Let me read you into the world of comfort food with a humble, but soul-filling dish: Easy Black-Eyed Pea Soup. Just imagine a cool evening, spices bubbling away on the stove, and an ample pot of soup waiting to nourish you at the end of the day. And it’s not just any soup; it is a bowl of comfort, packed with flavor, that warms the heart and has a sense of humility.
Black-eyed peas are a part of Southern culture, woven into its traditions and history, and thought of as imbued with meaning of wealth, good fortune, and prosperity. However, beyond their iconic status, black-eyed peas are versatile, inexpensive, and nutritious. This recipe uses some black-eyed peas to create a thick soup that packs a punch of flavor that few other recipes can beat; a nutritious dish for a weeknight meal or an enjoyable comfort meal on the weekend.
The beauty of this recipe has been the mix of simplicity and flavor even though both are not often combined. With just a few ingredients, you can create a dish that tastes like you simmered it for hours! You’ll start, with the smoky flavor of bacon, really coming thru with aromatic vegetables and a few spices that transforms basic black-eyed peas into deliciousness!
Don’t be deceived by its simplicity – this soup is all about flavor. The smokiness of the bacon combines with the earthiness of the peas, and the vegetables contribute a nice sweetness. Cayenne pepper gives it a dash of heat, which keeps you coming back for more!
This is a great recipe for all levels of cooks, from novice bakers to seasoned veterans. This is the kind of dish that brings everyone together, from family meals to potlucks with friends. Grab your apron, let’s get started on Easy Black-Eyed Pea Soup!
Why This Easy Black-Eyed Pea Soup
This Easy Black-Eyed Pea Soup is a fantastic option for you if you’re looking for a quick, flavorful and healthy meal. Here’s why you should give it a try :
- Limited Ingredients, Lots of Flavor : With just basic pantry ingredients, this soup packs a punch and offers lots of flavor.
- Healthy and Filling : Black-eyed peas offer a healthy amount of protein and fiber, providing a healthy and filling soup.
- Flexible : Whether you are a vegetarian, gluten free, or just want to make this soup different, it’s so easy to customize when making it.
- Great for any meal : You can serve this on a busy weeknight or for holiday meals – it adapts to any menu.
Tips for Easy Black-Eyed Pea Soup
- Soaking your peas : If you are using dried black-eyed peas, soaking them overnight will result in less cook time and better texture.
- Spice to your level of spice : The cayenne pepper adds spice, so adjust it to your preference.
- Meal prep : This soup gets better over time, so it’s a great option for make-ahead meals.
Substitutions and Variations
- Vegetarian : Omit the bacon, and use olive oil to sauté. And add a little liquid smoke for the smoky flavor.
- Spicy: Add diced jalapeño or a dash of red paper flakes for additional spice.
- Creamy : Stir in a little coconut milk or heavy cream to create a creamy texture.
Making a Healthier Version
To make a healthier version of this recipe, consider these substitutions :
- Use turkey bacon instead of pork bacon.
- Substitute low-sodium chicken broth for chicken broth.
- Add in additional veggies like spinach or kale for extra nutrition.
Closing for Easy Black-Eyed Pea Soup
Now you have a bowl of Easy Black-Eyed Pea Soup, comforting and delicious. Please let us know how your dish turned out and check out some of our other recipes!
Easy Black-Eyed Pea Soup
Description
This Easy Black-Eyed Pea Soup recipe is a comforting dish perfect for chilly days. Packed with protein-rich black-eyed peas, vegetables, and flavorful herbs, this hearty soup is a nutritious and satisfying meal that's easy to make in no time.
Ingredients
Instructions
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Start by soaking the black-eyed peas overnight if you’re using dried ones. This helps them cook faster and more evenly. If you’re short on time, canned peas work just as well.
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In a large pot, cook the chopped bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove the bacon and set it aside, leaving the rendered fat in the pot. Add the diced onion, celery, and carrots to the pot and sauté until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute.
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Next, add the black-eyed peas, broth, diced tomatoes, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 30-40 minutes, or until the peas are tender.
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Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve the soup hot, garnished with the crispy bacon and fresh parsley.
Nutrition Facts
Nutrition Facts
Serving Size 4
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 863.81kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 37.9g59%
- Saturated Fat 12.28g62%
- Cholesterol 58.08mg20%
- Sodium 5186.16mg217%
- Potassium 2552.46mg73%
- Total Carbohydrate 105.9g36%
- Dietary Fiber 25.69g103%
- Sugars 42.74g
- Protein 34.64g70%
- Vitamin A 25102.6 IU
- Vitamin C 63 mg
- Calcium 282.17 mg
- Iron 11.54 mg
- Vitamin D 0.35 mcg
- Vitamin E 7.76 mg
- Vitamin K 111.76 mcg
- Thiamin 1.06 mg
- Riboflavin 0.53 mg
- Niacin 11.17 mg
- Vitamin B6 1.51 mg
- Folate 466.54 mcg
- Vitamin B12 0.44 mcg
- Pantothenic Acid 2.95 mg
- Phosphorus 628.38 mg
- Magnesium 219.77 mg
- Zinc 5.12 mg
- Selenium 26.65 mcg
- Copper 1.4 mg
- Manganese 2.11 mg
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
