Collard Green and Black-Eyed Pea Soup 🍲
Overview:
This Collard Green and Black-Eyed Pea Soup is a beloved Southern traditional dish, often served on New Year’s Day to usher in prosperity and luck for the year ahead. Originally created for Oprah Winfrey by the renowned chef Art Smith, this hearty soup combines the earthy flavors of collard greens and black-eyed peas with the savory goodness of chicken, sausages, and bacon. With its warming spices and comforting aroma, this soup is perfect for cold winter days or festive brunch gatherings.
Recipe Category: One Dish Meal
Keywords: Chicken, Collard Greens, Poultry, Greens, Beans, Vegetable, Meat, Winter, Spicy, Brunch, < 4 Hours, Inexpensive
Aggregated Rating: 5/5 ⭐
Calories: 578.5 per serving
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour
Total Time: 1 hour and 10 minutes

Ingredients:
Quantity | Ingredient |
---|---|
1-2 | Chicken Wings |
4 | Onion |
1 | Garlic Clove |
4 | Canned Stewed Tomatoes |
1 1/2 tsp | Ground Turmeric |
1 tsp | Ground Cumin |
1 tsp | Dried Oregano |
1 | Potato |
4 cups | Black-Eyed Peas |
2 | Sausages |
3 slices | Bacon |
6 cups | Collard Greens |
Instructions:
-
Prepare the Base:
- In a large soup pot, combine the chicken wings with chicken stock, chopped onions, minced garlic, ground turmeric, ground cumin, and dried oregano. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil over medium-high heat.
-
Simmer with Tomatoes:
- Once boiling, reduce the heat to medium-low and add the canned stewed tomatoes, crushing them slightly with your hands as you add them to the pot. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Allow the soup to simmer until the chicken wings are tender and cooked through, which usually takes about 30-40 minutes.
-
Add Potatoes and Peas:
- Peel and dice the potatoes into bite-sized pieces, then add them to the simmering soup along with the black-eyed peas, sliced sausages, and chopped bacon. Stir well to combine, then let the soup simmer for an additional 30 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
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Prepare the Greens:
- While the soup is simmering, prepare the collard greens by removing the tough stems and ribs, then roughly chop the leaves into bite-sized pieces. Rinse the greens thoroughly under cold water to remove any grit or dirt.
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Finish the Soup:
- Once the soup has simmered for 30 minutes and the potatoes are tender, remove the chicken wings from the pot and set them aside to cool slightly. Once cool enough to handle, remove the meat from the bones and shred it into bite-sized pieces. Return the shredded chicken meat to the pot, discarding the bones.
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Season and Serve:
- Season the soup with additional salt, pepper, and hot sauce to taste, if desired. Ladle the hot soup into bowls and serve immediately, garnished with a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or a drizzle of olive oil, if desired. Enjoy your delicious Collard Green and Black-Eyed Pea Soup with a side of warm cornbread for a truly satisfying meal!
Tips and Variations:
- Vegetarian Option: Omit the chicken wings, sausages, and bacon, and use vegetable stock instead of chicken stock for a vegetarian version of this soup.
- Spice it Up: If you prefer a spicier soup, add a diced jalapeño or a pinch of red pepper flakes along with the other spices.
- Make it Creamy: For a creamier texture, stir in a splash of heavy cream or coconut milk just before serving.
- Storage: This soup can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days or frozen for up to 2-3 months. Simply reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave before serving.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
- Calories: 578.5
- Total Fat: 29.6g
- Saturated Fat: 8.9g
- Cholesterol: 100.9mg
- Sodium: 805.9mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 46.6g
- Dietary Fiber: 9.6g
- Sugar: 7.5g
- Protein: 33.6g
Enjoy your Collard Green and Black-Eyed Pea Soup!
This soul-warming soup is a delightful blend of flavors and textures, perfect for sharing with family and friends on any occasion. Whether you’re celebrating a special holiday or simply craving a comforting bowl of soup, this recipe is sure to please. So gather your ingredients and get cooking, and prepare to enjoy a taste of Southern hospitality with every spoonful of this delicious Collard Green and Black-Eyed Pea Soup! 🥣🍲