Smoky Black Eyed Pea Soup
A comforting and hearty smoky black eyed pea soup that's perfect for busy evenings and family gatherings.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 cups dried black eyed peas or 4 cans, rinsed and drained
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 medium carrot, diced
- 2 stalks celery, diced
- 4 cups vegetable broth or chicken broth for extra flavor
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 leaf bay leaf
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Fresh thyme for garnish (optional)
Instructions
Preparation
- If using dried black eyed peas, rinse them under cold water and soak them overnight. If using canned, drain and rinse them.
- In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add diced onion, carrot, and celery. Sauté until softened, about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Stir in minced garlic, smoked paprika, and bay leaf. Cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
- Pour in the vegetable broth, add in the black eyed peas, and bring to a gentle boil.
- Reduce heat to low and let it simmer for 30-45 minutes (if using dried peas) or 15-20 minutes (if using canned peas) until everything is tender. Stir occasionally.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. If you opted for the optional thyme, stir it in at this stage.
- Ladle into bowls and enjoy a comforting, smoky black eyed pea soup!
Notes
Tips for enhancing flavor include sautéing the veggies until browned for depth, mashing some peas for thickness, and using vegetable broth for a vegan option. This soup can be served with crusty bread or cornbread to complement the meal.