Black Eyed Pea Soup Recipe – A Delightful Culinary

by Julia
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August 8, 2023

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Embark on a flavor adventure with our Black-Eyed Pea Soup Recipe! This hearty bowl of goodness blends the earthy charm of black-eyed peas with a medley of vibrant vegetables, creating a symphony of taste that warms the soul. Delight in each spoonful as the rich broth and tender peas dance together, promising a wholesome, comforting experience that turns every meal into a celebration!

Embark on a culinary journey with our Black Eyed Pea Soup recipe. This heartwarming dish unites flavors from your pantry and fresh produce market. With every spoonful, you savor hearty black-eyed peas, aromatic spices, and a bounty of vegetables.

It’s a comfort-food hero, an antidote to chilly days, and a healthful choice brimming with fiber and protein. Serving it invites joy, warmth, and nutrition to your dining table. So, get your soup pot ready, gather your ingredients, and let’s create magic.

The recipe instructions below guide you through each step, from prepping ingredients to the final simmer. Experience this dish – it’s more than a meal; it’s a feast for your senses and a celebration of good health. Your kitchen is your stage, and you’re the star.

Dive into the steps, let your taste buds guide you, and prepare for a delicious outcome. Welcome to your kitchen adventure with Black Eyed Pea Soup.

What Is Black Eyed Pea Soup Recipe?

Black Eyed Pea Soup is a hearty, nutritious dish made from black-eyed peas, various vegetables, and a blend of spices.

Starting with a base of onions and garlic sautéed to aromatic perfection, add diced tomatoes, carrots, and celery for freshness. The black-eyed peas, the dish’s star, contribute a distinct earthy flavor and creamy texture.

Herbs and spices, like bay leaves, thyme, and smoked paprika, add layers of flavor.

Simmering all ingredients together melds the flavors, creating a delicious soup. It’s ideal for any season and a wholesome choice that satisfies taste and nutrition.

Can You Vary The Black Eyed Pea Soup Recipe With Other Ingredients?

Is something not quite right with this recipe? One or more ingredients don’t settle in your stomach? If this is the case, don’t worry! There are some variations that you can implement that suit you.

Customize For one, if you are vegan, you could use vegetable stock and not put in bacon, ham, or turkey. If you do not want any meat in this dish, add a bit of paprika to give it a delightful smokey taste.
Spice up If you like your soup with a kick, you can always add spices to bring out this flavor. For example, add some cayenne pepper, chili flakes, or chili powder.
Additional Spices Alternatively, add some habanero, scotch bonnet, or serrano peppers if your soup is especially spicy.
Garnishing Adding a little garnish to your soup can bring out the flavor. A little Parmesan cheese or lime juice can add a strong flavor to this dish.
Healthy Hacks If you want a more hearty soup, try using sweet potatoes instead of regular potatoes. While this soup is filling, switching out the potatoes can make a difference.

Recipe Directions

In a Dutch oven over medium heat, cook a delicious blend of ground beef, savory pork sausage, and diced onion for 10-12 minutes, stirring until the meat loses its pink hue.
Be sure to drain the excess fat for a healthier dish.
Elevate the flavors by adding water, cumin, black pepper, beef bouillon cubes, molasses, zesty green chilies, and a pinch of salt, complemented by the richness of garlic salt and Worcestershire sauce.
For a burst of Tex-Mex charm, incorporate tomatoes with green chiles and diced tomatoes, along with hearty black-eyed peas.
Thoroughly mix the ingredients to create a flavorful base.
Let the soup reach a hearty boil, then reduce the heat to a gentle simmer, covering the pot for a tantalizing 45 minutes.
Uncover the pot to reveal a delightful, aromatic concoction, ready to be served and savored with a side of warm cornbread or tortilla chips.

Variations, Add-Ons, And Toppings

Variations

Vegetarian/Vegan Version: Skip the meat and add more vegetables or a plant-based meat substitute. Use vegetable broth or bouillon cubes instead of beef.
Spicy Version: Add more green chiles or a sprinkle of cayenne pepper for extra heat.
Creamy Version: Mix half the soup for a creamier texture. Or, stir in a little cream or coconut milk at the end of cooking.
Meat Lovers: Add smoked ham, bacon, or shredded chicken for a meatier soup.

Add-Ons

Grains: Add cooked rice, barley, or quinoa for a heartier meal.
Vegetables: Add diced bell peppers, zucchini, corn, or spinach for extra nutrients.
Beans: Mix in different beans, like kidney or pinto, for more variety.
Herbs: Add fresh herbs like rosemary, thyme, or parsley for flavor.

Toppings

Cheese: Sprinkle shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack on top for a cheesy finish.
Fresh Herbs: Top with chopped parsley or cilantro for color and freshness.
Crunch: Add croutons or crispy bacon bits for a bit of crunch.
Sour Cream or Greek Yogurt: A dollop on top adds creaminess and a bit of tang.
Avocado: Sliced or diced avocado adds creaminess and healthy fats.

Can I Make Black Eyed Pea Soup Recipe In A Slow Cooker Or Instant Pot?

Absolutely! The Black Eyed Pea Soup recipe can easily adapt to a slow cooker and an Instant Pot.

Slow Cooker

Brown the ground beef, pork sausage, and onions in a skillet over medium heat. Make sure there’s no pink left in the meat.
Drain the excess fat, then transfer the meat and onions to the slow cooker.
Add the rest of the ingredients to the slow cooker and combine.
Cover and cook on low for 7-8 hours or high for 4-5 hours.
Adjust seasonings if needed before serving.

Instant Pot

Set the Instant Pot to sauté mode. Cook the ground beef, pork sausage, and onions until no pink remains in the meat.
Drain the excess fat.
Add the remaining ingredients to the Instant Pot.
Close the lid, set the valve to sealing, and cook on high pressure for 15 minutes.
Allow the pressure to release naturally for 10 minutes, then quickly release the remaining pressure.
Stir and adjust seasonings if needed before serving.

Can I Use Store Bought Broth, Or Should I Make My Own?

You can use store-bought or homemade broth for your Black Eyed Pea Soup recipe. Both have their advantages.

Store-Bought Broth

Convenience: Store-bought broth is ready to use and saves time. You don’t need to prepare it beforehand.
Availability: It’s available in various types (chicken, beef, vegetable), and you can choose based on your preference or the recipe’s requirement.
Consistency: The flavor is consistent, helping you achieve the same taste every time you make the soup.

Homemade Broth

Flavor: Homemade broth generally has a richer, more robust flavor. You can control the ingredients, adjusting to your taste.
Healthier: It’s often healthier, free from preservatives, excess sodium, and artificial flavors found in some store-bought versions.
Economical: If you regularly cook meals, making broth from leftover bones and vegetable scraps can be cost-effective.

How To Serve?

Serving the Black Eyed Pea Soup can be an enjoyable part of the meal. Here’s how you can serve it in the best way:

Serve Hot: The soup is best when served hot. Reheat if necessary before serving.
Use Warm Bowls: Pre-warm your bowls to keep the soup hot longer.
Garnish: A garnish of fresh parsley, cilantro, or green onions adds color and flavor. A dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of grated cheese can also enhance the soup.
Bread on Side: Serve the soup with warm, crusty bread or cornbread. It’s perfect for dipping and adds a comforting element to the meal.
Offer Condiments: Some people might enjoy hot sauce, extra pepper, or a squeeze of fresh lemon juice in their soup. Provide these on the side for guests to add to their taste.
Serve in Courses: If part of a larger meal, serve the soup as a first course followed by a lighter main dish.
Pairing: Pair the soup with a crisp, green salad for a balanced meal.

Perfect Side Dishes

Grilled Cheese Sandwich: A classic grilled cheese sandwich is a comforting side that pairs beautifully with this soup.
Cornbread: Cornbread is a traditional side of this soup, especially in Southern cuisine. Its sweetness balances the savory flavors of the soup.
Green Salad: A simple green salad with a tangy vinaigrette provides a fresh and crisp contrast to the rich, hearty soup.
Garlic Bread: The robust flavor of garlic bread complements the soup well and is perfect for soaking up any leftover soup in the bowl.
Roasted Vegetables: Roasted veggies with complementing flavors, such as Brussels sprouts, carrots, or sweet potatoes, can make a wonderful side dish.
Rice or Quinoa: A side of rice or quinoa can add more substance to the meal, mainly if you’re serving the soup as a main course.
Coleslaw: A tangy, crunchy coleslaw can provide a refreshing contrast to the flavors of the soup.

Storage & Make Ahead

Refrigeration: Store leftover Black-Eyed Pea Soup in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors tend to meld and improve over time.
Freezing: This soup freezes well. For longer storage, freeze in airtight containers or freezer bags for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Make Ahead: Prepare the soup base ahead, excluding ingredients that might become soggy, like pasta or delicate greens. Refrigerate the base and add these elements just before serving. This enhances flavors and allows for a quicker final preparation.
Flavor Infusion: Allowing the soup to sit in the fridge for a few hours or overnight before serving intensifies its taste.
Customization: For variety, prepare different toppings or garnishes separately, adding them individually to each serving. This ensures optimal freshness and texture.

What Can We Do With Leftovers?

Leftovers of the Black Eyed Pea Soup can be put to good use in several ways:

Freeze for Later: The soup freezes well. Portion the leftovers into freezer-safe jars and freeze for 2-3 months. It’s perfect for a quick meal on a busy day.
Make a New Dish: You can use the leftover soup as a base for a new dish. Add pasta, rice, or different vegetables and transform it into a fresh meal.
Use as a Sauce: Thick the leftover soup with some flour or cornstarch and use it as a sauce over cooked pasta or rice.
Bake into a Casserole: Combine the soup with cooked rice or pasta, top with cheese, and bake for a comforting casserole.
Use in a Wrap or Burrito: If the soup is thick enough, it can be used as a filling for wraps or burritos. Add some lettuce, tomatoes, and cheese for a quick lunch.
Make a Dip: Blend the soup to a smooth consistency and serve it as a dip with some tortilla chips or vegetable sticks.

TIPS

Smoky Spice Infusion: Elevate your Black Eyed Pea Soup by adding a smoky twist. Incorporate chipotle peppers in adobo sauce for a subtle heat and deep, smoky flavor.
Citrus Burst: Brighten up the soup with a burst of citrus. A squeeze of lime or lemon just before serving adds a refreshing acidity that enhances the overall taste.
Herbaceous Elegance: Elevate the herb profile with fresh rosemary or thyme. These aromatic herbs impart a fragrant and earthy note to your soup.
Coconut Creaminess: Add a tropical touch by stirring in a dollop of coconut cream. It imparts richness and a hint of sweetness to balance the savory notes.
Bacon Bliss: Elevate the savory quotient with crispy bacon bits as a topping. The smoky, salty crunch is a perfect contrast to the hearty peas.