Big Mama’s Old Black Pot Recipes: Pig’s Feet Soup

A Hearty Southern Pig’s Feet Soup Packed with Old-Fashioned Comfort

Pig’s Feet Soup is a traditional Southern dish that transforms humble ingredients into a rich, nourishing meal. Slow-simmered pig’s feet create a flavorful broth that’s combined with squash, tomatoes, and lima beans for a comforting soup full of rustic, homemade goodness. Rooted in generations of Southern cooking, this recipe reflects the tradition of making the most of every ingredient while creating meals that brought families together.

Featured in Big Mama’s Old Black Pot Recipes by Ethel Rayson Dixon, this recipe honors the resourcefulness and culinary traditions of Southern Black kitchens.

Ingredients

• 1-1/2 pounds pig’s feet
• 2 cups water
• 2 teaspoons salt
• 1/4 teaspoon ginger
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper
• 1-1/2 pounds squash (cubed)
• 2 tomatoes (chopped)
• 1 cup lima beans (cooked)

Instructions

1. Place the pig’s feet in a large stockpot with the water.
2. Season with the salt, ginger, and red pepper.
3. Cover and simmer over low heat for about 1½ hours, or until the meat is tender.
4. In a separate saucepan, cook the squash until tender. Drain any excess liquid and mash the squash lightly.
5. Add the cooked squash, chopped tomatoes, and cooked lima beans to the soup.
6. Bring everything to a gentle boil.
7. Reduce the heat, cover, and simmer for about 15 minutes, allowing the flavors to blend.
8. Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed before serving.

Serves: 3–5

Closing Summary / Pro Tips

• A traditional Southern soup made with slow-simmered pig’s feet and fresh vegetables.
• The long cooking time creates a rich, flavorful broth full of comforting goodness.
• Squash, tomatoes, and lima beans add color, texture, and hearty flavor.
• Enjoy with cornbread or biscuits for an authentic Southern comfort meal.

About the Creator

Ethel Rayson Dixon, a Louisiana native, shares recipes inspired by generations of Southern home cooking. Her cookbook highlights comforting dishes rooted in Black culinary traditions and celebrates the warmth of homemade meals prepared with simple ingredients and care.

Ethel Rayson Dixon | Big Mama’s Old Black Pot Recipes

Where to Find This Recipe

This recipe is adapted from Big Mama’s Old Black Pot Recipes by Ethel Rayson Dixon.
Find more amazing recipes like this in the book, available through local booksellers and online retailers.