New Year'S Day Soup
A hearty New Year's Day soup combining mixed beans, ham, and tomatoes for a comforting, flavorful dish that promotes health and prosperity, perfect for celebrating the new year.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Wash the beans and soak them for 24 hours.
- Drain the soaked beans.
- In a large Dutch oven, add the beans, water, diced ham, chopped onion, minced garlic, and whole tomatoes.
- Cover and bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat and simmer for 1 to 2 hours or until the beans are tender.
- Add the tomatoes with chilies.
- Simmer for an additional 30 minutes.
- Sprinkle with cheese before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding spices like cumin or smoked paprika. If you don't have mixed beans, you can substitute with a single type or use canned beans for a quicker prep, but adjust the cooking time accordingly. Adding a bay leaf while simmering can enhance the taste. If you prefer less meat, reduce the diced ham or add more vegetables.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the soup hot, garnished with shredded cheese and fresh herbs for added flavor. It pairs beautifully with crusty bread or a side salad. For a complete meal, consider serving it alongside dishes like Pork Hocks And Sauerkraut or a light fruit salad.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. To reheat, simply warm on the stovetop over medium heat, adding a splash of water if it thickens too much. This soup also freezes well, so consider portioning it out for easy meals later.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of New Year'S Day Soup contains roughly 1880 calories, with 34g protein, 230g carbohydrates, and 93g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (85% of the Daily Value), protein (69% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (65% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2713mg per serving (118% 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?
Yes, you can use canned beans to save time. Rinse and drain them before adding to the soup. Reduce the simmering time to about 30 minutes, just enough to heat everything through and blend the flavors.
What can I add to make this soup spicier?
To add some heat, consider incorporating diced jalapeños or a splash of hot sauce. You could also use tomatoes with chilies instead of regular whole tomatoes for an extra kick.
Is it possible to make this vegetarian?
Absolutely! You can omit the ham and replace it with smoked paprika or liquid smoke for a similar depth of flavor. Additionally, you can add more vegetables like carrots or bell peppers for a nutritious boost.
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).