New Year’s Black-Eyed Pea Soup with Sausage & Collard Greens: A Comforting Tradition

New Year’s Day is often a time for family gatherings, reflection, and most importantly, tradition. A popular dish for this occasion is Black-Eyed Pea Soup, renowned not only for its rich flavors but also for its cultural significance. According to Southern folklore, eating black-eyed peas on New Year’s Day is believed to bring good luck and prosperity in the coming year. This New Year’s Black-Eyed Pea Soup with sausage and collard greens takes the traditional recipe up a notch by adding savory sausage and nutritious greens, making it a hearty and comforting dish perfect for the occasion.

Ingredients for New Year’s Black-Eyed Pea Soup

This soup recipe combines robust flavors from pork sausage, collard greens, and black-eyed peas, cooked slowly to develop a rich, savory base. Here’s what you’ll need to make this hearty and flavorful soup:

• 1 lb dried black-eyed peas, soaked for a few hours
• 4 bunches collard greens, washed, ends trimmed, and roughly chopped
• 2 lbs pork sausage links (cooked in a skillet, then sliced)
• 2 small cartons chicken stock
• 1 1/2 teaspoons minced garlic
• 1 large can Rotel tomatoes
• 3 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste
• 1 tablespoon or less sugar (to balance bitterness)
• 1 1/2 cups water (adjust as needed)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Hot sauce (optional, for added heat)

The combination of black-eyed peas, sausage, and collard greens provides a flavorful base, while the vinegar and sugar balance the soup’s tanginess and bitterness, making it an irresistible comfort food.

Step-by-Step Directions

Making this hearty soup is easy when using a slow cooker, allowing the flavors to meld together over hours of gentle cooking. Here’s how to prepare your New Year’s Black-Eyed Pea Soup:

Step 1: Prepare the Peas

Start by soaking the dried black-eyed peas for a few hours. Once they’ve soaked, drain and rinse them thoroughly to remove any debris or impurities. This helps in ensuring the peas cook evenly and release their flavors into the soup.

Step 2: Cook the Sausage

While the peas are soaking, heat a skillet over medium heat. Add the pork sausage links and cook them until they are browned and crispy on all sides. After cooking, slice the sausage into bite-sized pieces. Set aside, and prepare to add this savory protein to the soup later.

Step 3: Assemble in the Crockpot

Once the sausage is cooked and the peas are ready, it’s time to assemble the soup in the crockpot. Add the soaked black-eyed peas, cooked sausage, collard greens, chicken stock, minced garlic, Rotel tomatoes, apple cider vinegar, tomato paste, and sugar to the crockpot.

Step 4: Add Water

Pour in approximately 1 1/2 cups of water to the mixture. Stir everything together to combine. The amount of water may need to be adjusted later depending on how much liquid the peas absorb during cooking. If you prefer a thinner soup, feel free to add more water later as the soup cooks.

Step 5: Season the Soup

Now it’s time to add flavor to the soup. Season the mixture with salt and pepper to taste. If you like a little extra heat, add a splash of hot sauce for a spicy kick.

Step 6: Cook Low and Slow

Set your crockpot to low and cook the soup for at least 10 hours, or overnight if you’re preparing it in advance. Slow cooking allows all the ingredients to meld together, creating a rich, comforting broth. Be sure to stir occasionally and taste the soup as it cooks to adjust the seasoning as needed.

Step 7: Finish and Serve

Before serving, taste the soup and adjust the seasonings with more salt, pepper, or a splash of vinegar for added acidity. When the soup is ready, ladle it into bowls and serve hot. Cornbread is a classic side to pair with this soup for a complete meal.

Why You’ll Love This Soup

There are several reasons why this New Year’s Black-Eyed Pea Soup will become a favorite at your table:

1. Rich, Hearty, and Flavorful

With the savory combination of sausage, black-eyed peas, and collard greens, this soup is as hearty as it is delicious. The slow-cooked flavors meld together beautifully, creating a rich, comforting dish that’s perfect for the cold weather.

2. Full of Tradition

Eating black-eyed peas on New Year’s Day is a well-loved tradition, believed to bring good luck for the coming year. This soup not only honors that tradition but also brings a fresh twist by incorporating collard greens and sausage, elevating it to a full meal.

3. Healthy and Nutritious

The collard greens provide essential vitamins and minerals, making this soup a nourishing option. Meanwhile, the black-eyed peas are rich in fiber, which is great for digestion and heart health. It’s a satisfying dish that nourishes both body and soul.

4. Simple and Easy to Make

With minimal prep work and the convenience of a slow cooker, this soup is easy to make and perfect for busy cooks. Set it to cook in the morning and let the crockpot do the work, leaving you with a delicious meal at the end of the day.

Tips for Success

To make sure your Black-Eyed Pea Soup turns out perfectly every time, consider these helpful tips:

• Adjust the Liquid: Depending on how much liquid the peas absorb during cooking, you may need to adjust the water. Keep an eye on the soup’s consistency, and feel free to add more water if needed.
• Use Homemade Stock: If possible, use homemade chicken stock for an even richer flavor. Store-bought stock will work just fine, but homemade stock can take the soup to the next level.
• Spice it Up: If you prefer a spicier soup, feel free to add extra hot sauce or even cayenne pepper for additional heat. You can also use smoked sausage for a smoky flavor that pairs wonderfully with the greens and peas.

Conclusion

This New Year’s Black-Eyed Pea Soup with Sausage and Collard Greens is a delicious and fulfilling dish that’s perfect for celebrating the new year or enjoying any time you crave a hearty, comforting soup. Packed with flavor and nutrients, it’s a meal that brings warmth and tradition to the table.

Whether you’re gathering with family and friends or just looking for a comforting meal on a cold evening, this soup is sure to become a beloved favorite.