Description
New Year’s Black-Eyed Pea Soup
Ingredients
For the Soup Base:
2 cups dried black-eyed peas (or 4 cups cooked)
1 large onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 large tomato, diced
4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
2 cups water
For the Meats:
1 lb smoked sausage, sliced
1 ham hock or 1 cup diced ham
For the Greens:
2 cups chopped kale, collard greens, or spinach
Seasonings:
1 tsp smoked paprika
1 tsp cayenne pepper (optional for heat)
1 tsp thyme
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
Prep the Black-Eyed Peas:
If using dried black-eyed peas, soak overnight or for at least 6 hours. Drain and rinse before cooking.
Cook the Sausage and Ham:
In a skillet, brown the smoked sausage slices. If using diced ham, sauté briefly until golden.
Build the Soup:
In a crock pot or large soup pot, combine the black-eyed peas, onion, garlic, diced tomato, chicken broth, and water.
Add Meats and Greens:
Stir in the browned sausage and ham hock/diced ham. Add the chopped greens (kale, collard greens, or spinach).
Season the Soup:
Add smoked paprika, cayenne pepper (if using), thyme, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.
Cook the Soup:
For Crock Pot: Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 4-5 hours, until the peas are tender and the flavors have melded.
For Stove Top: Simmer on low for 1.5-2 hours, stirring occasionally.
Serve and Enjoy:
Ladle into bowls and serve with cornbread or crusty bread. Garnish with chopped parsley or hot sauce if desired.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 6-8 hours (crock pot) or 1.5-2 hours (stovetop)
Total Time: ~7 hours
Servings: 6-8
#NewYearsTradition #HeartySoup #BlackEyedPeas
