Name: Hearty Black Eyed Pea Soup With Ham Hocks for Comfort
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 8 h
Total time: 8 h 10 min
Cuisine: Southern
Ingredients: 1 Tbsp Olive oil; 2 cups Chopped yellow onion; 3 cloves Minced garlic; 1 tsp Ground cumin; 2 lb Smoked ham hocks; 1 lb Dried black-eyed peas; 10 cups Lower-sodium chicken broth; 3 cups Chopped collard greens; 3/4 cup Chopped celery; 2 Dried bay leaves; 1 pkg Precooked microwavable white rice; 1 1/2 Tbsp Fresh thyme leaves; 3/4 tsp Black pepper; 1/2 tsp Kosher salt; 1/4 tsp Cayenne pepper

Jump to Recipe·Leave a Review

Black Eyed Pea Soup is a comforting dish that has become a staple in many Southern households. This particular recipe features ham hocks, which add a rich, smoky flavor that elevates the humble black-eyed peas. As the soup simmers, the flavors meld beautifully, creating a hearty meal perfect for chilly nights or family gatherings. Whether you’re looking for a warm hug in a bowl or a nutritious option, this soup delivers on all fronts.

Why You’ll Love This Black Eyed Pea Soup

This hearty black-eyed pea soup is not only rich in flavor but also packed with nutritional benefits. First, black-eyed peas are a great source of protein, making this dish a satisfying option for any meal. If you’re curious about why eat black-eyed peas in soup, you’ll find they add a creamy texture and a unique taste that pairs well with ham. Additionally, this soup is gluten-free, making it suitable for various dietary needs, and it can be prepared easily in a slow cooker, ensuring that you can enjoy a warm meal without a lot of hands-on time!

Ingredients for Black Eyed Pea Soup

Gather these items:

1 Tbsp Olive oil
2 cups Chopped yellow onion
3 cloves Minced garlic
1 tsp Ground cumin
2 lb Smoked ham hocks
1 lb Dried black-eyed peas
10 cups Lower-sodium chicken broth
3 cups Chopped collard greens
3/4 cup Chopped celery
2 Dried bay leaves
1 pkg Precooked microwavable white rice
1 1/2 Tbsp Fresh thyme leaves
3/4 tsp Black pepper
1/2 tsp Kosher salt
1/4 tsp Cayenne pepper

How to Make Black Eyed Pea Soup Step-by-Step

Step 1: Heat olive oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, stirring often until it becomes translucent, roughly 5 minutes.
Step 2: Sprinkle in the minced garlic and ground cumin. Cook, stirring frequently, until the garlic becomes fragrant, about 1 minute.
Step 3: Transfer the aromatic mixture to a 6-quart slow cooker. Carefully stir in the smoked ham hocks, dried black-eyed peas, chicken broth, chopped collard greens, celery, and bay leaves.
Step 4: Cover the slow cooker and let it work its magic. Cook until the ham hocks and peas are very tender, about 4 hours on HIGH or 7 to 8 hours on LOW.
Step 5: Once done, remove and discard the bay leaves. Use tongs to transfer the ham hocks to a cutting board and let them cool for about 5 minutes.
Step 6: Remove any bones and skin from the ham. Shred the meat into bite-sized pieces.
Step 7: Return the shredded ham hocks to the soup mixture in the slow cooker. Stir well to combine everything.
Step 8: Toss in the precooked white rice and stir until it’s heated through, about 1 minute.
Step 9: Finally, mix in the fresh thyme, black pepper, kosher salt, and cayenne. Serve hot.

Pro Tips for the Best Black Eyed Pea Soup

Keep these in mind:

This soup is perfect for meal prep; it tastes even better the next day.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.
Freeze portions of the soup for quick meals later.
For a vegan option, replace ham hocks with smoked paprika and add more vegetables.

Best Ways to Serve Black Eyed Pea Soup

There are many delightful ways to enjoy this soup:

Pair it with crusty bread for a complete meal.
Serve with a side salad for a nutritious lunch.
Add a dollop of sour cream for a creamy touch.

How to Store and Reheat Black Eyed Pea Soup

To keep your soup fresh:

Use the final step of the cooking process to ensure it is stored properly. Let it cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container. You can store it in the fridge for up to 5 days or freeze portions for quick meals later. This is ideal for meal prep!

Frequently Asked Questions About Black Eyed Pea Soup

What’s the secret to perfect Black Eyed Pea Soup?

The secret lies in soaking the black-eyed peas overnight for better texture and cooking them slowly. This allows the flavors to deepen and meld together beautifully.

Can I make Black Eyed Pea Soup ahead of time?

Absolutely! Making this soup ahead of time enhances its flavor. Just reheat it on the stove or in the microwave before serving.

How do I avoid common mistakes with Black Eyed Pea Soup?

Ensure the black-eyed peas are well-soaked and fully cooked. Avoid over-salting, especially if using broth that contains sodium. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.

Variations of Black Eyed Pea Soup You Can Try

If you’re looking to switch things up, consider:

Adding diced tomatoes for a spicy black-eyed pea soup recipe.
Creating a black-eyed pea and vegetable soup by adding seasonal veggies.
Making a vegan black-eyed pea soup using vegetable broth and omitting the ham hocks.