If you’ve got some leftover ham hanging around, this Ham & Black-Eyed Pea Soup is just what you need. It’s warm, hearty, and filled with delicious flavors that’ll make your kitchen smell amazing. Plus, it’s a great way to use what you already have at home.
It solves weeknight dinner stress by using pantry staples, delivering quick, satisfying protein, and providing a hearty, budget-friendly option that pleases a hungry family.
I always struggle with what to do with leftover ham. It can feel boring to serve it the same way over and over. But this soup makes it so easy to turn that leftover meat into something comforting and tasty. It’s filling, too, so it works for a quick family dinner or a cozy night in.
This recipe is super simple and only takes about 40 minutes from start to finish. You get a rich, savory broth that comes together quickly, and you won’t need fancy ingredients to do it. Just chop, toss in your slow cooker, and let the flavors mingle, you’ll be surprised at how good it is!
If you love soups that are hearty and easy, you might want to check out my Chicken Orzo Salad for another simple recipe that’s just as satisfying!
Why You Will Love This Recipe
- Hearty Flavor : The savory and smoky notes of the ham play beautifully with the creamy black-eyed peas, making each bite comforting and satisfying.
- Quick & Easy : With just 10 minutes of prep and a total cook time of only 30 minutes, you’ll have a filling meal in no time.
- Homey Ingredients : It’s made with simple ingredients you probably already have, making it an easy way to whip up a delicious meal with little fuss.
- Leftover Friendly : This soup is a great way to use up leftover ham, turning what might go to waste into a warm, nourishing dish.
Flavorful Black Eyed Peas with Ham
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cool Time: 0 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: soup
- Method: stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Hearty ham and black-eyed pea soup perfect for chilly days. Easy to prepare with a delightful blend of ingredients.
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil, for sautéing
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 6 cups chicken broth
- 1 can black-eyed peas, drained and rinsed
- 2 cups diced cooked ham
- 11/2 teaspoon thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 cups kale, chopped (optional)
- Bay leaf, optional
Instructions
- Start with Aromatics: Sauté the diced onion, minced garlic, and diced celery in a large pot with the olive oil until they are soft and fragrant, about 3 minutes. Do not let them burn, as this will impart a bitter taste to your soup.
- Add Carrots and Spices: Toss in the diced carrots and the thyme. If using, add the bay leaf as well. Stir to combine, allowing all the ingredients to mingle for a few minutes until the carrots are tender but not mushy.
- Stir in Broth: Pour in the chicken broth, bringing it to a gentle simmer. Allow the soup to heat on low so that the flavors blend beautifully, avoiding high heat to minimize splattering.
- Mix in Black-Eyed Peas: Add the drained and rinsed black-eyed peas to the pot. Let the soup bubble away for about 5 to 10 minutes until the peas soften but maintain their shape.
- Finish with Ham and Greens: Stir in the diced cooked ham and the chopped kale (if using), allowing the greens to wilt into the soup. Watch for the colors to brighten. Avoid adding too much ham too early to retain balance in the dish.
- Adjust Consistency: If the soup appears too thick, gently stir in additional broth or water until you achieve your desired consistency, being careful not to add too much at once.
- Season and Serve: Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. Ensure that the freshness of the herbs and the savory notes from the ham shine through.
Notes
- Storage Tips: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Expert Tips: For a budget-friendly option, use leftover ham. If you want to add a bit of heat, sprinkle in red pepper flakes to your liking.
- Reheating Instructions: Reheat the soup on the stovetop over medium heat until warmed through, about 10 minutes.
- Serving Suggestions: Serve with crusty bread for dipping, top with fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro, or add a dollop of sour cream for extra richness.
- Recipe Variations: You may substitute black-eyed peas with white beans or chickpeas. For a vegetarian version, replace chicken broth with vegetable broth and omit the ham.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Recipe Tips
- If the soup turns out too salty, try adding a little more broth or water to mellow the flavors.
- When your black-eyed peas are mushy, consider reducing the cooking time and adding them later in the process.
- If your soup is thicker than you’d like, simply stir in some extra broth or water until you achieve your desired consistency.
- For a budget-friendly option, using leftover ham not only saves money but also adds great flavor.
- If you’re after a bit of heat, sprinkling in some red pepper flakes can really spice things up.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this ham and black-eyed pea soup with crusty bread for dipping. Top with fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro for added freshness.
This soup can also enhance various dishes such as grain bowls, and it works well in casseroles or stews. Use leftovers in burritos, tacos, or salad toppings for added protein and flavor.
A dollop of sour cream adds a creamy finish to the soup. Consider adding a swirl of hot sauce for an extra kick if desired.
Recipe variations
- You can use turkey instead of ham for a leaner option that still packs a punch in flavor.
- Add 1 teaspoon of cumin for an extra layer of flavor that complements the black-eyed peas well.
- Either smoked sausage or diced turkey can be swapped in for ham, giving you a different taste experience.
- If you want a larger batch, increase the chicken broth to 8 cups and add 1 additional can of black-eyed peas.
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How to Store?
To keep your ham & black-eyed pea soup fresh, follow these storage tips:
Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Freezing: Place soup in a freezer bag or airtight container. Keep in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating: Heat soup on the stovetop or in the microwave until hot throughout, ensuring it reaches a safe temperature.
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