Lennie'S Soup
Lennie's Soup is a hearty, flavorful black-eyed pea and smoked ham hock stew perfect for comforting family dinners and gatherings, rich in smoky and savory flavors.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Bring all ingredients to a boil.
- Reduce to simmer and cook about 2 or 3 hours or until tender.
- When done, remove meat and bones.
- Cut meat into bite-size pieces and return to the pot.
- Discard bones, skin, and fat.
- Freeze any remaining soup in single-serving containers for future meals.
- Serve with hot cornbread.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding chopped carrots or celery to the soup; they complement the smoked ham hocks beautifully. If you don't have black-eyed peas, you can substitute with dried navy beans. For a spicy kick, add a diced jalapeño or some hot sauce during cooking. Remember to soak the peas overnight for a shorter cooking time.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this hearty soup with hot cornbread for a comforting meal. A simple green salad on the side will balance the richness of the soup. For extra flavor, top the soup with fresh herbs like parsley or a dash of hot sauce. This dish pairs beautifully with Baked Bean Winter Soup for a cozy gathering.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover soup in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. If you want to keep it longer, freeze the soup in single-serving containers. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and warm on the stove over medium heat until heated through, adding a splash of water if needed.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Lennie'S Soup contains roughly 97 calories, with 4g protein, 21g carbohydrates, and 2g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (162% of the Daily Value), iron (44% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (36% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 607mg per serving (26% 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 use fresh black-eyed peas instead of dried?
Yes, you can use fresh black-eyed peas, but you'll need to adjust the cooking time. Fresh peas typically cook in about 30-45 minutes, so add them to the pot after bringing the broth to a boil. Just ensure they are tender before serving.
What can I use instead of ham hocks?
If you prefer a vegetarian option or don't have ham hocks, you can use smoked paprika or liquid smoke to impart a smoky flavor. Alternatively, diced smoked turkey or even a vegetarian sausage can provide a similar depth of flavor without the meat.
How do I know when the peas are cooked properly?
The peas are cooked properly when they are tender and can be easily mashed between your fingers. Cooking time can vary based on the age of the dried peas, so start checking around the 2-hour mark and continue simmering until they reach your desired tenderness.
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).