Black-Eyed Pea And Sausage Soup
A hearty Southern-inspired black-eyed pea and sausage soup with smoky flavors, tender peas, and savory sausage, perfect for comforting gatherings or family dinners.
Ingredients
- 1 lb black-eyed peas, washed and soaked 2 hours ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp bacon drippings ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp flour ⓘ
- 1 large onion, chopped ⓘ
- 6 green onions with tops, chopped ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp thyme ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp oregano
- salt and pepper to taste
- 1/4 tsp Tabasco sauce ⓘ
- 2 c chicken stock or broth
- 6 or more c water ⓘ
Instructions
- In a large heavy pot, make a roux of bacon drippings and flour.
- Add chopped onion and cook until limp over medium heat.
- Add chopped green onions and sauté about 2 minutes.
- Add celery and seasonings; stir and cook about 1 minute.
- Turn heat to low; add soaked peas, chicken broth, water, and sliced sausage.
- Stir to combine all ingredients.
- Bring the mixture to a boil.
- Cover the pot and simmer for 3 to 4 hours until peas are tender, stirring occasionally.
- Thirty minutes before serving, optional: add 1/4 to 1/2 cup sherry if desired.
- Serve hot with a green salad and French bread or cornbread.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using smoked sausage or adding diced ham as an alternative protein. If you're short on time, canned black-eyed peas can be used, but reduce the cooking time to just 30-45 minutes. You can also substitute chicken broth with vegetable broth for a vegetarian version. This soup can be made ahead and tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the soup hot with a fresh green salad and crusty French bread or cornbread for a hearty meal. It pairs beautifully with Ham And Split Pea Soup for a comforting dinner. For an extra touch, consider garnishing with fresh herbs or a sprinkle of grated cheese on top.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, gently warm the soup on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth if it becomes too thick. You can also microwave it in a covered bowl, stirring occasionally until heated through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Black-Eyed Pea And Sausage Soup contains roughly 303 calories, with 9g protein, 63g carbohydrates, and 1g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (25% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and dietary fiber. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 922mg per serving (40% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this soup in advance?
Yes, this soup is perfect for making in advance! The flavors deepen as it sits, making it an ideal candidate for meal prep. Just store it in the refrigerator and reheat when ready to serve.
Is there a way to make this soup vegetarian?
Absolutely! You can easily make this soup vegetarian by omitting the sausage and using vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. You can also add more vegetables like carrots or bell peppers for added flavor and nutrition.
What can I serve with Black-Eyed Pea and Sausage Soup?
This soup is delicious on its own but pairs wonderfully with a side of cornbread or a simple green salad. For a heartier meal, consider serving it alongside dishes like American recipes such as fried chicken or a light pasta salad.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).