New Years Good Luck Bean Soup
A hearty, flavorful bean soup packed with mixed beans, ham, and vegetables, perfect for New Year's celebrations and bringing good luck for the year ahead.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Wash the beans and cover with water.
- Add 2 tablespoons of salt and soak overnight.
- Drain the beans and add 2 quarts of water, ham, and chopped onion.
- Bring to a boil and cook slowly for 2 to 3 hours.
- Add canned tomatoes, minced garlic, lemon juice, salt, and pepper to taste, and hot red pepper if desired.
- Simmer the soup for another hour or so.
- Serve hot, ideally with cornbread on New Year's Day.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider mashing a portion of the beans before serving. If you don't have all the beans listed, you can substitute with other dried beans or even canned beans, but adjust the cooking time accordingly. If you want added flavor, try incorporating a smoked ham hock or some pieces of bacon. This soup pairs well with cornbread for a hearty meal.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this hearty bean soup hot, garnished with fresh herbs for an extra touch. It pairs beautifully with cornbread to soak up the delicious broth. For a complete meal, consider serving alongside a crisp Salad or a side of Roasted Honey Pepper Pork to enhance the flavors of the soup.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. To reheat, simply warm on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of water if it thickens too much. You can also reheat individual portions in the microwave for convenience, ensuring they are heated thoroughly before serving.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of New Years Good Luck Bean Soup contains roughly 748 calories, with 25g protein, 122g carbohydrates, and 21g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (247% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (61% of the Daily Value), and protein (51% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2716mg 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 beans?
Yes, you can use canned beans to save time. If using canned beans, add them towards the end of cooking to heat through, as they are already cooked. Adjust the salt accordingly since canned beans can be high in sodium.
What can I use instead of ham for a vegetarian option?
For a vegetarian version, you can omit the ham and add smoked paprika or liquid smoke for depth of flavor. You may also include diced vegetables like carrots or celery to enhance the taste of the soup.
How can I make this soup spicier?
To add heat to your soup, include chopped jalapeños or a dash of cayenne pepper during cooking. You can also serve it with hot sauce on the side for those who prefer extra spice.
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).