Black-Eyed Pea Soup
Black-eyed pea soup is a comforting, flavorful dish that’s easy to prepare and perfect for any occasion. With its rich flavors and wholesome ingredients, this soup is a favorite for cozy evenings and family gatherings.
A cherished recipe passed down through generations, black-eyed pea soup holds a special place in my family.
I vividly remember my grandmother simmering a pot of this aromatic soup on cold winter nights, filling the kitchen with a warm, inviting scent.
It’s a dish that brings people together and creates lasting memories, and I’m thrilled to share it with you.
Why You’ll Love This
- Simple Ingredients: Made with pantry staples and fresh vegetables, this soup is as budget-friendly as it is delicious.
- Packed with Nutrition: Rich in protein, fiber, and essential nutrients, it’s a wholesome choice for a balanced meal.
- Versatile and Customizable: Add your favorite spices, meats, or vegetables to make it your own.
- Perfect for Meal Prep: It stores well, making it ideal for batch cooking and reheating.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Cuisine: Southern, Comfort Food
- Servings: 6
- Estimated Cost: $10-$12
Equipment
- Large soup pot or Dutch oven
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Cutting board
- Sharp knife
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 2 medium carrots, sliced
- 1 cup diced tomatoes (canned or fresh)
- 4 cups vegetable or chicken broth
- 2 cups cooked black-eyed peas (or 1 can, drained and rinsed)
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup chopped kale or spinach (optional)
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Sauté the Vegetables: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the onion, garlic, celery, and carrots. Cook for 5-7 minutes until softened and fragrant.
- Add the Base Ingredients: Stir in the diced tomatoes, smoked paprika, thyme, and cayenne pepper. Cook for another 2 minutes.
- Simmer the Soup: Pour in the broth and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for 15 minutes.
- Add the Black-Eyed Peas: Stir in the cooked black-eyed peas and kale or spinach if using. Simmer for another 10 minutes.
- Season and Serve: Adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper. Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley.
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)
- Calories: 180
- Protein: 8g
- Fat: 4g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 8g
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 450mg
Tips for Success
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh vegetables and herbs enhance the flavor of the soup.
- Pre-Cook the Peas: If using dried black-eyed peas, soak and cook them beforehand to save time during preparation.
- Customize Your Flavor: Experiment with spices like cumin, chili powder, or Italian seasoning for a unique twist.
- Make It Creamy: Blend a portion of the soup and stir it back in for a creamier texture.
Black-Eyed Pea Soup
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion diced
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 2 celery stalks chopped
- 2 medium carrots sliced
- 1 cup diced tomatoes canned or fresh
- 4 cups vegetable or chicken broth
- 2 cups cooked black-eyed peas or 1 can, drained and rinsed
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper optional, for heat
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup chopped kale or spinach optional
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Sauté the Vegetables: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the onion, garlic, celery, and carrots. Cook for 5-7 minutes until softened and fragrant.
- Add the Base Ingredients: Stir in the diced tomatoes, smoked paprika, thyme, and cayenne pepper. Cook for another 2 minutes.
- Simmer the Soup: Pour in the broth and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for 15 minutes.
- Add the Black-Eyed Peas: Stir in the cooked black-eyed peas and kale or spinach if using. Simmer for another 10 minutes.
- Season and Serve: Adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper. Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley.
Notes
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh vegetables and herbs enhance the flavor of the soup.
- Pre-Cook the Peas: If using dried black-eyed peas, soak and cook them beforehand to save time during preparation.
- Customize Your Flavor: Experiment with spices like cumin, chili powder, or Italian seasoning for a unique twist.
- Make It Creamy: Blend a portion of the soup and stir it back in for a creamier texture.
Common Questions
- Can I make this soup vegan? Absolutely! Use vegetable broth and skip any meat additions to keep it vegan-friendly.
- How do I store leftovers? Store the soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. It also freezes well for up to 3 months.
- Can I use canned black-eyed peas? Yes, canned black-eyed peas are convenient and work perfectly in this recipe. Just rinse them before use.
- What can I serve with this soup? Pair it with crusty bread, cornbread, or a fresh green salad for a complete meal.
This black-eyed pea soup is a delightful blend of comfort and nutrition, perfect for warming up your day.
Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or meal prepping for the week, this recipe is sure to become a household favorite.
Enjoy, and happy cooking!