture into the greased casserole dish and spread it evenly.

Place it in the preheated oven and bake for about 20 minutes.

Sprinkle more cheddar cheese on top and bake for additional 5 minutes.

Sprinkle the reserved crumbled bacon and green onions on top.

Serve and enjoy!

Nutrition Facts: