Black-Eyed Pea Soup
A hearty, smoky black-eyed pea soup with bacon, seasoned vegetables, and tomatoes, perfect for comforting meals or casual gatherings with bold flavors.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Fry bacon until crisp; remove and chop.
- Add chopped celery, diced onion, and diced bell pepper to bacon drippings in a pan and sauté until vegetables are tender.
- Pour the cooked vegetables, drippings, and bacon into a Dutch oven.
- Add the drained stewed tomatoes, Ro-Tel tomatoes, and drained black-eyed peas to the Dutch oven.
- Heat the mixture thoroughly and serve hot.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider using smoked bacon or a dash of hot sauce to elevate the soup's spiciness. You can substitute the black-eyed peas with canned cannellini beans if needed. Fresh herbs like thyme or parsley can also enhance the dish. If you're in a hurry, pre-chopped vegetables save time, and this soup can easily become a base for other dishes, similar to Old Fashioned Bean Soup.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Black-Eyed Pea Soup hot, garnished with fresh herbs or a sprinkle of cheese. It pairs beautifully with crusty bread or a side salad for a complete meal. For a heartier option, consider serving it alongside Texas Cowboy Goulash or a side of Mother'S Baked Beans to round out the flavors.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm the soup on the stovetop over medium heat until heated through, adding a splash of water or broth if it thickens too much. This soup also freezes well; just ensure it’s cooled completely before transferring to a freezer-safe container.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Black-Eyed Pea Soup contains roughly 453 calories, with 10g protein, 56g carbohydrates, and 22g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (214% of the Daily Value), vitamin A (33% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (26% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and iron. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 878mg per serving (38% 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 vegetarian?
Yes, you can easily make this Black-Eyed Pea Soup vegetarian by omitting the bacon and using vegetable broth instead of water. You can enhance the flavor by adding smoked paprika or liquid smoke for a similar depth of flavor without the meat.
How can I thicken the soup if it's too thin?
If you find the soup too thin, you can thicken it by mashing some of the black-eyed peas against the side of the pot or using an immersion blender for a few seconds. Alternatively, adding a cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water) can help achieve the desired consistency.
What can I serve with Black-Eyed Pea Soup?
This soup pairs well with a variety of sides. Consider serving it with cornbread or a simple green salad. For a more filling meal, you could also serve it alongside a warm bowl of Sugar Ridge Farm Scalloped Potatoes to complement the flavors and textures.
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).