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
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
Instructions
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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