Smoky Sweet Potato Black-eyed Pea Soup

Name: Smoky Sweet Potato Black-eyed Pea Soup
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 80 min
Total time: 95 min
Yield: 6 -8 servings
Ingredients: 1 lb (16 oz bag) dried black-eyed peas, soaked 8 hours (overnight) covered in water; 6 cups warm water or low-sodium veggie broth (see note below); 2 cups (280g) chopped bell peppers (I used 1 red and 1 green); 1 1/2 cups (195g) finely diced onion; 4 (2 1/2 tablespoons minced) x-large garlic cloves; 3 cups (470g) of 1/2 inch chunks peeled and chopped sweet potato; 3/4 cup (120g) medium heat salsa (use mild for less spicy); 1 tablespoon ground cumin; 2-3 teaspoons smoked paprika; 1 tablespoon + 1 teaspoon salt and 1 teaspoon black pepper; I used a medium heat level salsa from Trader Joes . This gives QUITE the kick of heat to the soup, which I wanted. If you are afraid of it being too spicy, then use a mild salsa and you can always add in cayenne pepper at the end to your liking. I found this level of spice to be perfect with the medium salsa. Also, I used water and the soup was delicious and flavorful, but if you want to use a low-sodium veggie broth, you may need a little less salt. Start with 1 tbsp and add more at the end if necessary, otherwise use the full amount)

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This Vegan Smoky Sweet Potato Black-eyed Pea Soup is full of flavor, plant-based protein, is oil-free, dairy-free and made with delicious whole foods! A total bowl of comfort that is easy to make and will leave you feeling satisfied!

Who’s ready to ring in the New Year with an amazing, comforting bowl of good-for-you soup? Me. *Raises both hands*. I think you all know by now my affinity for soups. They are my favorite thing to eat…..and create for that matter. This Smoky Sweet Potato Black-eyed Pea Soup is almost a stew because it is a fabulously, thick and hearty soup that is slow-cooked, but regardless what you call it, you will love it.

There are a ton of black-eyed pea soup recipes out there I’m sure, so I simply created mine based off of ingredients I love and would want in my own soup. I personally think a balance of sweetness goes incredibly perfect with a slightly spicy soup. One of my very first recipes I wrote for blogging, and one of my favorite soups, is my 1 Pot Sweet Potato Lentil Soup. I immediately remembered that one and how incredible the flavors were, so I decided to use that one for inspiration.

This vegan Smoky Sweet Potato Black-Eyed Pea Soup is not only incredibly healthy and good for you, it is also oil-free, low-fat and 1 pot! It’s, of course, just 8 ingredients (+ salt & pepper & water). You do need to soak the beans the night before, this produces the best texture and flavor. Sometimes canned beans just don’t cut it.

Speaking of the New Year, are you one to make traditional new commitments or plans, or do you not fall into that? I, personally, think it’s dependent on one’s personality. Some people like the new year as a new start, but I don’t need a new year for that. When I decide I want to make a change, I attempt to do it right then and there. I find if you wait until a specific date or this or that, it doesn’t tend to really stick as much. If you want something, go for it now!

Kind of like this soup, go start soaking your dried black-eyed peas now!

HOW DO YOU MAKE BLACK-EYED PEA SOUP?

To make this Smoky Sweet Potato Black-eyed Pea Soup, first you will add your dried beans to a large pot. Cover with water. Put the lid on and soak overnight or 8 hours max. Drain and rinse them well and remove any rocks or debris. Add them back to the pot and add the 6 cups warm water.

Bring the beans to a boil and as soon as it is a rolling boil, turn to low simmer, cover with a lid and cook for 60 minutes. While it is cooking, chop your bell peppers, onion, garlic and sweet potato. Gather the salsa, cumin, paprika and salt & pepper). Note: You can also prepare the cornbread muffins at this time if you want.

After the 60 minutes is up, add the remaining ingredients. Stir well and bring it back to a boil. Once boiling, turn down to medium-low heat, cover with the lid slightly tilted allowing steam still to escape and let it cook 15-20 minutes just until the potatoes are tender.

Serve this soup alongside my Magic Skillet Cornbread. But to make things a bit quicker and easier, I made them as muffins. Easier to dip into each bowl.

Let me know below what you think of this vegan, gluten-free Smoky Sweet Potato Black-Eyed Pea Soup by leaving feedback and doing the star rating please!! It means the world to me. Thank you and Happy New Year!

5 from 11 votes