Vegan Black Eyed Pea Soup Recipe for Cozy Comfort Food

Black eyed pea soup is a classic dish that brings warmth, comfort, and nourishment to any table. Perfect for chilly days or when you crave something hearty yet wholesome, this vegan black eyed pea soup is packed with flavor and nutrients.

Using simple, plant-based ingredients, it transforms humble black eyed peas into a savory, creamy delight that’s perfect for lunch or dinner. Whether you’re a seasoned vegan or just looking for a healthy, delicious meal, this recipe is easy to follow and sure to become a favorite in your cooking repertoire.

Plus, it’s naturally gluten-free and oil-free, making it ideal for a variety of dietary preferences.

In this recipe, you’ll find a balance of smoky, spicy, and savory notes that complement the creamy texture of the peas. It’s also highly customizable, allowing you to add your favorite vegetables or spices to suit your taste.

Ready to dive into a bowl of soul-satisfying vegan goodness? Let’s get cooking!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This vegan black eyed pea soup is incredibly easy to make, requiring just one pot and simple pantry staples. It’s a fantastic source of plant-based protein and fiber, helping you stay full and energized.

The flavors meld beautifully to create a rich, comforting soup that feels indulgent without any dairy or meat. Whether you’re meal prepping for the week or cooking for your family, this soup is versatile and freezes well, making leftovers a breeze.

Plus, it’s a great introduction to legumes if you’re new to cooking with beans!

Not only is this recipe nutritious and satisfying, but it also embraces a traditional Southern-inspired taste with a vegan twist. You’ll love how the black eyed peas become tender and flavorful, complemented by aromatic vegetables and herbs.

If you enjoy exploring vegan recipes, you might also want to check out some of our other favorites like Vegetarian Southern Recipes That Everyone Will Love or Slow Cooker Recipes Vegan Easy Meals for Busy Weeknight to keep your menu exciting.

Ingredients

• 1 cup dried black eyed peas (or 2 cups canned, drained and rinsed)
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 medium carrots, diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 1 bell pepper, diced (red or green)
• 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
• 4 cups vegetable broth
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for heat)
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons olive oil or water for sautéing
• Fresh parsley or cilantro for garnish
• Juice of 1/2 lemon (optional for brightness)

Equipment

• Large pot or Dutch oven
• Cutting board and knife
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Colander (if using dried peas)
• Ladle for serving

Instructions

1. Prepare the black eyed peas: If using dried black eyed peas, rinse them thoroughly and soak overnight in plenty of water. Drain before cooking.
2. Sauté the aromatics: In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil or water over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, carrots, celery, and bell pepper. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables start to soften.
3. Add garlic and spices: Stir in the minced garlic, smoked paprika, cumin, thyme, cayenne pepper (if using), salt, and black pepper. Cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
4. Add black eyed peas and broth: Add the soaked and drained black eyed peas (or canned peas) to the pot. Pour in the vegetable broth and diced tomatoes with their juice. Stir well to combine.
5. Simmer the soup: Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and cover with a lid. Let it simmer gently for 45-60 minutes if using dried peas, or 20-30 minutes if using canned, until the peas are tender and the flavors meld.
6. Adjust seasoning and texture: Taste the soup and adjust salt, pepper, and spices as needed. For a creamier texture, you can mash some of the peas with the back of a spoon or use an immersion blender to blend a portion of the soup.
7. Add finishing touches: Stir in the lemon juice for brightness and sprinkle fresh parsley or cilantro on top before serving.

Tips & Variations

“For an extra smoky flavor, consider adding a splash of liquid smoke or smoked sea salt. You can also toss in some chopped kale or spinach near the end of cooking for added greens and nutrients.”

Using canned black eyed peas is a great time-saver, but if you have time, dried peas provide a richer texture. Soaking dried peas reduces cooking time and improves digestibility.

Feel free to swap out vegetables based on what you have on hand. Zucchini, sweet potatoes, or even corn can add delightful variations to this soup.

For a spicy kick, add more cayenne or a dash of hot sauce. You might also enjoy pairing this soup with homemade bread—check out this Vegan Bread Machine Recipe for Soft, Delicious Loaves for inspiration.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Suggestions

This vegan black eyed pea soup pairs beautifully with crusty bread, a fresh green salad, or steamed rice for a more filling meal. Garnish with fresh herbs, a squeeze of lemon, or even a dollop of vegan sour cream for added creaminess.

For a Southern-inspired twist, serve alongside cornbread or a side of collard greens.

If you love hearty soups, you might enjoy exploring our Low Calorie Vegetable Soup Recipe for Healthy Eating or try the High Protein Vegan Soup Recipes for Healthy Meals for more nourishing options.

Conclusion

Making vegan black eyed pea soup at home is a rewarding experience that brings together wholesome ingredients into a dish that’s both comforting and nutritious. This recipe is a fantastic way to enjoy the natural goodness of black eyed peas while savoring bold, flavorful spices and fresh vegetables.

It’s perfect for meal prep, family dinners, or cozy nights in, offering a satisfying plant-based meal that doesn’t compromise on taste.

Whether you’re new to vegan cooking or a seasoned pro, this soup’s adaptability and ease make it a kitchen staple. Don’t hesitate to experiment with your favorite veggies or spices to make it uniquely yours.

For more delicious and healthy vegan recipes, explore our collection including Vegetarian Date Cake Recipe: Moist, Easy, and Delicious for a sweet finish, or check out our Vegetarian Middle Eastern Recipes for Easy, Flavorful Meals to broaden your culinary horizons.

{“@context”: “https://schema.org/”, “@type”: “Recipe”, “name”: “Vegan Black Eyed Pea Soup”, “image”: [], “author”: {“@type”: “Organization”, “name”: “GluttonLv”}, “description”: “A hearty and flavorful vegan black eyed pea soup packed with vegetables and spices. Perfect for a comforting and nutritious meal any day of the week.”, “prepTime”: “PT15M”, “cookTime”: “PT45M”, “totalTime”: “PT60M”, “recipeYield”: “6 servings”, “recipeIngredient”: [“1 cup dried black eyed peas, soaked overnight and drained”, “1 tablespoon olive oil”, “1 medium onion, diced”, “2 cloves garlic, minced”, “2 medium carrots, diced”, “2 celery stalks, diced”, “1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes”, “4 cups vegetable broth”, “1 teaspoon smoked paprika”, “1/2 teaspoon ground cumin”, “Salt and pepper to taste”, “2 cups chopped kale or spinach”], “recipeInstructions”: [{“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Add onion, garlic, carrots, and celery; saut\u00e9 until softened, about 5 minutes.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Stir in smoked paprika and cumin; cook for 1 minute.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Add black eyed peas, diced tomatoes, and vegetable broth.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 40 minutes, until peas are tender.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Stir in kale or spinach and cook for 5 more minutes.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Season with salt and pepper to taste and serve warm.”}], “nutrition”: {“calories”: “220 kcal”, “proteinContent”: “12 g”, “fatContent”: “5 g”, “carbohydrateContent”: “35 g”}}