New Year'S Day Bean Soup
A hearty New Year's Day bean soup combining a variety of beans, lentils, and smoky ham hocks for a flavorful, nourishing meal perfect for celebrating and family gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Wash all beans well and place them in a large kettle.
- Cover the beans with water, add 2 tablespoons of salt, and soak overnight.
- Drain the beans well and add 2 quarts of water along with ham hocks to the kettle.
- Bring to a boil and then simmer slowly for 2 1/2 to 3 hours.
- Add the chopped onion, tomatoes, and remaining ingredients to the soup.
- Simmer for an additional 30 minutes.
- Serve hot and enjoy. The soup freezes well for later use.
Tips & Substitutions
Soaking the beans overnight not only reduces cooking time but also helps in digestibility. If you're short on time, a quick soak method can be used: boil the beans for 2 minutes, then let them sit for 1 hour. If you want a vegetarian version, omit the ham hocks and add smoked paprika for depth. Consider adding carrots or celery for additional flavor and nutrition.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the New Year's Day Bean Soup with crusty bread or cornbread for a hearty meal. A side salad with a tangy vinaigrette complements the richness of the soup beautifully. This dish also pairs well with American recipes like Cheddar Olives for a snack or appetizer before the main course.
Storage & Reheating
Allow the soup to cool completely before storing. Transfer leftovers to airtight containers and refrigerate for up to 4 days. For longer storage, freeze the soup in portions. When reheating, do so on the stovetop over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth to loosen the consistency if needed.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of New Year'S Day Bean Soup contains roughly 263 calories, with 12g protein, 49g carbohydrates, and 3g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (43% of the Daily Value), iron (31% of the Daily Value), and protein (25% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1893mg per serving (82% 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 canned beans instead of dried beans?
Yes, you can use canned beans to save time. If using canned beans, reduce the cooking time significantly and add them towards the end of the cooking process, just to heat through and absorb flavors.
What can I substitute for ham hocks?
If you're looking for a substitute for ham hocks, smoked turkey legs or bacon can provide a similar smoky flavor. For a vegetarian option, use liquid smoke or smoked paprika to infuse the soup with depth.
How can I thicken the soup if it's too watery?
If your soup turns out too watery, you can thicken it by mashing some of the beans against the side of the pot or adding a slurry of cornstarch and water. Another option is to let it simmer uncovered for a while to reduce the liquid.
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).