Southern Soul Food Bean and Sausage Soup Recipe

Introduction:

Southern Soul Food Bean and Sausage Soup is the epitome of comfort food—rich, savory, and full of bold flavors. A staple in Southern cuisine, this soup combines smoky sausage, hearty black-eyed peas, and tender collard greens in a flavorful, nutrient-packed broth. Perfect for cold nights or when you need a satisfying meal, this dish not only warms the body but also feeds the soul.

With its balance of protein from the sausage, fiber from the beans, and vitamins from the greens, this soup is both comforting and nutritious. Whether you’re cooking for your family or preparing for a get-together, this recipe will quickly become a favorite in your home.

Ingredients:

To make your own delicious Southern Soul Food Bean and Sausage Soup, you’ll need the following ingredients:

• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 lb smoked sausage (sliced into rounds, such as Andouille, kielbasa, or your preferred smoked sausage)
• 1 small onion (diced)
• 2 cloves garlic (minced)
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 2 cups cooked black-eyed peas (or canned, drained and rinsed)
• 2 cups fresh collard greens (stems removed, chopped)
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• ½ tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
• ½ tsp salt (adjust to taste)
• 1 tsp black pepper
• 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar (optional, for a tangy kick)

How to Make Southern Soul Food Bean and Sausage Soup – Step by Step:

Step 1: Cook the Sausage

• Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
• Add the smoked sausage slices and cook for about 4-5 minutes until browned and crispy on both sides.
• Remove the sausage from the pot and set it aside, leaving some of the sausage drippings in the pot for flavor.

Step 2: Sauté the Onion and Garlic

• In the same pot, add the diced onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until softened and translucent.
• Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute to release its fragrant oils.

Step 3: Add Broth and Black-Eyed Peas

• Pour in the chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot for extra flavor.
• Add the black-eyed peas, collard greens, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper. Stir well to combine all the ingredients.

Step 4: Simmer

• Bring the soup to a simmer over medium-high heat. Once it reaches a boil, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for at least 20 minutes, or until the collard greens are tender and the flavors have melded together.

Step 5: Add Sausage and Vinegar

• Stir the sausage back into the soup, along with the apple cider vinegar if you’re using it. Let the soup simmer for another 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to fully combine and the sausage to heat through.

Helpful Tips for Southern Soul Food Bean and Sausage Soup:

• Use Fresh Collard Greens: For the best taste, opt for fresh collard greens instead of frozen ones.
• Adjust the Spice: If you like a spicier soup, feel free to add more cayenne pepper or a splash of hot sauce.
• Sausage Variations: You can experiment with different smoked sausages, such as Andouille, Kielbasa, or Chorizo, for varying flavors.
• Greens Substitution: If you can’t find collard greens, spinach, kale, or mustard greens are excellent substitutes.

Cooking Tips for the Best Southern Soul Food Bean and Sausage Soup:

• Slow Simmer for Flavor: Let the soup simmer for a while to allow all the flavors to blend and develop. The longer you simmer, the more flavorful the soup will be.
• Use a Dutch Oven: A Dutch oven provides even heat distribution and is perfect for making soups and stews.
• Let the Soup Rest: If you have time, let the soup sit for an hour or more before serving. This allows the flavors to deepen.

Serving Suggestions for Southern Soul Food Bean and Sausage Soup:

• Cornbread: A classic Southern side, cornbread pairs wonderfully with this soup, adding a sweet, fluffy contrast to the savory broth.
• Rice: Serve the soup over a bed of steamed rice to make it more filling and hearty.
• Pickled Vegetables or Hot Sauce: A side of tangy pickled vegetables or a few dashes of hot sauce can help balance the richness of the soup.

Nutritional Information:

This Southern Soul Food Bean and Sausage Soup is packed with nutrients and makes for a well-rounded meal:

• High in Fiber: Black-eyed peas and collard greens provide an excellent source of fiber.
• Packed with Vitamins: Collard greens are a great source of vitamins A, C, and K.
• Protein-Rich: Smoked sausage provides a satisfying amount of protein.
• Comforting and Hearty: This soup is not only filling but also nutritious, making it an ideal comfort food.

Nutritional Information (per serving):

• Calories: 320 kcal
• Fat: 18g
• Carbohydrates: 24g
• Protein: 18g
• Fiber: 6g
• Sodium: 900mg

Storage and Leftovers:

• Refrigeration: Leftover soup can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-5 days. When reheating, you can add a little more broth if the soup has thickened too much.
• Freezing: This soup freezes well! Let it cool completely before transferring to a freezer-safe container. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to eat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat on the stove.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):

1. Can I make this soup in a slow cooker?
Yes, you can! Brown the sausage and sauté the garlic and onion, then add everything to the slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours for a hands-off approach.

2. Can I use dried black-eyed peas instead of canned?
Absolutely! Just be sure to cook the dried peas separately before adding them to the soup. Follow the cooking instructions on the package for the correct time.

3. Can I make this soup vegetarian or vegan?
Yes! Skip the smoked sausage and replace it with vegetarian sausage or add more vegetables (such as carrots or potatoes) to make it a hearty vegan version.

4. Can I freeze this soup?
Yes, this soup freezes very well! Be sure to let it cool to room temperature before storing it in a freezer-safe container. It will last for up to 3 months in the freezer.

Conclusion:

Southern Soul Food Bean and Sausage Soup is a classic dish that brings comfort and warmth to the table. With its rich, smoky flavors and nourishing ingredients, it’s a soup that satisfies both the taste buds and the soul. Perfect for chilly nights or feeding a crowd, this hearty soup is sure to be a hit in your home.

Enjoy making this delicious recipe, and don’t forget to share your experiences and any creative twists you add to the dish! Happy cooking!