Good Luck Soup
A hearty, flavorful bean and vegetable soup with smoky ham, seasoned with spices and herbs, perfect for comforting meals and suitable for gatherings or family dinners.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cover the dry mixed beans with water and soak for 3 hours or more.
- Drain the beans, add fresh water, the ham, and simmer for 1 1/2 hours.
- Sauté all vegetables—tomato, green pepper, celery, onion, garlic—in a pan until tender.
- Add the sautéed vegetables to the beans and continue to simmer until the beans are tender.
- Add seasonings including cayenne pepper, paprika, bay leaves, Worcestershire sauce, and salt, adjusting to taste.
- Serve the soup hot with rice and/or cornbread.
Tips & Substitutions
For a heartier version, consider adding diced potatoes or carrots to the soup. If you're short on time, canned beans can be used instead of dry beans; just reduce the cooking time. For a vegetarian option, omit the ham and use vegetable broth along with your favorite seasonal vegetables. Adding a squeeze of lemon juice just before serving can brighten the flavors.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Good Luck Soup hot, accompanied by a side of cornbread or over a bed of rice for a filling meal. It pairs beautifully with Broccoli And Grape Salad for a refreshing contrast. Garnish with fresh herbs or a dollop of sour cream for added richness, and feel free to adjust the spice level to your preference.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. To reheat, simply warm on the stove over medium heat until heated through, adding a splash of water or broth if the soup thickens. This soup also freezes well; just ensure it's cooled before transferring to a freezer-safe container.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Good Luck Soup contains roughly 24 calories, with 1g protein, 4g carbohydrates, and 1g fat. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 531mg per serving (23% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use fresh beans instead of dried beans?
Yes, you can use fresh beans, but keep in mind that the cooking time may vary. Fresh beans typically require less time to cook than dried beans, so adjust the simmering time accordingly to ensure they are tender.
What can I substitute for ham in this recipe?
If you're looking for a substitute for ham, consider using smoked turkey or tempeh for a vegetarian option. Both will add a smoky flavor to the soup. Alternatively, you can simply skip the meat and include extra veggies for a lighter version.
How can I make this soup spicier?
To increase the spiciness of your Good Luck Soup, you can add more cayenne pepper or include diced jalapeños when sautéing the vegetables. Additionally, a splash of hot sauce or some crushed red pepper flakes can elevate the heat level to your liking.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).