Quick and Easy Blackeye Pea Soup
This cozy, comforting blackeye peas soup is so flavorful with bacon, ham, and lots of veggies simmered in a perfectly spiced broth, a true taste of the South. It is a great way to welcome in the New Year.
Servings: 8 servings
Calories: 299kcal
Equipment
Ingredients
- 28 oz black eye peas 2 (14 0z. cans) drained and rinsed
- ½ pound bacon 226g (7-8 slices) chopped
- ½ pound pre-cooked smoked ham 226 g.
- 1 large onion chopped
- 1 large bell pepper chopped -- use either a jalapeno or serrano, for a spicier version along with the green bell pepper
- 2 stalks of celery chopped
- 1 large carrot diced
- 5 cloves garlic chopped
- 2 cups collard greens chopped
- 2 tablespoons paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes optional if you like it spicy
- 6 cups chicken broth
- 2 bay leaves
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1-2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar optional
- For Serving. Fresh chopped parsley red pepper flakes
Instructions
- Heat a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the bacon and cook until slightly crispy, about 5 minutes.
- Add smoked ham, onion, peppers, carrots, and celery. Cook for 5 minutes, or until the vegetables are softened.
- Add garlic and cook 1 minute, stirring, until garlic becomes fragrant.
- Add the collard greens and stir. Cook for 2-3 minutes.
- Add the spices and stir, then pour in the chicken broth, along with the bay leaves and salt and pepper to taste.
- Add the drained and rinsed black-eyed peas to the pot.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for at least 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Skim any fat from the surface.
- Stir in apple cider vinegar and adjust for salt and pepper.
- Serve in bowls and garnish with fresh chopped parsley and red pepper flakes.
Notes
- Feel free to use any type of bell peppers that you have on hand or that your family enjoys. I love to use a green pepper, but any color will do.
- This recipe is a great way to use leftover holiday ham. Just cube it up. Or, if you don't have leftover ham, pick up a ham steak or diced ham from your local grocery store.
- Adjust the salt and black pepper to suit your taste buds. I like to start with light seasoning because you can always add more but can't take it away.
- This soup tastes even better the next day, so it's great for leftovers or meal prep.
Nutrition
Calories: 299kcal | Carbohydrates: 27g | Protein: 18g | Fat: 14g | Saturated Fat: 4g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 6g | Trans Fat: 0.04g | Cholesterol: 36mg | Sodium: 1205mg | Potassium: 597mg | Fiber: 8g | Sugar: 6g | Vitamin A: 2761IU | Vitamin C: 18mg | Calcium: 80mg | Iron: 4mg