Black-Eyed Peas and Bacon (Printable)

Hearty soup with tender peas, smoky bacon, and vegetables in a light savory broth.

# What You Need:

→ Meats

01 - 8 oz smoked bacon, diced

→ Legumes

02 - 2 cups dried black-eyed peas, soaked overnight and drained, or 3 cans (15 oz each) black-eyed peas, rinsed and drained

→ Vegetables

03 - 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
04 - 2 medium carrots, diced
05 - 2 celery stalks, diced
06 - 3 cloves garlic, minced

→ Liquids

07 - 6 cups low-sodium chicken broth

→ Seasonings

08 - 1 bay leaf
09 - 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
10 - 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
11 - 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
12 - Salt to taste

→ Garnish

13 - 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

# Directions:

01 - In a large soup pot or Dutch oven over medium heat, cook the diced bacon until crisp, approximately 6 to 8 minutes. Remove bacon with a slotted spoon and set aside, reserving the rendered fat in the pot.
02 - Add onion, carrots, and celery to the pot. Sauté in the bacon fat until softened, about 5 to 6 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
03 - Stir in the black-eyed peas, chicken broth, bay leaf, thyme, smoked paprika, and black pepper. Bring the mixture to a boil.
04 - Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 30 to 35 minutes if using soaked dried peas, or 20 minutes if using canned peas, until the peas are tender and flavors have melded.
05 - Remove the bay leaf. Taste the soup and adjust salt as needed.
06 - Ladle soup into bowls. Sprinkle with reserved bacon and chopped parsley before serving.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • Savory & Smoky: Smoked bacon provides a rich, deep flavor base that perfectly complements the earthy black-eyed peas.
  • Easy Prep: Using simple ingredients and a straightforward process, this soup is accessible for any home cook.
  • Wholesome: Naturally gluten-free and packed with protein, it's a nourishing choice for any day of the week.
02 -
  • Salt Control: Since bacon and chicken broth vary in saltiness, always taste the broth before adding any extra salt at the end.
  • Pea Tenderness: Ensure the peas are fully tender before removing the soup from the heat; cooking times may vary slightly depending on the age of the dried peas.
  • Garnish: Reserve the bacon for the final step to ensure it stays crispy when served.
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