Hearty black-eyed pea soup eaten on New Year's Day brings good luck along with high protein, healthy nourishment. This family tradition is packed with fiber and supports clean eats.
Rinse the black-eyed peas thoroughly and soak them in water for at least 4 hours or overnight for best texture.
In a large soup pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Sauté diced onion, celery, and carrot for 5-7 minutes until softened. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute.
Add soaked black-eyed peas (drained), smoked turkey leg, diced tomatoes with juices, bay leaves, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.
Pour in the chicken broth, raise the heat, and bring to a gentle boil. Skim any foam, then reduce heat to low, cover the pot, and simmer gently for 75-90 minutes until peas are tender but not mushy.
Remove turkey leg and bay leaves. Shred turkey meat, discarding skin and bone, then return meat to the pot. Adjust salt to taste, simmer uncovered 10 minutes to finish and thicken the soup slightly before serving.