Description
Hearty ham and black-eyed pea soup perfect for chilly days. Easy to prepare with a delightful blend of ingredients.
Ingredients
Scale
- 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