The Heartiest Black-Eyed Pea Soup Recipe for Cozy Comfort

Southern comfort meets hearty nutrition in this black-eyed pea soup recipe that warms both body and soul.

Packed with robust flavors and tender legumes, these humble beans create a rich, satisfying meal.

Generations of home cooks have perfected this classic Southern dish, blending smoky ham and aromatic vegetables.

Each spoonful carries deep, comforting notes of tradition and rustic simplicity.

Slow-simmered to perfection, this soup delivers a wholesome balance of protein and vegetables.

The recipe transforms simple ingredients into a nourishing masterpiece that connects you to time-honored culinary roots.

Let this black-eyed pea soup become your new cold-weather companion.

Black Eyed Pea Soup Ingredient Checklist

• Black-Eyed Peas: Hearty legumes that provide protein and texture to the soup.
• Ham: Adds a rich, smoky flavor and additional protein to the dish.

• Onion, Celery, Carrot, Bell Pepper: Create a flavorful vegetable base that provides depth and nutrition to the soup.
• Garlic: Adds a pungent and aromatic flavor to enhance the overall taste.
• Greens: Contribute freshness and additional nutrients to the soup.

• Broth: Serves as the liquid base that helps blend all the flavors together.
• Tomatoes: Provide acidity and a slight tanginess to the soup.
• Cajun Seasoning: Adds a spicy and complex flavor profile characteristic of Louisiana cuisine.
• Thyme: Offers an earthy and slightly minty herb note to the dish.
• Red Pepper Flakes: Introduces a subtle heat and spiciness.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Classic seasonings used to enhance and balance the overall taste of the soup.
• Cooking Oil: Used for sautéing the vegetables and starting the cooking process.

Kitchen Tools for Black Eyed Pea Soup

• Dutch Oven: Large, heavy pot perfect for sautéing vegetables and simmering soup.
• Cutting Board: Sturdy surface for chopping onions, celery, carrots, and peppers.
• Chef's Knife: Sharp blade for precise vegetable chopping.
• Wooden Spoon: Great for stirring and mixing ingredients while cooking.
• Measuring Spoons: Helps add exact amounts of seasonings and spices.
• Ladle: Useful for serving the hot soup.

Steps to Satisfying Black Eyed Pea Soup

Step 1: Sizzle Aromatic Vegetables

In a robust Dutch oven, warm your cooking oil over medium-high heat.

Toss in chopped onions, crisp celery, vibrant carrots, and colorful bell peppers.

Let these veggies dance and soften for 8-10 minutes, releasing their delightful flavors and creating a golden base for your soup.

Step 2: Awaken Spicy Aromatics

Sprinkle in minced garlic, zesty Cajun seasoning, fragrant thyme, and fiery red pepper flakes.

Stir quickly and let the spices bloom for about 15 seconds, filling your kitchen with an irresistible aroma that hints at the deliciousness to come.

Step 3: Construct Hearty Liquid Foundation

Pour in savory broth, juicy diced tomatoes, and tender chunks of ham.

Bring the mixture to a rolling boil, then gently reduce the heat and let it simmer peacefully for 8-10 minutes, allowing the flavors to mingle and develop depth.

Step 4: Finish With Vibrant Greens

Introduce fresh, nutritious greens and hearty black-eyed peas into the simmering pot.

Let everything bubble together for 5 minutes until the greens become wonderfully tender.

Taste and adjust with salt and pepper to create a perfectly balanced soup that will warm your soul.

Pro Tips for Rich and Savory Pea Soup

• Toast Cajun seasoning briefly to intensify its spicy, smoky notes before adding other ingredients.
• Mash some black-eyed peas against pot's side to create a slightly thicker, creamier soup consistency.
• Replace collard greens with kale or spinach if preferred, adjusting cooking time for tender leaves.
• Substitute ham with smoked turkey, chorizo, or bacon for different protein variations that complement the soup's flavor profile.
• Make soup ahead and refrigerate, as flavors develop and improve overnight, creating an even more delicious next-day meal.

Black Eyed Pea Soup Twist Ideas

• Vegetarian Delight: Replace ham with smoked tofu or tempeh, using vegetable broth for a plant-based protein-rich version.
• Spicy Southwest Spin: Add diced jalapeños, swap Cajun seasoning for chili powder, and top with fresh cilantro for a zesty kick.
• Gluten-Free Comfort: Ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free, particularly checking broth and seasonings for hidden gluten.
• Low-Sodium Option: Use no-salt-added broth, eliminate added salt, and enhance flavor with fresh herbs like parsley or basil.

How to Plate and Serve Pea Soup

• Southern Comfort Plate: Serve this hearty soup alongside crispy cornbread for a classic Southern-style meal that warms the soul.
• Protein Power Bowl: Top the soup with shredded rotisserie chicken or crispy bacon bits to boost protein and add extra texture and flavor.
• Fresh Herb Finish: Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley or green onions just before serving to brighten the dish with a burst of fresh herbs and color.
• Wine Pairing Delight: Complement the soup's rich flavors with a light, crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or a smooth Pinot Grigio for a complete dining experience.

Best Storage for Black Eyed Pea Soup

• Store soup in airtight container for up to 4 days. Cool completely before sealing to prevent bacterial growth.
• Transfer cooled soup to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Label with date and contents. Freeze up to 3 months for best quality.
• Pour portion into microwave-safe bowl. Cover with microwave-safe lid or plastic wrap. Heat on high for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through. Check temperature reaches 165°F.
• Pour soup into saucepan. Warm over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. Add splash of broth if soup seems too thick. Heat until steaming and internal temperature reaches 165°F.

FAQs

• What are black-eyed peas and where do they come from?

Black-eyed peas are small, cream-colored beans with a distinctive black “eye” originating from West Africa. They’re popular in Southern United States cuisine and packed with protein, fiber, and essential nutrients.

• Is this soup spicy?

The soup has a mild to moderate heat level from Cajun seasoning and red pepper flakes. You can adjust the spiciness by reducing or increasing these ingredients to suit your taste preference.

• Can I make this soup vegetarian?

Yes, simply replace ham with smoked tofu or additional vegetables like mushrooms. Use vegetable broth instead of meat-based broth to create a completely vegetarian version of the soup.

Black Eyed Pea Soup The Southern Favorite

• Cajun seasoning and red pepper flakes deliver a bold, zesty kick that transforms this soup from ordinary to extraordinary.
• Packed with vegetables, ham, and black-eyed peas, this one-pot wonder provides a satisfying meal that comes together in under 30 minutes.
• Loaded with protein-rich legumes and colorful vegetables, this soup offers a healthy twist on classic Southern cuisine that everyone will love.
• Easy to customize with different greens or protein options, making it perfect for picky eaters and adaptable to what's in your kitchen.

Black-Eyed Pea Soup Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.7 from 35 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Southern black-eyed pea soup brings hearty comfort to winter dinner tables. Smoky ham hocks and tender legumes create a classic Southern dish that warms hungry souls.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein and Main Ingredients:

• 8 ounces (226 grams) diced ham
• 2 cans (15 ounces or 425 grams each) black-eyed peas, drained
• 1 large bunch greens (collard, turnip, kale or chard)

Vegetables and Aromatics:

• 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) olive oil
• 1 large onion, chopped (2 cups or 240 grams)
• 1 large carrot, chopped (1 cup or 120 grams)
• 2 celery stalks, chopped (1 cup or 120 grams)
• 1 small red bell pepper, chopped
• 5 garlic cloves, minced

Liquid, Seasonings, and Additional Ingredients:

• 6 cups (1.4 liters) chicken or vegetable broth
• 1 can (15 ounces or 425 grams) fire-roasted tomatoes
• 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
• Salt and black pepper to taste

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Warm a Dutch oven over medium-high heat, drizzle with oil, and gently sauté diced onions, celery, carrots, and bell peppers until they soften and release their aromatic essence, approximately 8-10 minutes.
2. Introduce minced garlic, Cajun seasoning, thyme, and red pepper flakes into the vegetable mixture, stirring rapidly to prevent burning and allow the spices to bloom for about 15 seconds.
3. Pour in rich broth, diced tomatoes, and chopped ham, elevating the heat to create a robust boil, then immediately reduce to a gentle simmer for 8-10 minutes, allowing flavors to meld harmoniously.
4. Incorporate fresh chopped greens and tender black-eyed peas into the simmering liquid, continuing to cook for an additional 5 minutes until greens become delicately wilted.
5. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and freshly ground black pepper, ensuring a balanced and vibrant flavor profile before serving the hearty soup hot.

Notes

• Boost flavor by using smoked ham hock or bacon for deeper, richer taste profiles.
• Customize heat levels by adjusting Cajun seasoning and red pepper flakes to personal spice preferences.
• Make it vegetarian by replacing ham with smoked tofu or additional vegetables like mushrooms for umami depth.
• Prep vegetables in advance and freeze soup base to create quick, convenient meal options for busy weeknights.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Southern American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 210
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 8 g
• Saturated Fat: 1 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 28 g
• Fiber: 7 g
• Protein: 10 g
• Cholesterol: 20 mg