This traditional New Year’s Day black-eyed pea soup is the epitome of Southern comfort food. Slow-cooked with a flavorful ham bone, this dish delivers a rich, savory broth and tender peas that are perfect for starting the year with warmth and luck. The recipe relies on simple, accessible ingredients like dried black-eyed peas, onions, and basic seasonings, allowing the natural flavors to shine through hours of gentle simmering. The addition of a mashed bean thickener creates a satisfying, velvety texture without the need for heavy cream. It is an ideal meal for cold winter days, offering a nutritious and filling option that pairs beautifully with fresh greens or white rice. Whether you are hosting a holiday gathering or cooking for a cozy family dinner, this soup promises a delicious, home-style experience that everyone will love.
New Year’S Day Black-Eyed Pea Soup
Description
This traditional New Year's Day black-eyed pea soup is the epitome of Southern comfort food. Slow-cooked with a flavorful ham bone, this dish delivers a rich, savory broth and tender peas that are perfect for starting the year with warmth and luck. The recipe relies on simple, accessible ingredients like dried black-eyed peas, onions, and basic seasonings, allowing the natural flavors to shine through hours of gentle simmering. The addition of a mashed bean thickener creates a satisfying, velvety texture without the need for heavy cream. It is an ideal meal for cold winter days, offering a nutritious and filling option that pairs beautifully with fresh greens or white rice. Whether you are hosting a holiday gathering or cooking for a cozy family dinner, this soup promises a delicious, home-style experience that everyone will love.Ingredients
Directions
-
Rinse the dried black-eyed peas thoroughly in cold water, discarding any debris or stones.
-
Place the rinsed peas in a large heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven and cover with plenty of cold water.
-
Allow the peas to soak in the water overnight or for at least 8 hours to soften them.
-
Drain and discard the soaking water from the pot.
-
Return the soaked peas to the pot and add the ham bone, chopped onions, bay leaves, salt, and pepper.
-
Add fresh water to the pot, ensuring the ingredients are covered by about 2 inches of liquid.
-
Bring the soup to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce the heat to low to maintain a gentle simmer.
-
Cover the pot partially and simmer gently for about 3 to 4 hours, or until the black-eyed peas are very tender.
-
Check the liquid level periodically and add more hot water if needed to keep the peas submerged.
-
Remove the ham bone from the pot and discard it, or shred any meat from the bone and return it to the soup.
-
Remove the bay leaves from the soup.
-
Ladle out approximately 1 cup of the cooked peas and broth into a separate bowl or blender container.
-
Mash the reserved peas thoroughly with a fork or blend until smooth to create a thickener.
-
Stir the mashed pea mixture back into the main pot to thicken the broth.
-
Taste the soup and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if necessary.
-
Serve the soup hot, optionally over freshly cooked white rice.
Nutrition Facts
Servings 8
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 293.1kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 5.4g9%
- Saturated Fat 1.0g5%
- Cholesterol 12.0mg4%
- Sodium 7653.8mg319%
- Total Carbohydrate 55.4g19%
- Dietary Fiber 20.2g81%
- Sugars 7.1g
- Protein 16.7g34%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
