If you’re craving a soul-warming, hearty meal that’s packed with flavor and traditions, this Black-Eyed Pea Soup Recipe is exactly what you need. It’s a delightful blend of smoky bacon, tender black-eyed peas, and a subtle kick of chili powder that simmers into a rich and satisfying soup. Perfect for cozy nights or when you want a nourishing crowd-pleaser, this dish brings together simple, pantry-friendly ingredients that transform into a comforting bowl of goodness you’ll want to share again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe relies on a handful of straightforward ingredients, each playing a crucial role in building the character of the Black-Eyed Pea Soup Recipe. From the smoky bacon that adds depth to the creamy black-eyed peas, every element contributes to the perfect balance of taste, texture, and inviting color.
- ½ lb bacon: Brings a smoky richness that forms the foundation of flavor for the soup.
- 2 Tbsp dried onion flakes: Adds a gentle sweetness and savory undertone without overpowering the dish.
- ½ tsp garlic powder: Offers a warm, aromatic touch that complements the other spices beautifully.
- 2 (15.5-oz) cans black-eyed peas, drained: The star of the show, providing creamy texture and a mild, earthy flavor.
- 1 (14.5-oz) can diced tomatoes, undrained: Contributes acidity and vibrant color, balancing the richness.
- 1 (10-oz) can diced tomatoes and green chiles: Adds a subtle heat and fresh zing to elevate the soup.
- 3 cups chicken broth or water: The liquid base that brings all ingredients together and creates the perfect soup consistency.
- 2 tsp chili powder: Injects a hearty warmth and depth, enhancing the overall flavor profile.
- 1½ tsp salt (or to taste): Essential to making all the flavors pop just right.
- ½ tsp pepper (or to taste): Offers a mild, peppery contrast to round out the seasoning.
How to Make Black-Eyed Pea Soup Recipe
Step 1: Cook the bacon
Start by heating up a Dutch oven over medium heat and cooking the bacon until it’s crisp and golden. This step releases that classic smoky fat, which is essential for building the soup’s hearty base. Once cooked, carefully drain the excess fat to keep the soup from becoming too greasy, but leave enough to carry the flavor forward.
Step 2: Combine all ingredients
Next, add the dried onion flakes, garlic powder, drained black-eyed peas, both cans of tomatoes (including the green chiles), chicken broth, chili powder, salt, and pepper to the Dutch oven with the bacon. Give everything a thorough stir to mix the flavors evenly. This combination of ingredients sets the stage for a deliciously balanced soup.
Step 3: Simmer and let flavors meld
Bring the entire mixture up to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low to let it simmer. Allow the soup to cook for 20 to 30 minutes, stirring occasionally. This simmering process lets the flavors deepen and marry together, softening the black-eyed peas while ensuring the smoky undertones shine through beautifully.
How to Serve Black-Eyed Pea Soup Recipe
Garnishes
Simple garnishes like a sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley or green onions add a pop of color and freshness. For a creamier texture and added indulgence, a dollop of sour cream or shredded cheese works wonders. Even a few crunchy tortilla strips or crumbled bacon on top enhance the soup’s texture and visual appeal.
Side Dishes
This Black-Eyed Pea Soup Recipe pairs wonderfully with warm, crusty bread or cornbread to soak up every last drop of that flavorful broth. A crisp side salad with a zesty vinaigrette can lighten the meal while providing a pleasant contrast to the soup’s heartiness.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve the soup in rustic bowls for a cozy vibe or go festive by ladling it into hollowed-out sourdough bread bowls. You might also consider layering it over a bed of cooked rice or quinoa for a heartier presentation that’s perfect when feeding a larger group.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This soup keeps beautifully in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Store it in an airtight container to maintain freshness and flavor. Because the flavors deepen over time, leftovers often taste even better the next day, making it a convenient make-ahead option.
Freezing
If you want to keep the Black-Eyed Pea Soup Recipe on hand for longer, it freezes well. Allow it to cool completely before transferring to freezer-safe containers or bags. Frozen soup can be stored for up to 3 months and makes an easy meal for busy days.
Reheating
When reheating, gently warm the soup on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking or burning. Add a splash of water or broth if it feels too thick. You can also reheat portions in the microwave, but the stovetop method helps maintain the best texture and flavor.
FAQs
Can I use dried black-eyed peas instead of canned?
Absolutely! If you prefer using dried black-eyed peas, soak them overnight and cook them until tender before adding to the soup. This can enhance the texture, but adds more prep time.
Is this soup spicy?
The recipe has a gentle heat from the chili powder and green chiles, but it’s quite mild overall. You can adjust the spice level by adding more chili powder or hot sauce if you like it spicier.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes! Simply omit the bacon and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. You might want to add smoked paprika to mimic the smoky flavor that bacon provides.
What can I add to make the soup more filling?
Adding cooked rice, quinoa, or small pasta shapes can turn this soup into an even heartier meal. You could also toss in fresh greens like spinach near the end of cooking for added nutrition.
How do I prevent the soup from becoming too salty?
Since canned ingredients vary in salt content, start with less salt and adjust at the end of cooking. Taste as you go to find the perfect balance.
Final Thoughts
This Black-Eyed Pea Soup Recipe is a true crowd-pleaser that combines simplicity with rich, comforting flavors. Whether you’re making it for a casual weeknight dinner or feeding a gathering, it’s one of those dishes that feels nourishing and satisfying with every spoonful. Give it a try, and let it become one of your favorite go-to recipes for warmth and heartiness all year round.
Print
Black-Eyed Pea Soup Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20-30 minutes
- Total Time: 30-40 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Southern American
Description
This hearty Black-Eyed Pea Soup combines smoky bacon, flavorful spices, and tender black-eyed peas in a comforting broth. Perfect as a nutritious, warming meal, it features a delightful blend of diced tomatoes, green chiles, and aromatic seasonings simmered together to create a rich, satisfying soup.
Ingredients
Meat
- ½ lb bacon
Vegetables & Canned Goods
- 2 Tbsp dried onion flakes
- 2 (15.5-oz) cans black-eyed peas, drained
- 1 (14.5-oz) can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 (10-oz) can diced tomatoes and green chiles
Liquids & Broth
- 3 cups chicken broth or water
Spices & Seasonings
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- 2 tsp chili powder
- 1½ tsp salt (or to taste)
- ½ tsp pepper (or to taste)
Instructions
- Cook Bacon: In a Dutch oven, cook the bacon over medium heat until crisp. Once cooked, remove the bacon pieces and drain the excess fat from the pot, leaving just enough flavor behind.
- Add Ingredients: Add the dried onion flakes, garlic powder, drained black-eyed peas, both cans of diced tomatoes including the green chiles, chicken broth or water, chili powder, salt, and pepper into the Dutch oven. Stir thoroughly to combine all the ingredients evenly.
- Simmer Soup: Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and let the soup simmer gently for 20 to 30 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together and the soup to thicken slightly. Stir occasionally during simmering.
Notes
- You can substitute the chicken broth with vegetable broth to make the recipe vegetarian, omitting the bacon or replacing it with smoked paprika for a smoky flavor.
- Adjust the salt and pepper according to your taste preferences.
- The dried onion flakes can be replaced with fresh onions sauteed at the beginning with bacon for enhanced flavor.
- For a spicier soup, add extra chili powder or a pinch of cayenne pepper.
- The soup thickens as it simmers; if you prefer a thinner consistency, add more broth or water during cooking.
