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Light & Lucky Black-Eyed Pea Soup: Easy New Years Recipe

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A light, savory black-eyed pea soup perfect for New Year’s Day, made with simple ingredients and a bright lemon finish. It’s a healthier take on a Southern tradition that’s quick to prepare and deeply satisfying.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound dried black-eyed peas (or 3 cans, drained and rinsed)
  • 1 large yellow onion, diced
  • 3 celery ribs, diced
  • 2 medium carrots, diced
  • 4 garlic cloves, minced
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 6 cups vegetable broth (low-sodium)
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 2 bay leaves
  • ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (or to taste)
  • Juice of 1 lemon
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish (optional)

Instructions

  1. If using dried black-eyed peas, soak them first: place in a large bowl, cover with cold water by 2 inches, and soak for at least 6 hours or overnight. For a quick soak, bring to a boil, turn off heat, and let sit for 1 hour. Drain and rinse. (If using canned, skip this step and just drain and rinse.)
  2. Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add diced onion, celery, and carrots. Cook for 6 to 8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until softened and onion is translucent.
  3. Add minced garlic, smoked paprika, dried thyme, and red pepper flakes. Stir constantly for about 1 minute until fragrant.
  4. Pour in vegetable broth and add bay leaves. If using dried peas, add them now. Stir, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom.
  5. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover with lid slightly ajar and simmer. If using dried peas, simmer for 45 minutes to 1 hour, until peas are tender but not mushy. Check at 40 minutes.
  6. If using canned black-eyed peas, add them after the soup has simmered for 30 minutes. Simmer for another 15 minutes until heated through.
  7. Remove bay leaves and discard.
  8. Season with salt and black pepper to taste (start with 1 teaspoon salt and ½ teaspoon pepper).
  9. Stir in fresh lemon juice just before serving.
  10. Ladle into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley if desired. Serve hot with crusty bread or cornbread.

Notes

For a heartier version, add diced smoked turkey sausage or a ham hock during simmering. For a gluten-free option, this recipe is naturally gluten-free as written. If avoiding nightshades, skip smoked paprika and use a pinch of chipotle powder. Let the soup sit for 10 minutes after cooking for flavors to meld. If too thick, stir in extra broth or water.

Nutrition

Keywords: black-eyed pea soup, New Year's recipe, lucky soup, vegan soup, gluten-free soup, easy soup

Find it online: https://jollyfork.com/light-and-lucky-black-eyed-pea-soup-easy-new-years-recipe/