New Year’s Soup

ew Year’s Soup is a comforting, hearty dish that’s perfect for welcoming the new year with warmth and nourishment. Filled with tender vegetables, smoky ham, and earthy black-eyed peas, this soup is not only delicious but also symbolizes luck and prosperity—a tradition in many cultures. Serve it with some crusty bread, and you’ve got a meal that’s wholesome, easy, and full of flavor to kick off the new year right.

Table of Contents

• Ingredients
• Instructions
• Cooking Notes
• Variations
• Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
• Conclusion

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 3 medium carrots, diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 1 bell pepper, diced (red or green)
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• 1 smoked ham hock or 1 1/2 cups diced cooked ham
• 1 (15 oz) can diced tomatoes
• 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
• 1 cup dried black-eyed peas (soaked overnight) or 2 (15 oz) cans black-eyed peas, drained and rinsed
• 2 cups chopped kale or spinach
• Salt, to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish, optional)

Instructions

Step 1: Sauté the Vegetables

1. In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion, carrots, celery, and bell pepper. Sauté for 5-6 minutes, or until the vegetables are softened.
2. Stir in the minced garlic, smoked paprika, dried thyme, oregano, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, until fragrant.

Step 2: Add the Ham and Black-Eyed Peas

1. Add the smoked ham hock (or diced ham), diced tomatoes, chicken or vegetable broth, and black-eyed peas to the pot. Stir to combine.
2. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Cover and cook for about 45 minutes if using dried black-eyed peas, or 20 minutes if using canned peas, until the peas are tender and the flavors have melded together.

Step 3: Add the Greens

1. Stir in the chopped kale or spinach and let cook for an additional 5-7 minutes, until the greens are wilted and tender.
2. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt if needed.

Step 4: Serve

1. Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with chopped fresh parsley, if desired.
2. Serve warm, with crusty bread on the side for dipping.

Cooking Notes

• Black-Eyed Peas: If using dried black-eyed peas, be sure to soak them overnight for even cooking. You can also use canned black-eyed peas for convenience.
• Ham: A smoked ham hock adds great flavor to the soup, but diced cooked ham works just as well and makes the soup easier to serve.
• Greens: Kale or spinach both work wonderfully in this soup, adding a healthy boost of nutrients. You could also use collard greens for a more traditional touch.

Variations

Vegan New Year’s Soup

• To make this soup vegan, use vegetable broth and omit the ham. Substitute the ham with smoked tempeh or add extra vegetables like mushrooms for a hearty texture.

Spicy New Year’s Soup

• Add more red pepper flakes or a chopped jalapeño for a spicy kick that complements the smoky flavors.

Bean and Lentil New Year’s Soup

• Replace half of the black-eyed peas with green or brown lentils for added protein and texture. The lentils will add a hearty element that pairs well with the vegetables.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I Make This Soup Ahead of Time?

Yes! This soup is even better the next day as the flavors continue to meld together. You can make it up to 2 days in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Reheat on the stovetop before serving.

How Should I Store Leftovers?

Store any leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat before serving.

Can I Use a Different Type of Bean?

Absolutely! While black-eyed peas are traditional for New Year’s, you can use navy beans, cannellini beans, or even chickpeas if that’s what you have on hand.

New Year’s Soup is a warm, hearty dish that’s perfect for starting the year with a bowl of comfort and good luck. Whether you make it with ham or go for a vegan version, it’s a delicious way to bring people together and share a wholesome meal. With its smoky, savory flavor and nourishing ingredients, this soup will help you kick off the new year in a positive and tasty way.

Happy cooking, and may your new year be filled with good health and delicious meals!