Good Luck Black-Eyed Pea Soup(Men Love It!)
A hearty and flavorful black-eyed pea soup with smoky, tangy, and savory notes, perfect for comforting gatherings or a nourishing meal on chilly days.
Ingredients
- 1 lb. black-eyed peas ⓘ
- 6 slices bacon ⓘ
- 2 c. chopped onion ⓘ
- vegetable oil
- 1 Tbsp. all-purpose flour ⓘ
- 1 (14 1/2 oz.) can undrained whole tomatoes ⓘ
- 2 cloves garlic, pressed or finely minced ⓘ
- 1 tsp. Worcestershire sauce
- 1/4 tsp. Tabasco
- 1 1/2 tsp. salt
- 1/2 tsp. coarsely ground black pepper ⓘ
- 1 tsp. Knorr Swiss Aromat all-purpose seasoning ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. white wine vinegar ⓘ
- 1 1/2 tsp. liquid smoke ⓘ
Instructions
- Rinse the black-eyed peas thoroughly.
- Place the peas in a large soup kettle and cover with water.
- Bring the water to a boil with the peas in the kettle.
- Reduce heat to medium and simmer for 2 minutes.
- Set aside, tightly covered, for a minimum of 1 hour.
- The peas can be left to soak for 3 to 4 hours.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, try using smoked bacon or adding a ham hock while cooking the peas. If you're short on time, canned black-eyed peas can be used, but reduce the cooking time significantly. Additionally, boost the flavor with herbs like thyme or bay leaf, or substitute the liquid smoke with smoked paprika for a different smokiness.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the black-eyed pea soup with a side of cornbread (Zella Ives' Recipe) for a comforting meal. It pairs well with a fresh green salad or some pickled vegetables to balance the richness. For a heartier option, consider serving it alongside Pork Chops 'N Potatoes or Cheese-Bacon Biscuits.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, gently warm on the stove over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth if the soup thickens too much. It can also be frozen for up to 3 months; just thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Good Luck Black-Eyed Pea Soup(Men Love It!) contains roughly 234 calories, with 9g protein, 29g carbohydrates, and 9g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (43% of the Daily Value), vitamin A (22% of the Daily Value), and iron (20% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1801mg per serving (78% 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 omitting the bacon and using vegetable broth instead of water for cooking the peas. You can also add extra vegetables like carrots and celery for added flavor and texture.
How can I adjust the spice level?
To adjust the spice level, simply reduce the amount of Tabasco sauce or omit it entirely if you prefer a milder soup. You can also add a pinch of cayenne pepper for a subtle heat without overpowering the dish.
What can I serve with black-eyed pea soup?
This soup pairs beautifully with crusty bread or a side of cornbread (Zella Ives' Recipe). For a complete meal, consider serving it with a simple green salad or some sautéed greens. You can also enjoy it alongside traditional American recipes like Ham Jambalaya for a delightful feast.
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).