pea soup with Sausage Collard Greens

This hearty and flavorful soup combines tender peas, savory sausage, and nutrient-packed collard greens for a comforting meal. It’s perfect for chilly days or when you’re craving a nutritious, satisfying dish.

Preparation Details

• Preparation Time: 15 minutes
• Cooking Time: 40 minutes
• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Cooking Intensity: Easy

Ingredients

For the Soup:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 pound (450 g) smoked sausage or kielbasa, sliced
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 2 medium carrots, diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• 4 cups (1 liter) chicken or vegetable stock
• 2 cups (500 ml) water
• 1 cup (200 g) dried split peas, rinsed
• 2 cups (about 4-5 large leaves) collard greens, chopped (stems removed)
• Salt and pepper to taste

Optional Garnishes:

• Fresh parsley, chopped
• Croutons or crusty bread

Instructions

Step 1: Sauté the Sausage and Vegetables

1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
2. Add the sausage slices and cook until browned on both sides, about 4-5 minutes. Remove the sausage and set aside.
3. In the same pot, add the onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté for 5-7 minutes until the vegetables soften. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute, until fragrant.

Step 2: Build the Soup Base

1. Stir in smoked paprika, thyme, and red pepper flakes (if using). Cook for 1 minute to toast the spices.
2. Add the rinsed split peas, chicken stock, water, and reserved sausage. Bring the mixture to a boil.

Step 3: Simmer the Soup

1. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
2. Add the collard greens and continue to simmer for another 10 minutes, or until the peas are tender and the greens are cooked.

Step 4: Season and Serve

1. Taste the soup and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
2. Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley and a side of crusty bread or croutons if desired.

Tips for Success

• For a Creamier Soup: Use an immersion blender to partially blend the soup before adding the collard greens.
• Collard Greens Substitute: Kale or spinach can be used if collard greens are unavailable.
• Add Extra Protein: For a heartier dish, include shredded chicken or turkey.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving, Serves 6)**

• Calories: 300
• Total Fat: 15g
  • Saturated Fat: 4g
• Cholesterol: 40mg
• Sodium: 750mg
• Total Carbohydrates: 25g
  • Dietary Fiber: 8g
  • Sugars: 4g
• Protein: 16g

Serving Suggestions

Enjoy this hearty soup as a standalone meal or pair it with a simple green salad. It’s also perfect for meal prep and tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld.

Warm up with this delicious, comforting Pea Soup with Sausage & Collard Greens! 🥣