Warm up your kitchen with the rich, comforting flavors of Southern cuisine! Our Black Eyed Pea and Smoked Sausage Soup is not just a meal; it’s an experience that will tantalize your taste buds and fill your home with delightful aromas. Perfect for chilly evenings or a cozy gathering, this hearty soup combines the smoky goodness of sausage with the earthy richness of black-eyed peas, creating a dish that’s both satisfying and soul-soothing. Ready to impress your family and friends? Let’s dive into this easy-to-follow recipe that promises to become a staple in your culinary repertoire!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 40 mins
Total Time: 50 mins
Cuisine: Southern
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb smoked sausage, sliced
- 2 cups black eyed peas, cooked
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 tsp thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Begin by gathering all your ingredients: 1 lb of smoked sausage, 2 cups of cooked black-eyed peas, 1 chopped onion, 2 diced carrots, 2 diced celery stalks, 4 cups of chicken broth, 1 tsp of thyme, and salt and pepper to taste.
- In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat a tablespoon of oil over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the sliced smoked sausage and sauté for about 5-7 minutes, or until the sausage is browned and slightly crispy.
- Next, add the chopped onion, diced carrots, and diced celery to the pot. Stir the mixture and cook for an additional 5 minutes, until the vegetables begin to soften.
- Once the vegetables are softened, add the cooked black-eyed peas to the pot. Stir well to combine all the ingredients.
- Pour in the 4 cups of chicken broth and add 1 tsp of thyme. Stir to mix everything together, ensuring that the black-eyed peas and vegetables are submerged in the broth.
- Increase the heat to bring the soup to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for about 30 minutes. This will allow the flavors to meld together.
- After 30 minutes, taste the soup and season with salt and pepper according to your preference. Remember that the smoked sausage may add some saltiness, so adjust accordingly.
- Once seasoned, let the soup simmer for an additional 5-10 minutes. This will enhance the flavors even more.
- After the final simmer, remove the pot from heat. Serve the soup hot in bowls, garnishing with fresh herbs if desired, and enjoy your hearty Black Eyed Pea and Smoked Sausage Soup!
Tips
- Prep Ahead: To save time, chop your vegetables and slice the sausage ahead of time. This way, when you’re ready to cook, everything is at your fingertips!
- Use Quality Sausage: The flavor of your soup largely depends on the quality of the smoked sausage. Choose a brand that you enjoy, as it will enhance the overall taste of the dish.
- Customize Your Veggies: Feel free to add other vegetables such as bell peppers or spinach for extra nutrition and flavor. Just adjust the cooking time as needed.
- Simmer for Flavor: Allow the soup to simmer longer than the suggested time if you have the luxury. The longer it simmers, the more the flavors meld together, creating a richer taste.
- Garnish for Freshness: Consider garnishing your soup with fresh herbs like parsley or green onions before serving. This adds a pop of color and a fresh flavor that brightens the dish.
- Serve with Bread: Pair your soup with crusty bread or cornbread for a complete Southern meal that your guests will love.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 284kcal
Carbohydrates: 15g
Protein: 15g
Fat: 16g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Cholesterol: 27mg
