Black-Eyed Peas Soup with Sausage and Kale

What’s on the menu? How about a hearty, homemade Black-Eyed Peas Soup with Sausage and Kale! Healthy black-eyed peas and kale mingle in a savory broth, with the spicy kick of andouille sausage and a trio of onions, peppers, and garlic.

A Savory, Southern-Style Soup Recipe

Do you eat black-eyed peas for New Year’s Day? Black-eyed peas are said to bring good luck for the coming year, and it’s becoming quite the tradition to whip up a pot of them. I say, the more good luck, the better. And, black-eyed peas are so good for you, why not eat them all year long? ?

This soup is a Hoppin’ John-like recipe, perfect for getting through the frosty days of January and February. It’s full of sliced andouille sausage, dark-green kale, and a medley of aromatic veggies. You can serve it just the way it is, or eat it over hot buttered rice. It’s a great way to incorporate more legumes into your diet, without hassle and with tons of flavor.

Are Black-Eyed Peas Healthy to Eat?

Yep! Like most legumes, black-eyed peas are full of healthy protein, fiber, and complex carbs. They’ll keep you full, assist your digestive processes, and help your body rebuild its tissues, so a meal including black-eyed peas is both satiating and nourishing. ?

On top of that, black-eyed peas are a good source of all kinds of vitamins and minerals, including calcium, vitamin A, iron, zinc, and lots more! Black-eyed peas also pack a punch of folate, which is very important if you’re expecting. Plus, they are known to be a good source of antioxidants!

The Ingredients List

The ingredients for this black-eyed pea soup are basic, but each one adds an important element of flavor, from the earthy fragrance of the herbs to the gentle bite of the bell pepper. Here’s the skinny:

• Bacon: Dice up about four slices of your favorite thick-cut bacon.
• Sausage: Andouille sausage is my go-to for this soup, but you could also substitute kielbasa, or whatever smoked link sausage you enjoy. Slice it up into ¼-inch thick slices.
• Onion: I dice a small yellow onion for this recipe, but any kind of onion is fine.
• Bell Pepper: More dicing! This time, it’s a bell pepper. Any color will do. 
• Garlic: Mince or press the garlic cloves, or you can substitute garlic powder to make things a little faster. 
• Black-Eyed Peas: I use canned black-eyed peas, which should be drained and rinsed before using.
• Italian Seasoning: This zesty seasoning blend adds so much flavor. If you don’t have any, you can use equal parts oregano and basil, or just substitute whatever herbs you prefer, such as thyme, parsley, bay leaves, etc.
• Kale: Chop up a generous amount of kale. Remember that it cooks down once it is in the pot. If you like, you can substitute a bag of frozen kale instead. Collards, baby spinach, and mustard greens also make good substitutes.
• Broth: For the best flavor, use good-quality chicken broth or vegetable broth (low-sodium is preferred).
• Salt and Pepper: To taste.

How to Make It, Step-By-Step

The great thing about black-eyed pea soup is that it all comes together in one pot, without a lot of steps and without a lot of time! And, even though it’s so easy, it’s a complete, nutritious meal.

1. Cook the Bacon and Sausage. In a Dutch oven, or heavy soup pot, set over medium-high heat, saute the bacon for about one minute, and then stir in the slices of sausage. Cook the bacon and sausage together until the sausage is browned and the bacon is nice and crispy, stirring from time to time so that everything cooks evenly.
2. Cook the Onion, Pepper, and Garlic. Using a slotted spoon, take the cooked sausage and bacon out of the grease, and set it aside for a bit. Carefully add the diced onions and peppers to the pot, and cook them in the bacon grease for several minutes to soften. Stir the garlic into the mixture, and saute for a few seconds to release the fragrance.
3. Add the Black-Eyed Peas, Herbs, and Kale. Now add the black-eyed peas and the Italian seasoning (or whatever herbs you choose) to the pot, followed by the kale. If you have trouble fitting the fresh kale in all at once, add it in bunches, stirring it to wilt before adding the next bunch.
4. Add the Chicken Broth and Simmer. Finally, pour the chicken broth over the ingredients, and give everything one last good stir. Let the soup come to a boil, and then reduce the heat so that the soup simmers for about 20 minutes.
5. Enjoy! Taste the soup for salt and pepper. I usually don’t need to add salt since the sausage is salty and adds a lot of flavor, but if you need more, add it now. Ladle the finished soup into bowls, and serve hot.

Helpful Tips

Black-eyed pea soup with sausage and kale is just the thing for cold winter days. If you make it once, you’ll find yourself reaching for those cans of black-eyed peas at the grocery store again and again! With these easy tips and variations, there’s no reason not to make it often – you’ve got to try all the options, right?

• Use Dried Black-Eyed Peas: Using dried peas is easy, affordable, and often gives a superior flavor over canned. If you would like to do this, start the night before. Sort half a pound of dried black-eyed peas, picking out any damaged peas or small pebbles. Rinse well, cover with water, and soak overnight. On the day of cooking, drain and rinse the peas one more time, and then pre-cook them in simmering water for about 40 minutes before adding them to the soup.
• Make It Spicy: Andouille sausage adds a little kick to this recipe, but you can up the ante by adding several pinches of cayenne pepper, or a small, seeded and chopped jalapeno. Another easy option is to serve with your favorite tabasco sauce, or perhaps Southern “pepper sauce” made with hot peppers preserved in brine.
• Add a Little Acid: To make the soup even more flavorful, try adding a tablespoon of lemon juice, or a small squeeze of tomato paste.
• Change Up the Protein: We already talked about using kielbasa or another link sausage of your choice, but I would be wrong not to tell you that you can make this recipe with all kinds of good protein options! Crumbled, browned Italian sausage would be awesome, or you could use cubes of ham, leftover pulled pork, or diced chicken.
• A Gumbo Combo: Add a bag of frozen, sliced okra, and a can of diced tomato, and you’ve got a gumbo-like dish that’s amazing over hot, buttered rice! This is one the whole family will scarf down.

The Best Sides to Serve with This Soup

A soup like this is a meal in a bowl! But, you could definitely also enjoy it with a classic side or two. Here are some of my very favorite Southern sides:

• Cornbread: You’ll love how a tender wedge of Light Skillet Cornbread soaks up the broth in this soup, while still retaining its tasty texture.
• Coleslaw: Coleslaw and soup? Yes! The tangy, crunchy freshness of Classic Southern Coleslaw provides a perfect contrast to the warm, earthy taste of black eyed peas.
• Sweet Potatoes: Naturally sweet and oh-so-savory, sweet potatoes are a staple of Southern cuisine, and go beautifully with the hearty flavors of black-eyed pea soup. I particularly like to go with a crispy recipe, like these Crispy Sweet Potato Wedges.

Storing Your Leftovers (Fridge or Freezer)

• To store leftover soup in the refrigerator, just cool it down and cover it well (or better yet, place in airtight containers). It will stay fresh for 4 to 5 days.
• To store in the freezer, cool the soup down and then ladle it into freezer bags or these Souper Cubes. Freeze the soup for 3 to 4 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
• To reheat, just place the desired portion in a covered saucepan over low to medium heat. Allow the soup to heat until it is piping hot, stirring occasionally to prevent cold and hot spots.

ENJOY!

More Hearty Soup Recipes