New Year's Day Soup

All across the south today families are eating dishes that supposedly bring you good luck for the coming year.  I won't go into a detailed discussion of what those traditional foods are except to say that many involve pork of some sort (chops, bacon, ham, bbq) and some sort of greens (collards, cabbage, kale).  In addition lots of people eat Hoppin' John which, at a minimum consists of black-eyed peas and rice.  Over the years I've eaten my share of collards and Hoppin' John made with ham but in reality I'm not terribly fond of black-eyed peas.  To me they taste kind of muddy.

Since I like bean soup and since Briar sent me a box of goodies from Kalustyan's in New York that included a dry bean mix, I thought I'd use what ingredients I have in the house to make a soup that pays homage to the New Year's Day tradition.

Mike's New Year's Day Crock Pot Bean Soup

1 14 oz package of Kalustyan's Bean & Lentils Mix with Peas (2 cups) soaked overnight

2 qts fat-free, low sodium chicken stock

3 bay leaves

1 Tbs Kalustyan's All Purpose Seasoning (although any brand like Mrs. Dash will do)

1 large onion chopped

3 cloves garlic minced

1/2 lb peppered, smoked pork loin (back or so-called Canadian bacon) diced

1 15 oz can diced tomatoes

kale

sea salt to taste

Drain the beans and add to the crock pot.  Cover with the chicken stock.  Add the bay leaves and all-purpose seasoning.  Switch the pot to the Hi setting.  After 3 hours add the onion, garlic and pork.  Stir well.  After another 3 hours add the tomatoes.  Continue to cook until the beans are tender.  For my Crock Pot brand crock pot that was another 3 hours.  (Its Hi setting isn't all that hot and I had the thing filled to the rim).  When the beans are tender add the kale and continue cooking for 15 to 30 minutes.  I can't really give you an exact amount for the kale.  I stripped the leafy part from the thick mid-ribs and broke it into large pieces until it filled a 2 qt colander, rinsed it and added it to the soup.  I did that 4 times.  Finally add salt to your liking and serve with hot rolls and butter.

Even though I was making this up as I went along I have to admit that it's damn good.  I wouldn't hesitate serving it to company, which is the highest compliment that I can pay to a dish. In the future I'll try experimenting with my own blend of herbs instead of using the all-purpose kind, different kinds of beans, and I'll probably double the garlic.

Serves 6 to 8 depending on how big a bowl you prefer.

Comments

[Margaret]

It sounds delicious. I would love some, if I ever come to visit!

[liz]

Hate black-eyed peas... love beans, greens and pork. Glad that you are blogging again!

[Kaytee]

LOL Wanna know what we had New Years Day? Medium rare steak with sauteed mushrooms and onions with garlic butter and mashed taters. That's what I happened to want to cook that day. LOL