Southern Swamp Soup – A Flavorful and Hearty Southern Soup Recipe

Swamp Soup combines Southern culinary traditions in a hearty dish of collard greens, beans, sausage, and vegetables in a savory broth. This recipe delivers a flavorful balance of savory, smoky, and slightly spicy, making it ideal for cozy dinners or potlucks.

Southern Swamp Soup Recipe | Best Swamp Soup with Greens, Beans & Sausage

DifficultyMedium

Servings6

Prep time15 minutes

Cook time40 minutes

Total time55 minutes

Southern-swamp-soup-stew

Ingredients

For the Soup:

  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 lb smoked sausage (Andouille, kielbasa, or chorizo), sliced
  • 1 small onion, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for spice)
  • 1 tsp dried thyme
  • 1 15 oz can diced tomatoes, drained
  • 4 cups chicken broth (or vegetable broth for a lighter version)
  • 1 15 oz can black-eyed peas, drained and rinsed
  • 1 15 oz can great northern beans, drained and rinsed
  • 4 cups chopped collard greens (or kale, mustard greens, or Swiss chard)
  • 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
  • Salt to taste

For Garnishing (Optional):

  • Chopped fresh parsley
  • Hot sauce for extra heat
  • Cornbread on the side

Let's Get Cooking!

Instructions:

  • 1

    Brown the Sausage

    1. Heat olive oil in a large Dutch oven over medium heat.
    2. Add sliced smoked sausage and cook for 4-5 minutes until browned. Remove and set aside.
  • 2

    Sauté the Aromatics

    1. In the same pot, add diced onion and cook for 3 minutes until softened.
    2. Stir in garlic, smoked paprika, black pepper, red pepper flakes, and thyme. Cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  • 3

    Build the Broth

    1. Add diced tomatoes and chicken broth, stirring to deglaze the pan.
    2. Stir in black-eyed peas, great northern beans, and cooked sausage.
  • 4

    Simmer the Soup

    1. Bring the soup to a gentle simmer and let cook for 15 minutes.
    2. Stir in collard greens and continue simmering for another 15-20 minutes until the greens are tender.
  • 5

    Finish with Vinegar & Seasoning

    1. Stir in apple cider vinegar to brighten the flavors.
    2. Taste and adjust seasoning, adding salt if needed.
  • 6

    Serve & Enjoy!

    1. Ladle into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley and hot sauce.
    2. Serve with cornbread, rice, or crusty bread.

Equipment

Recipe Notes and Variations

Recipe Notes for the Best Swamp Soup

✔ How to Choose the Best Sausage

  • Andouille sausage gives a smoky, spicy Cajun kick.
  • Kielbasa or smoked turkey sausage provides a milder, well-rounded flavor.
  • For a leaner option, use chicken or turkey sausage.

✔ How to Avoid a Watery Soup

  • Let the soup simmer uncovered for the last 10 minutes to reduce and concentrate flavors.
  • If you prefer a thicker texture, mash some of the beans or add a cornstarch slurry.

✔ Balancing the Flavors

  • The apple cider vinegar at the end adds brightness—don’t skip it!
  • If the soup tastes too bland, add a bit more salt, smoked paprika, or a squeeze of lemon juice.

✔ Storage and Reheating

  • Refrigerate for up to 4 days in an airtight container.
  • Freeze for up to 3 months—just thaw and reheat on the stove.
  • Reheat in a pot over medium heat, adding a little water or broth if it thickened in storage.

Variations of Swamp Soup

1. Protein Swaps

✔ Seafood Swamp Soup

  • Add shrimp, crab, or crawfish in the last 5 minutes of cooking for a seafood twist.

✔ Chicken Swamp Soup

  • Replace sausage with shredded rotisserie chicken for a lighter protein option.

✔ Vegetarian Swamp Soup

  • Omit the meat and add extra beans, mushrooms, or lentils for a plant-based version.

✔ Spicy Cajun Swamp Soup

  • Add a teaspoon of Cajun seasoning and ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper for more heat.

2. Ingredient Substitutions

✔ Different Greens

  • Swap collard greens for kale, mustard greens, or turnip greens.
  • For a milder taste, use Swiss chard or baby spinach (but add it in the last 5 minutes).

✔ Swap the Beans

  • Instead of black-eyed peas and great northern beans, try:
    • Kidney beans for a heartier texture.
    • Lima beans for a creamier soup.
    • Pinto beans for a more Southern feel.

✔ Want it More Hearty? Add Grains!

  • Stir in cooked rice, barley, or farro to add more texture and make it extra filling.

3. Cooking Method Variations

✔ Slow Cooker Swamp Soup

  • Brown the sausage and onions first, then transfer everything to a slow cooker.
  • Cook on LOW for 6-7 hours or HIGH for 3-4 hours.

✔ Instant Pot Swamp Soup

  • Sauté sausage, onion, and garlic using the Sauté mode.
  • Add broth, beans, and greens.
  • Pressure cook on High for 10 minutes, then let natural release for 10 minutes.

✔ Air Fryer Swamp Soup Topping

  • Roast extra sausage slices or chickpeas in the air fryer at 375°F for 5-7 minutes for a crispy garnish.

4. Best Side Dishes to Serve with Swamp Soup

✔ Classic Southern Sides

  • Cornbread – The perfect pairing for soaking up the broth.
  • Cheesy Grits – Adds a creamy contrast to the soup’s bold flavors.
  • Fried Okra – For extra Southern crunch.

✔ Light & Fresh Pairings

  • Cucumber & Tomato Salad – A refreshing, tangy side.
  • Pickled Okra or Green Beans – Adds acidity to balance the richness.

✔ Rice or Bread Options

  • Serve over steamed white rice, brown rice, or quinoa.
  • Crusty baguette or buttery biscuits complement the broth.

5. Making Swamp Stew Instead of Soup

✔ Thicker Swamp Stew Variation

  • Use ½ the broth for a stew-like consistency.
  • Stir in a mashed sweet potato or extra beans to naturally thicken the soup.
  • Add cornstarch slurry (1 tbsp cornstarch + 2 tbsp water) if needed.

Why You’ll Love This Swamp Soup Recipe

✔ Easy & Budget-Friendly: Uses affordable pantry staples.
✔ High in Protein & Fiber: A well-balanced meal packed with nutrients.
✔ Perfect for Cold Weather: A hearty Southern soup that warms you up!
✔ Meal Prep-Friendly: Tastes even better the next day.

This swamp soup recipe is a must-try Southern soup, whether you’re looking for an easy weeknight meal, a cozy winter dinner, or a flavorful one-pot recipe. Enjoy!

Nutrition

Calories365
Carbohydrates35g
Cholesterol45mg
Fat18g
Fiber8g
Protein22g
Saturated Fat6g
Sodium780mg
Sugar5g
Unsaturated Fat10g

History, Evolution, and Inspiration Behind Swamp Soup

Where Did Swamp Soup Originate?

The origins of Swamp Soup can be traced back to the Southern United States, where rural communities and home cooks relied on nutrient-rich greens, beans, and smoked meats to create affordable yet delicious meals.

Many Southern soups, such as gumbo, collard greens stew, and Cajun soups, share similarities with Swamp Soup. This dish likely evolved from a combination of Louisiana Creole, Cajun, and deep South home cooking traditions.

While some swamp soup recipes include seafood, rice, or even alligator meat, this version sticks to the classic Southern-style swamp stew recipe, which is flavorful, easy to make, and perfect for any season.

The Art of Cooking the Best Swamp Soup

✔ Choosing the Right Greens for Swamp Soup

  • Collard greens are the most traditional choice, but you can use turnip greens, mustard greens, or kale.
  • If you want a softer texture, use baby spinach or Swiss chard.

✔ The Secret to a Flavorful Broth

  • Using smoked sausage and a mix of spices gives the broth a deep, smoky richness.
  • Adding a splash of apple cider vinegar at the end balances out the flavors.

✔ Making It Thick Like Swamp Stew

  • For a heartier consistency, you can add diced potatoes, corn, or okra.
  • Some Southern cooks like to add cooked rice or barley to thicken the soup.

✔ The Best Sausage for Swamp Soup

  • Andouille sausage is great for a Cajun twist.
  • Smoked kielbasa or chorizo works well for a bolder, spicier flavor.

Why This Swamp Soup Recipe is Perfect for Any Occasion

✔ A Cozy Comfort Meal: Perfect for cold nights, fall and winter meals, and rainy days.
✔ Great for Meal Prep: The flavors get better over time, making it an excellent make-ahead dish.
✔ Ideal for Potlucks and Gatherings: It’s easy to make in large batches and serves a crowd.
✔ Nutritious & Satisfying: Packed with greens, beans, and protein, this soup is wholesome and filling.

Spatula Daddy

Hi! 👋 I’m Michael, here to bring bold flavors and real-world cooking know-how straight to your table!

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