Best Black Eyed Pea Soup Recipe

Best Black Eyed Pea Soup Recipe is made with dried black-eyed peas, bacon, olive oil, onion, carrots, celery, collard greens, garlic, chicken broth, smoked ham hock, rice blend, kosher salt, and freshly ground black pepper. This hearty “Best Black Eyed Pea Soup Recipe” creates a comforting dinner that takes about 2 hours to prepare and can serve up to 6 people.

Best Black Eyed Pea Soup Recipe Ingredients

• 1 pound dried black-eyed peas (about 2½ cups)
• 5 slices thick-cut bacon, cooked and crumbled
• 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
• 1 large onion, diced
• 2 large carrots, diced
• 2 ribs celery, diced
• 1½ cups frozen chopped collard greens, thawed
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
• 1 smoked ham hock
• ½ cup rice blend (such as wild rice blend)
• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper

Best Black Eyed Pea Soup Recipe Instructions

1. Prepare the Peas: Sort through the black-eyed peas to remove any debris. Rinse them under cold water. Place the peas in a 5-quart Dutch oven and cover with 5 cups of cold water. Bring to a boil over high heat, boil for 1 minute, then remove from heat. Cover and let the peas soak for 1 hour.
2. Cook Bacon and Vegetables: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the bacon until crispy, about 6-8 minutes. Transfer the bacon to a paper towel-lined plate to cool, then crumble it and set aside. Add olive oil to the skillet with the bacon fat. Add diced onions, carrots, and celery. Cook, stirring frequently, until tender, about 10 minutes. Add the collard greens and minced garlic, cook until garlic is fragrant, about 1 minute.
3. Combine Ingredients: Add the cooked vegetables to the Dutch oven with the soaked peas. Pour in chicken broth, add the smoked ham hock, crumbled bacon, rice blend, and 4 cups of water. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat. Reduce heat to a simmer, cover, and cook until peas and rice are tender, approximately 45 minutes to 1 hour.
4. Finish the Soup: Remove the ham hock from the Dutch oven. Discard the skin and bone, then chop the meat into small pieces and return it to the soup. Season the soup with salt and pepper to taste.

Recipe Tips

• Use Smoked Ingredients: Adding smoked bacon or using a smoked ham hock enhances the soup’s depth of flavor with a subtle smokiness. It complements the earthiness of the black-eyed peas and adds richness to the broth.
• Pre-soak the Peas: Soaking the dried black-eyed peas before cooking helps to reduce their cooking time and ensures they cook evenly. This step also helps to soften the peas for a smoother texture in the soup.
• Layer Flavors: Sautéing the onions, carrots, celery, and garlic before adding them to the soup builds a flavorful base. This step caramelizes the vegetables slightly, enhancing their sweetness and adding complexity to the soup.

How To Store Best Black Eyed Pea Soup Recipe

Refrigerate: Once the Best Black Eyed Pea Soup has cooled completely, transfer it to an airtight container or cover the Dutch oven with plastic wrap. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

Freeze: For longer storage, allow the soup to cool completely. Transfer it to freezer-safe containers, leaving some space at the top for expansion. Seal tightly or cover with aluminum foil before placing in a freezer bag. The soup can be frozen for up to 2 months. To enjoy later, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.

How To Reheat Leftover Best Black Eyed Pea Soup Recipe

On the Stovetop: Pour the leftover Best Black Eyed Pea Soup into a saucepan. Heat over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. Add a splash of water or broth if needed to maintain consistency.

In The Microwave: Transfer a portion of the soup to a microwave-safe dish. Cover loosely with a microwave-safe lid or microwave-safe plastic wrap. Heat on high for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even warming.

In The Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the soup in an oven-safe dish and cover with aluminum foil. Heat for about 15-20 minutes, or until hot all the way through.

What To Serve Best Black Eyed Pea Soup Recipe

Best Black Eyed Pea Soup Recipe pairs well with cornbread, crusty bread, green salad, and steamed vegetables. It also can be served alongside rice, garlic bread, potato salad, and coleslaw for better savoring of the meal.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use canned black-eyed peas instead of dried?

Yes, you can substitute canned black-eyed peas for dried ones in this recipe. Rinse and drain the canned peas before adding them to the soup during the last 15-20 minutes of cooking.

What can I use instead of a ham hock?

If you prefer not to use a ham hock, you can add diced ham or smoked sausage for a similar flavor. Alternatively, smoked paprika or liquid smoke can be used to impart a smoky taste to the soup.

Can I make this soup vegetarian?

Absolutely! Omit the bacon and ham hock, and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. You can also add extra vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms for added flavor and texture.

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