Frequently Asked Questions
What is Hearty Southern Black-eyed Pea Beef Soup?
It is a soul-satisfying blend of tender ground beef, lively vegetables, and nutritious black-eyed peas in a rich, savory base.
What kind of meat is used in this soup?
This recipe uses 1 lb of ground beef, which is browned and drained of excess fat.
Can I use dried black-eyed peas?
Yes, you can use 6 cups of black-eyed peas that are either canned or cooked from dried.
How long does the soup need to simmer?
After adding all major ingredients, let the soup simmer for about 20-30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
What vegetables are included in the recipe?
The soup contains onions, celery, carrots, green pepper, and diced tomatoes.
How do I thicken the soup?
Whisk together flour and water into a smooth slurry, then strain it into the soup while stirring continuously.
What kind of stock should I use?
The recipe calls for beef stock to cover the mixture, which enhances the savory beef flavor.
What should I serve with this soup?
It is recommended to serve this hearty soup with crusty bread for a complete meal.
How do I prepare the onions?
You should dice enough onions to make 2 cups.
How long should I saute the vegetables?
Sauté the diced onions, chopped celery, carrots, and green pepper for 5-7 minutes until they begin to soften.
Can I use garlic powder?
Yes, you can use either 1 teaspoon of minced garlic or garlic powder.
What type of tomatoes should I use?
The recipe requires 4 cups of diced tomatoes, which can be fresh or canned.
How much ground beef do I need?
The recipe calls for 1 lb of ground beef.
Can I add extra seasonings?
Yes, you can stir in any additional seasonings you prefer along with the garlic, salt, and black pepper.
Is this soup nutritious?
Yes, it is a nourishing meal featuring a variety of vegetables and protein-rich black-eyed peas.
What is the first step in making this soup?
The first step is browning the ground beef in a large pot and draining any excess fat.
How much celery is required?
You will need 1 cup of chopped celery.
How many carrots are needed?
The recipe specifies 2 cups of chopped carrots.
What is the amount of green pepper used?
The recipe uses 1 cup of chopped green pepper.
Why should I strain the flour mixture?
Straining the flour and water slurry helps prevent lumps from forming in your soup.
Is this soup suitable for cold weather?
Yes, it is described as a robust and soul-satisfying soup perfect for chilly days.
How much black pepper is used?
The recipe calls for 1 tablespoon of black pepper, which can be adjusted to taste.
Can I use a different type of stock?
While beef stock is recommended for depth, you can use vegetable stock as a substitute.
When do I add the black-eyed peas?
Add the black-eyed peas to the pot along with the diced tomatoes and beef stock after the vegetables have softened.
Is this recipe considered easy?
Yes, it is tagged as an easy recipe suitable for family and friends.
What should I do if the soup is too thin?
Continue to simmer the soup after adding the flour thickener until your desired thickness is reached.
How much garlic is in the recipe?
The recipe uses 1 teaspoon of garlic.
Can I make this soup in advance?
Yes, hearty soups like this often taste even better as the flavors have more time to meld together.
What is the total amount of black-eyed peas?
You need 6 cups of canned or cooked black-eyed peas.
Is this a traditional Southern recipe?
Yes, it is titled and tagged as a Hearty Southern soup.