Black Eyed Peas and Collard Greens, it even rhymes! This is definitely a southern soup and traditionally served in the New Year. It has a lot more than just the peas and greens which makes this soup hearty, full of flavor and every bit Southern!
Ingredients
- 1 lb black eyed peas rinsed vacuum packed or canned
- 1 tbsp oil
- 6 slices bacon, cut into 1/2" pieces cooked and crumbled (reserve dripping)
- 1 medium onion peeled and chopped
- 2 ribs celery chopped
- 2 medium carrots peeled and sliced
- 3 cloves garlic grated
- 1/2 lb ham cubed
- 1 15 oz can chopped tomatoes
- 1 small bunch collard greens ribs removed and diced or 2 cups frozen collard greens
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1 tsp ground black pepper
- 1 32 oz carton chicken stock or enough stock to cover the vegetables by about 2 inches
- 3-4 sprigs fresh parsley
Instructions
- Gather all ingredients before starting the recipe.
- Peel and chop 1 medium onion 2 ribs celery and 2 medium carrots cut into 1/2" dice.
- Heat 1 tbsp oil in a medium sized stock pot over medium heat, add 6 slices bacon, cut into 1/2" pieces and cook until the bacon turns golden and is crispy. Remove bacon to a plate and reserve.
- Add chopped vegetables to the oil and the rendered fat and stir to combine. Sauté until the onions are translucent, about 4-5 minutes. Grate 3 cloves garlic into the vegetable mixture, stir and cook for another minute. Add 1 tsp paprika, 1 tsp cumin, 1 tsp chili powder, 1 tsp ground black pepper and stir to combine.
- Add 1 lb black eyed peas and stir to combine.
- Add 1 15 oz can chopped tomatoes and 1/2 lb ham and stir to combine.
- Add 1 32 oz carton chicken stock , stir to combine, bring mixture to a boil, then reduce to a simmer and cook for 15-20 minutes or until the carrots and celery are soft. Add 1 small bunch collard greens, chopped and cook for another 5-10 minutes.
- If using a ham bone, remove bone and dice ham and return ham to soup. Top with chopped parsley and reserved crumbled bacon.
Author Notes
This soup can be a hearty and satisfying vegetarian dish if you omit the bacon, ham and substitute vegetable stock. You will not sacrifice flavor by omitting or substituting these ingredients.
