As the final countdown to the New Year begins, the air is filled with excitement, festive cheer, and maybe a little bit of resolution-making. For many of us, that means gathering around the kitchen table with friends and family to share comforting meals that set us on the right path for abundance and prosperity in the year ahead. And one dish that has always had a special spot on my New Year’s menu is my beloved New Year’s Black-Eyed Pea Soup.

This soup isn’t just a delicious way to warm up your winter evenings; it’s steeped in Southern tradition. Black-eyed peas are thought to bring good luck and prosperity when eaten on New Year’s Day. Growing up, my grandmother would prepare a big pot every January 1st, filling the house with mouthwatering aromas that hinted at the comfort and warmth to come. Each spoonful felt like a cozy hug, reminding me of the importance of family, gratitude, and fresh starts.

If you’re looking for a dish that blends delectable flavors with a bit of tradition, let me assure you – this New Year’s Black-Eyed Pea Soup will quickly become a favorite in your home, too!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Comforting Flavors: A warm bowl of this soup is like a hug from the inside out!
• Easy Weeknight Dinner: This soup is incredibly simple to make and perfect for busy weeknights.
• Budget-Friendly: Using canned black-eyed peas and affordable produce, this dish won’t break the bank.
• Health Benefits: Packed with protein, fiber, and veggies, it’s hearty and nourishing.
• Customizable: You can easily tweak the ingredients to suit your own taste.

Ingredients

Gathering these ingredients is a breeze, and if you’ve got a well-stocked pantry, you might already have most on hand!

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 medium onion, chopped (about 1 cup)
• 2 cloves of fresh garlic, minced (fresh garlic packs way more flavor than powdered, trust me!)
• 2 medium carrots, diced
• 2 stalks celery, diced
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (for a nice, subtle smokiness)
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
• 4 cups vegetable or chicken broth
• 1 (15-ounce) can black-eyed peas, rinsed and drained (or 2 cups cooked from scratch!)
• 1 can diced tomatoes (14.5 ounces), undrained
• 1 bay leaf
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Juice of 1 lemon (to brighten it all up!)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Now, let’s get cooking! This soup is incredibly straightforward, so even if you’re new to the kitchen, you’ll do great.

1. In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Once it’s hot, toss in the chopped onion. Sauté until the onion is translucent and fragrant, about 5 minutes.
2. Add the minced garlic, diced carrots, and diced celery. Sauté for an additional 3-4 minutes until the veggies soften slightly.
3. Sprinkle in the dried thyme, smoked paprika, and ground cumin. Stir to combine, cooking for about 1 minute—this will help the spices bloom and release their flavors.
4. Pour in the broth and bring it to a gentle boil. Once bubbling, reduce the heat to a simmer.
5. Add the rinsed black-eyed peas, diced tomatoes, and bay leaf. Stir everything together and let the soup simmer uncovered for about 20-25 minutes. This will give time for the flavors to meld beautifully!
6. After simmering, remove the bay leaf. Season with salt and pepper, and add the fresh lemon juice. Taste, taste, taste! You may want to adjust the flavors to your liking.
7. Serve hot in bowls, and enjoy the warmth and comfort of this delicious New Year’s Black-Eyed Pea Soup!

Pro Tips & Variations

This is a versatile recipe, and there are so many ways you can customize it to keep things exciting! Here are some fun twists:

• Add greens: Stir in some chopped collard greens or kale in the last 5 minutes of cooking for an extra nutrient boost.
• Spice it up: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce if you like a bit of heat!
• Meaty version: For a heartier soup, throw in some diced ham or sausage. Just adjust your salt accordingly.
• Herb swap: Try using fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro instead of thyme for a different flavor profile.
• Vegan option: Make sure to use vegetable broth, and it’s already vegan-friendly!

Serving Suggestions

Cozying up with a bowl of New Year’s Black-Eyed Pea Soup is an experience in itself, but why stop there? Here are a few serving ideas to elevate your meal:

• With crusty bread: Serve it alongside a toasted slice of sourdough or a warm baguette to dip, which is perfect for sopping up every last drop!
• Over rice: You can serve a generous ladleful over a scoop of fluffy white or brown rice for added heartiness.
• Fresh salad: A light side salad with a zesty vinaigrette makes for a refreshing contrast to the warm soup.
• With coffee: There’s something so comforting about enjoying this soup with a warm cup of your favorite coffee or tea!

Storage Tips

Leftovers? Yes, please! This soup stores beautifully. Here’s how to keep it fresh:

• Refrigerating: Store any leftover soup in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Just reheat on the stove over low heat until warmed through, adding a splash of broth if needed.
• Freezing: This soup freezes wonderfully! Let it cool completely before transferring to a freezer-safe container. It’ll keep well for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, thaw it overnight in the fridge and reheat on the stove.
• Reheating: For best results, reheat slowly on the stovetop. If the soup has thickened too much, don’t hesitate to add a little broth or water to get it back to your desired consistency.

FAQs

Can I use dried black-eyed peas instead of canned?

Absolutely! If you prefer dried peas, simply soak them overnight and cook them according to the package instructions before adding them to the soup. Adjust your cooking time to account for the additional time needed for them to soften.

What if I don’t have smoked paprika?

Not to worry! You can skip it or use regular paprika if that’s what you have on hand. For a smoky flavor, consider adding a small amount of liquid smoke or using a few drops of hot sauce to add depth.

Is this soup gluten-free?

Yes! All of the ingredients here are naturally gluten-free. Just double-check the broth label to ensure it’s gluten-free as well.

How spicy is this soup?

This soup is not spicy but full of flavor! If you like a kick, you can easily add some cayenne pepper, crushed red pepper flakes, or hot sauce to spice things up to your liking.

Can I make this soup ahead of time?

Definitely! In fact, this soup tends to taste even better the next day after the flavors have had time to develop. Just make sure to store it properly and reheat it when you’re ready to enjoy!

Conclusion

I hope you’re excited to whip up this New Year’s Black-Eyed Pea Soup and share it with your loved ones. Remember, cooking is not just about the food; it’s about the memories you create and the warmth you spread. I’d love to hear how it turns out for you! Drop your thoughts, tweaks, or favorite versions in the comments below. Happy cooking and here’s to a blessed new year full of love, laughter, and delicious meals!

Delicious New Years BlackEyed Pea Soup Recipe for Luck

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• Author: antaki
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x

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Description

Savor a tasty New Years BlackEyed Pea Soup for good fortune A simple recipe to ensure luck and flavor in the new year Perfect for celebrations

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

1 tablespoon of olive oil

1 medium onion, chopped (about 1 cup)

2 cloves of fresh garlic, minced

2 medium carrots, diced

2 stalks of celery, diced

1 teaspoon of dried thyme

1 teaspoon of smoked paprika

1/2 teaspoon of ground cumin

4 cups of vegetable or chicken broth

1 (15-ounce) can of black-eyed peas, rinsed and drained

1 can of diced tomatoes (14.5 ounces), undrained

1 bay leaf

Salt and pepper to taste

Juice of 1 lemon

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Instructions

In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Once hot, add in the chopped onion. Sauté until translucent and fragrant, about 5 minutes.

Add the minced garlic, diced carrots, and diced celery. Sauté for an additional 3-4 minutes until the veggies soften slightly.

Add the dried thyme, smoked paprika, and ground cumin. Stir to combine and cook for about 1 minute to release their flavors.

Pour in the broth and bring it to a gentle boil. Reduce the heat to a simmer.

Add the rinsed black-eyed peas, diced tomatoes, and bay leaf. Stir well and let it simmer uncovered for about 20-25 minutes.

Remove the bay leaf, season with salt and pepper, and add the fresh lemon juice. Adjust the flavors to your liking.

Serve hot in bowls.

Notes

A comforting New Year’s Black-Eyed Pea Soup steeped in Southern tradition, thought to bring good luck and prosperity.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Category: Soup
• Cuisine: Southern

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4 servings
• Calories: 250
• Sugar: 4 grams
• Fat: 6 grams
• Carbohydrates: 45 grams
• Fiber: 10 grams
• Protein: 12 grams

Keywords: Black-Eyed Pea Soup, New Year’s Recipe, Southern Recipe, Comfort Food