Is Black-Eyed Pea Soup healthy?

Yes, it is a very healthy and balanced meal. It's rich in plant-based protein and fiber from the peas, and packed with vitamins and minerals from the vegetables. Using a low-sodium broth can further enhance its health benefits.

Can I make this soup in a slow cooker?

Absolutely. Sauté the aromatics on the stovetop as directed, then transfer everything to a slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the peas are tender.

Do I have to soak the black-eyed peas?

Soaking is highly recommended as it reduces cooking time, ensures the peas cook evenly, and makes them easier to digest. If you're short on time, you can use the quick-soak method mentioned in the tips or cook from dry, but you will need to increase the simmering time by at least 30-45 minutes and may need to add more liquid.

What can I use instead of a ham hock?

Smoked turkey wings or legs are a great substitute. You can also use diced salt pork, bacon, or smoked sausage like andouille or kielbasa. For a vegetarian option, use smoked paprika for flavor.

How long does this soup last in the fridge?

Stored in an airtight container, the soup will last for 3-4 days in the refrigerator. The flavor often gets even better the next day. It also freezes well for up to 3 months.

Home / Recipes / southern / Black-Eyed Pea Soup

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Black-Eyed Pea Soup

POPULARITY

0.0/5

TASTE SCORE

8/10

A hearty and soulful Southern classic, this soup features tender black-eyed peas and smoky ham, simmered with classic vegetables. It's the perfect comforting meal, especially for New Year's.

PREP

15m

COOK

80m

SERVES

1.5 CUPS

596 cal

SERVINGS

INSTRUCTIONS

6 steps. 80 minutes total.

6 STEPS

1
Step 1
- a.Prep the Peas: Place the dried black-eyed peas in a large bowl and cover with water by at least 2 inches. Let them soak overnight. The next day, drain the peas and rinse them thoroughly.
2
Step 2
- a.Sauté Aromatics: Heat the olive oil in a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, celery, and green bell pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables have softened, about 6-8 minutes.
3
Step 3
- a.Build Flavor: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for one more minute until fragrant. Be careful not to let it burn.
4
Step 4
- a.Simmer the Soup: Add the drained peas, ham hock, chicken broth, water, bay leaf, dried thyme, and cayenne pepper to the pot. Increase the heat to high and bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for 60-75 minutes, or until the peas are tender. Stir occasionally.
5
Step 5
- a.Shred the Ham: Carefully remove the ham hock from the soup and place it on a cutting board. Once it's cool enough to handle, use two forks to shred the meat, discarding the bone, skin, and any large pieces of fat. Return the shredded meat to the pot.
6
Final Seasoning and Serving: Remove and discard the bay leaf
- a.Stir the shredded ham back into the soup. Season with salt and black pepper. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed, as the saltiness can vary based on your ham hock and broth. Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley.

PRO TIPS

What to keep in mind.

5 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.

1
For a creamier soup, use an immersion blender to briefly pulse the soup a few times, or mash about a cup of the cooked peas against the side of the pot with a spoon before serving.
2
The soup's flavor deepens and improves overnight. It's a great make-ahead meal.
3
If you forget to soak the peas, use the quick-soak method: cover peas with water, bring to a boil for 2 minutes, then remove from heat, cover, and let stand for 1 hour before draining.
4
Serve with a side of skillet cornbread and a dash of your favorite hot sauce for an authentic Southern meal.
5
A splash of apple cider vinegar at the end can brighten up the flavors of the soup.

RECIPE VARIATIONS

Adapt it for your goals.

Vegetarian/Vegan

Omit the ham hock and use vegetable broth. To replicate the smoky flavor, add 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika and 1 tablespoon of soy sauce or tamari with the other seasonings.

Add Greens

Make it even more nutritious by stirring in a few handfuls of chopped collard greens, kale, or spinach during the last 15 minutes of cooking.

Different Meat

Instead of a ham hock, you can use a smoked turkey wing, diced bacon (cooked with the onions), or sliced andouille sausage (added in the last 20 minutes).

Spicier Version

For more heat, add a diced jalapeño along with the bell pepper, or increase the amount of cayenne pepper to your liking.

HEALTH BENEFITS

Why this is on our healthy list.

fiber

Rich in Fiber

Black-eyed peas are an excellent source of dietary fiber, which aids digestion, promotes a feeling of fullness, and helps regulate blood sugar levels.

protein

Excellent Source of Plant-Based Protein

This soup provides a significant amount of protein from the peas, essential for muscle repair, immune function, and overall body maintenance.

nutrients

Packed with Nutrients

Contains essential micronutrients like folate, iron, and manganese from the peas and vegetables, which are vital for energy production and red blood cell formation.

heart-healthy

Supports Heart Health

The high fiber and potassium content in black-eyed peas can help manage blood pressure and cholesterol levels, contributing to cardiovascular health.

QUESTIONS?

Frequently asked questions

A 1.5-cup serving of this Black-Eyed Pea Soup contains approximately 480-550 calories, depending on the size and fat content of the ham hock used.

PAIRS WELL WITH

Complete meals featuring this recipe

american·25 min·615 cal

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Black-Eyed Pea Soup

For 6 servings

6 steps. 80 minutes total.

Step 1

Step 2

Step 3

Step 4

Step 5

Final Seasoning and Serving: Remove and discard the bay leaf