Flavorful New Years Black-Eyed Pea Soup Recipe with a Twist

Hearty black-eyed pea soup brings Southern comfort straight to your winter table with robust sausage and tender collard greens.

Generations of cooks have perfected this classic dish that warms you from the inside out.

Regional traditions blend deliciously in this one-pot wonder packed with flavor and nutrition.

Smoky sausage chunks nestle among creamy beans and vibrant greens, creating a symphony of textures.

Savory seasonings infuse each spoonful with deep, complex notes that dance across your palate.

Rustic ingredients come together effortlessly, promising a meal that feels like a warm embrace.

Let this soul-satisfying soup transport you to a cozy kitchen where love simmers in every bite.

What Makes Black-Eyed Pea Soup So Comforting

• Unlock Effortless Southern Comfort
• Crockpot Magic: Dump and walk away while this hearty soup prepares itself with minimal hands-on cooking time, perfect for busy home cooks looking for delicious convenience.
• Tradition Meets Flavor: Celebrate New Year's culinary traditions with this classic Southern dish packed with lucky black-eyed peas, robust sausage, and nutrient-rich collard greens that promise good fortune and incredible taste.
• Meal Prep Champion: Prepare this soup overnight or during work hours, creating a hands-off cooking experience that delivers rich, deep flavors without constant kitchen supervision, making weeknight dinners extraordinarily simple.
• Budget-Friendly Feast: Leverage affordable ingredients like dried peas, seasonal greens, and economical sausage to create a filling, protein-packed meal that stretches your grocery budget without compromising on taste or satisfaction.

Black-Eyed Pea Soup with Sausage & Greens – Ingredients

• Pork Sausage: Classic hearty meat that adds rich, savory flavor to the soup. Choose spicy or mild varieties for personal preference.
• Black-Eyed Peas: Traditional New Year's good luck legume with creamy texture and subtle earthiness. Dried peas are best for authentic taste.

• Collard Greens: Southern staple providing nutrients and robust, slightly bitter green flavor. Fresh or pre-chopped options work well.
• Garlic: Aromatic base that enhances overall soup depth. Fresh minced garlic recommended for maximum flavor.
• Rotel Tomatoes: Zesty canned tomatoes with green chilies that add subtle heat and moisture. Choose original or mild version.

• Chicken Stock: Core liquid base for developing soup's consistent texture. Low-sodium versions allow better seasoning control.
• Apple Cider Vinegar: Tangy ingredient that balances and brightens soup's flavor profile. Adds subtle acidity.
• Tomato Paste: Concentrated tomato product that thickens and enriches soup's base. Provides deeper umami notes.

• Sugar: Small amount to balance acidity and round out flavor complexity.
• Salt and Pepper: Essential seasoning for taste adjustment.
• Hot Sauce: Optional spicy element for additional kick.
• Water: Used to adjust overall soup consistency during slow cooking.

Soup Prep for Black-Eyed Peas, Sausage & Collard Greens

Step 1: Soak and Prepare Black-Eyed Peas

Rinse the black-eyed peas thoroughly.

Place them in a large bowl and cover with cool water.

Let them soak for 4-6 hours to soften and reduce cooking time.

After soaking, drain and rinse the peas again to remove any excess starch.

Step 2: Brown the Sausage

Heat a skillet over medium-high heat.

Crumble the pork sausage into the pan and cook until it develops a deep golden-brown color.

Break the sausage into bite-sized chunks while cooking.

Once fully cooked, transfer to a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess grease.

Step 3: Build Flavor Base in Crockpot

• Soaked black-eyed peas
• Browned sausage
• Chopped collard greens
• Minced garlic
• Rotel tomatoes
• Chicken stock
• Apple cider vinegar
• Tomato paste
• Granulated sugar

Step 4: Add Liquid and Seasonings

Pour in enough water to cover the ingredients, typically around 1 1/2 cups.

• Salt
• Black pepper
• Optional hot sauce

Stir everything together to distribute ingredients evenly.

Step 5: Slow Cook to Perfection

Cover the crockpot and set to low temperature.

Allow the soup to simmer for 10-12 hours, or overnight for maximum flavor development.

Stir occasionally and check liquid levels, adding more water if needed.

Step 6: Final Touches and Serving

Taste the soup and adjust seasonings.

If desired, add a splash of vinegar or extra spices.

Ladle into deep bowls and serve piping hot alongside warm cornbread for a traditional Southern-style meal.

New Year Soup Tips for Peas, Greens & Sausage Flavor

• Rinse black-eyed peas thoroughly and soak for 4-6 hours to reduce cooking time and improve digestibility.
• Cut sausage into uniform bite-sized pieces for even cooking and consistent flavor distribution throughout the soup.
• Check soup consistency periodically and add extra water or chicken stock if it becomes too thick during slow cooking.
• Adjust spiciness by adding varying amounts of hot sauce or including diced jalapeños for those who enjoy extra kick.
• Substitute turkey sausage for a leaner protein option or add extra chopped vegetables like bell peppers for increased nutritional value.

Reheat Black-Eyed Pea Soup with Sausage

• Store leftover soup in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep fresh in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
• Pour cooled soup into freezer-safe containers or bags. Seal tightly and freeze up to 3 months. Label with date for easy tracking.
• Transfer frozen or refrigerated soup to a pot. Warm over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. Add splash of water or broth if soup seems thick.
• Pour soup into microwave-safe dish. Heat in 1-minute intervals, stirring between each interval until thoroughly warmed. Check temperature before serving to ensure even heating.

Pairings for Black-Eyed Pea Soup & Sausage

• Sip Southern Comfort Ale: Pair this hearty soup with a robust Southern craft beer like Sweetwater 420 Extra Pale Ale, which cuts through the soup's richness and complements its savory sausage notes.
• Crunch Cornbread Companion: Serve warm, buttery cornbread on the side to soak up the delicious broth and add a delightful textural contrast that elevates the entire meal.
• Bright Citrus Salad Sidekick: Create a light, tangy green salad with citrus vinaigrette to balance the soup's deep, earthy flavors and provide a refreshing palate cleanser between bites.
• Drizzle Hot Sauce Heat: Add a dash of Louisiana-style hot sauce like Tabasco or Crystal to bring extra complexity and southern authenticity to this traditional New Year's dish.

Creative Twists on Black-Eyed Pea Soup

• Vegetarian Hearty Soup: Replace sausage with plant-based sausage or smoked tofu for a meat-free version. Use vegetable stock instead of chicken stock to maintain rich flavor profile.
• Gluten-Free Adaptation: Ensure all ingredients like sausage and stock are certified gluten-free. Double-check tomato paste and Rotel tomatoes for potential gluten contamination.
• Low-Sodium Alternative: Select reduced-sodium chicken stock and eliminate added salt. Use salt-free spice blends to boost flavor without increasing sodium content.
• Spicy Southwest Style: Add diced green chilies, swap Rotel for fresh jalapeños, and include cumin and smoked paprika. Incorporate chopped cilantro before serving for extra zesty kick.

FAQs

• Why are black-eyed peas considered lucky for New Year's?

Black-eyed peas are a Southern tradition symbolizing good luck and prosperity. Eating them on New Year’s Day is believed to bring financial fortune and ward off bad luck for the upcoming year.

• Can I use fresh collard greens instead of pre-chopped?

Yes, absolutely! Fresh collard greens work perfectly. Just remove the tough stems, chop the leaves finely, and add them to the crockpot. They’ll cook down beautifully and add great flavor and nutrition.

• Is this recipe spicy?

The recipe has a mild heat level from Rotel tomatoes. If you want more kick, add a dash of hot sauce or include diced jalapeños. You can easily control the spice level to suit your taste preferences.

• What type of sausage works best for this recipe?

Andouille or smoked pork sausage are excellent choices. They add robust flavor and complement the black-eyed peas perfectly. Choose a sausage that’s not too lean to enhance the soup’s overall richness.

New Years Black-Eyed Pea Soup With Sausage & Collard Greens Recipe

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4.6 from 30 reviews

• Total Time: 10 hours 15 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Hearty New Year’s Black-Eyed Pea Soup simmers with Southern charm, blending spicy sausage and tender collard greens. Comfort meets tradition in this lucky dish that promises warmth and prosperity for those who savor each delicious spoonful.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Proteins:

• 2 pounds (907 grams) pork sausage links, cooked in a skillet, then sliced
• 1 pound (454 grams) dried black-eyed peas, soaked for a few hours

Vegetables and Greens:

• 4 bunches collard greens, washed, ends trimmed, and roughly chopped
• 1 large can Rotel tomatoes
• 1 1/2 teaspoons minced garlic
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste

Liquids and Seasonings:

• 2 small cartons chicken stock
• 1 1/2 cups water (adjust as needed)
• 3 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
• 1 tablespoon or less sugar (to balance bitterness)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Hot sauce (optional, for added heat)

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Instructions

1. Rinse black-eyed peas thoroughly and soak for several hours to reduce cooking time and improve digestibility.
2. In a skillet, render pork sausage over medium heat until golden brown and slightly crispy, then slice into delicate medallions.
3. Transfer sausage pieces into a spacious slow cooker, layering with drained black-eyed peas and freshly chopped collard greens.
4. Pour chicken stock into the slow cooker, incorporating minced garlic, diced Rotel tomatoes, and tangy apple cider vinegar for depth of flavor.
5. Whisk tomato paste into the liquid to create a rich, velvety base, then sprinkle a touch of sugar to balance the acidity.
6. Season the mixture with kosher salt, cracked black pepper, and optional hot sauce for an extra kick of warmth.
7. Cover and set slow cooker to low temperature, allowing ingredients to meld and tenderize over 8-10 hours.
8. Periodically stir the soup, checking liquid levels and adjusting seasonings as the beans absorb stock.
9. Before serving, taste and fine-tune with additional vinegar or spices to elevate the overall complexity of the dish.
10. Ladle steaming soup into bowls and pair with warm, buttered cornbread for a traditional Southern New Year’s comfort meal.

Notes

• Enhance flavor by soaking black-eyed peas overnight in salted water to tenderize and reduce cooking time.
• Swap pork sausage with turkey or plant-based sausage for lighter, leaner, or vegetarian dietary preferences.
• Boost nutrient density by adding extra vegetables like diced carrots or celery during slow cooking process.
• Control sodium levels by using low-sodium chicken stock and monitoring salt additions throughout cooking.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 hours (slow cooker)
• Category: Dinner, Lunch, Appetizer
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: Southern (American)

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 320
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 850 mg
• Fat: 14 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 35 g
• Fiber: 10 g
• Protein: 18 g
• Cholesterol: 60 mg