Good Luck Black-Eyed Pea Soup
A hearty black-eyed pea soup packed with vegetables, ham, and pasta, offering comforting flavors perfect for a cozy meal or family gathering.
Ingredients
- 2 Tbsp. olive oil ⓘ
- 1 c. chopped onion ⓘ
- 1 c. chopped celery ⓘ
- 1 1/2 tsp. chopped garlic
- 2 cans chicken broth ⓘ
- 1 can chopped tomatoes ⓘ
- 1 c. thinly sliced carrots ⓘ
- 1 (2.75 g) pkg. Pioneer Country gravy mix ⓘ
- 1 c. milk ⓘ
- 1 (16 oz.) can black-eyed peas, drained ⓘ
- 2 c. water
- 1 c. chopped ham ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. dried thyme leaves ⓘ
- 1/2 c. uncooked small size pasta ⓘ
Instructions
- In a large stockpot, heat olive oil over medium heat.
- Add chopped onion, chopped celery, and chopped garlic; cook and stir for 5 minutes.
- Add chicken broth, chopped tomatoes, drained black-eyed peas, water, chopped ham, and dried thyme leaves.
- Bring to a boil, then cover, reduce heat, and simmer for 5 minutes.
- Add thinly sliced carrots and uncooked small pasta to the soup.
- Cook until the pasta is tender, about 10 minutes, then serve.
Tips & Substitutions
For a heartier soup, consider adding more vegetables like bell peppers or spinach. If you don't have chicken broth, vegetable broth is a great substitute. For a creamier texture, you can replace some of the water with additional milk. If you're short on time, pre-cooked ham can be used instead of fresh to speed up the process.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Good Luck Black-Eyed Pea Soup with crusty bread or cornbread for a filling meal. A sprinkle of fresh parsley or grated cheese on top adds a nice touch. It pairs beautifully with Chicken And Chips Casserole for a comforting dinner. Consider a light salad or steamed greens on the side for a balanced meal.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth if it thickens too much. This soup also freezes well; just make sure to cool it completely before transferring to freezer-safe containers.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Good Luck Black-Eyed Pea Soup contains roughly 1240 calories, with 23g protein, 182g carbohydrates, and 51g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (333% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (117% of the Daily Value), and potassium (80% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1841mg per serving (80% 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 soup vegetarian by using vegetable broth instead of chicken broth and omitting the ham. You could also add more beans or lentils for protein. This way, you'll still have a hearty and flavorful soup without meat.
How can I make this soup spicier?
To add some heat to the soup, consider incorporating diced jalapeños or a pinch of red pepper flakes when cooking the vegetables. You can also serve it with hot sauce on the side, allowing each person to adjust the spice level to their liking.
Can I use dried black-eyed peas instead of canned?
Yes, you can use dried black-eyed peas, but you'll need to soak them overnight and cook them separately before adding them to the soup. This will ensure they are tender and properly cooked. Adjust the water in the recipe accordingly, as the dried peas will absorb some liquid.
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).