Warm up with this delicious and easy to make Spicy Black Eyed Pea Soup. This hearty and flavorful dish combines the earthy taste of black eyed peas with the filling goodness of vegetables and spices. Perfect for a chilly evening or as a comforting meal, this soup will satisfy your taste buds and keep you full. It's also a great vegetarian option for those looking to add more plant-based meals to their diet. Give this recipe a try and enjoy a bowl full of warmth and flavor!
Ingredients
- 2 cups dried black eyed peas
- 8 cups vegetable broth
- 1 onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 bell pepper, diced
- 1 jalapeno pepper, seeded and diced
- 2 carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 1 can diced tomatoes
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Chopped fresh cilantro, for garnish
- Sour cream or plain Greek yogurt, for serving
Directions
- Rinse and sort the dried black eyed peas, then soak them in water overnight. Drain and rinse before using.
- In a large pot, heat some olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and minced garlic. Saute until the onion is translucent and the garlic is fragrant.
- Add the diced bell pepper, jalapeno pepper, carrots, and celery to the pot. Cook for a few minutes until the vegetables start to soften.
- Stir in the soaked black eyed peas, vegetable broth, diced tomatoes, and tomato paste. Add the cumin, paprika, and cayenne pepper. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and simmer for about 30 minutes or until the black eyed peas are tender.
- Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning if needed. If you prefer a thicker soup, you can blend a portion of it using an immersion blender or transfer a cup or two to a blender and puree before adding it back to the pot.
- Serve the spicy black eyed pea soup hot, garnished with chopped fresh cilantro. Add a dollop of sour cream or plain Greek yogurt on top if desired.
- Enjoy the warm and comforting flavors of this spicy black eyed pea soup!
Interesting Facts
Black eyed peas are a popular ingredient in Southern American cuisine, especially on New Year's Day as they are believed to bring good luck and prosperity for the coming year.
Black eyed peas are a great source of plant-based protein and fiber, making them a nutritious addition to any diet.
Adding cayenne pepper to the soup gives it a spicy kick and also has potential health benefits, such as boosting metabolism and aiding digestion.