Slow Cooker Ham and Blackeye Pea Soup: A Lucky, Healthy, and Delicious New Year’s Tradition

This post is sponsored by Bush’s Beans.

There’s a special kind of comfort that comes from a pantry well-stocked with versatile ingredients, and for me, beans are at the top of that list. They are the ultimate secret weapon for whipping up a wholesome and satisfying meal on the fly. Whether it’s a hearty chili, a quick salad, or a simmering soup, beans offer an incredible foundation for healthy eating. As the holiday season winds down, and we look back at weeks filled with festive indulgences, many of us start craving something lighter, yet still deeply satisfying. This is where a truly good, healthy soup comes into its own. It’s a culinary reset, a gentle way to nourish your body and soul without sacrificing flavor.

With the New Year traditionally marking a time for fresh starts and renewed intentions, I often find myself drawn to recipes that not only taste good but also carry a sense of purpose. This particular Slow Cooker Ham and Blackeye Pea Soup checks all the boxes: it’s incredibly flavorful, packed with nutrients, and steeped in a tradition that promises good luck and prosperity for the year ahead. If you’re looking for a simple, warming dish that embodies both health and hope, you’ve found your next favorite recipe. It’s an ideal way to kick off the new year, offering both comfort and a touch of good fortune in every delicious spoonful.

Why This Slow Cooker Ham and Blackeye Pea Soup is a Must-Make

The Magic of Effortless Slow Cooking

One of the greatest gifts a slow cooker offers is its ability to transform simple ingredients into something truly extraordinary with minimal effort. This Slow Cooker Ham and Blackeye Pea Soup is a perfect example. You simply combine most of your ingredients, set it, and let the magic happen. The low and slow cooking process allows all the flavors to meld beautifully, tenderizing the ham and peas to perfection, resulting in a rich, deeply flavored broth that feels like it’s been simmering all day – because it has! It’s the ultimate “set it and forget it” meal, making it ideal for busy weeknights, lazy weekends, or when you’re hosting and want to minimize kitchen time. Imagine coming home to the enticing aroma of a ready-made, hearty soup after a long day – that’s the slow cooker promise fulfilled.

Embracing the Blackeye Pea Tradition for Good Fortune

For many, particularly in the Southern United States, eating blackeye peas on New Year’s Day is a cherished tradition believed to bring good luck and prosperity for the entire year. This cultural practice dates back generations, with various legends contributing to its significance. Some say the peas symbolize coins, promising financial wealth, while others link them to the emancipation of slaves, representing freedom and new beginnings. Regardless of its exact origin, the tradition continues to thrive, making this soup not just a meal, but a symbolic gesture for a fortunate year ahead. Even if you’re new to this custom, incorporating blackeye peas into your New Year’s feast is a delightful way to participate in a rich cultural heritage and perhaps invite a little extra good luck into your life. It’s a wonderful conversation starter and a delicious way to partake in a truly unique culinary tradition.

A Powerhouse of Health and Nutrition

Beyond tradition, blackeye peas are nutritional superstars. They are an excellent source of dietary fiber, which aids digestion, helps maintain healthy blood sugar levels, and keeps you feeling full and satisfied. This makes them a fantastic ingredient for managing weight and promoting overall gut health. Additionally, blackeye peas are rich in plant-based protein, making this soup a substantial and energizing meal. They also provide essential vitamins and minerals, including folate, iron, magnesium, and potassium, all crucial for various bodily functions. Combined with lean ham, which offers protein and other nutrients, and a medley of fresh vegetables like carrots, celery, and spinach, this soup becomes a truly wholesome and balanced meal. It’s a delicious way to ensure you’re getting a generous dose of vitamins, minerals, and fiber, especially when you’re aiming to eat cleaner after the holidays.

Perfect for Repurposing Leftover Holiday Ham

One of the practical beauties of this recipe is its perfect timing right after the holiday season. If you’ve just celebrated with a festive ham, this soup is an ingenious and delicious way to use up those precious leftovers. Instead of letting that delicious ham go to waste, you can transform it into a completely new and exciting dish. The savory notes of the ham infuse the broth, adding incredible depth of flavor. If you don’t have leftover holiday ham, don’t fret! You can easily pick up a quality smoked ham hock or a thick-cut slice of ham from your local deli. Just ask them to slice it a little extra thick, making it easy to dice into perfect bite-sized pieces for your soup. This adaptability makes the recipe a year-round favorite, not just a post-holiday special.

Crafting Your Perfect Bowl: Tips for an Irresistible Ham and Blackeye Pea Soup

Thoughtful Ingredient Choices

• Blackeye Peas: While dried blackeye peas require soaking, using canned Bush’s Blackeye Peas simplifies this recipe significantly, making it incredibly quick and convenient. Just remember to drain them well before adding them to the slow cooker to control the soup’s saltiness and consistency.
• Ham: As mentioned, leftover holiday ham is ideal. Its rich flavor and tender texture are perfect. If using deli ham, opt for a good quality, thicker-cut ham that you can dice yourself. A smoked ham hock can also be added for extra depth and flavor, just ensure you remove the bone and shred the meat before serving.
• Aromatics: The combination of diced onion, carrots, and celery forms the classic “mirepoix,” a foundational flavor base for many soups. Don’t skip these; they contribute essential sweetness and savory notes.
• Herbs: Dried sage, thyme, and oregano are selected for their warm, earthy profiles that perfectly complement the ham and peas. These robust herbs infuse the soup with a comforting, homey aroma and taste.
• Greens: While the recipe calls for frozen spinach, thawed and squeezed dry, feel free to use fresh spinach or even kale. As noted in the original recipe, two cups of freshly chopped kale added about 30 minutes before serving works wonderfully, providing a slightly heartier texture and earthy flavor.
• Red Pepper Flakes: A touch of crushed red pepper flakes adds a subtle warmth and a gentle kick, elevating the flavor without making the soup overly spicy. Adjust to your preference.
• Lemon Juice: This might seem like an unexpected addition, but a squeeze of fresh lemon juice at the end brightens the entire dish, cutting through the richness of the ham and herbs, and awakening the flavors.
• Rice (Optional): Cooked white or brown rice can be stirred in just before serving to add extra body and make the soup even more substantial. It’s a great way to stretch the meal and add a different texture.

The Simple Slow Cooker Process: Set It and Savor

Making this Ham and Blackeye Pea Soup couldn’t be easier. The beauty of the slow cooker is that it does most of the work for you. First, simply combine the drained blackeye peas, diced cooked ham, water, chicken stock, diced onion, carrots, celery, dried sage, dried thyme, and dried oregano into your slow cooker. Give everything a good stir to ensure the ingredients are well distributed and submerged in the liquid. Cover the slow cooker and let it work its magic on a low setting for 4-5 hours. This slow simmer allows the vegetables to soften perfectly and the flavors to deepen and meld together beautifully.

Towards the end of the cooking time, with about 15 minutes remaining, stir in the defrosted and squeezed-dry spinach (or fresh kale, if you prefer). This ensures the greens are tender but not overcooked, retaining their vibrant color and nutrients. At this stage, also add the crushed red pepper flakes for a subtle warmth and the fresh lemon juice, which brightens the entire soup and brings all the flavors into harmony. If you’re opting for the additional heartiness, stir in your cooked white or brown rice just before serving. A final taste test and adjustment for seasoning (salt and pepper, if needed) will ensure your soup is perfectly balanced and ready to be enjoyed.

Serving Suggestions and Storage

This hearty Slow Cooker Ham and Blackeye Pea Soup is a complete meal on its own, but it truly shines when served with a few simple accompaniments. A side of warm, crusty bread or a slice of homemade cornbread is perfect for soaking up every last drop of the rich broth. A dash of your favorite hot sauce can add an extra layer of flavor for those who enjoy a bit more heat. For storage, any leftovers can be refrigerated in an airtight container for 3-4 days. This soup also freezes beautifully, making it an excellent candidate for meal prep. Simply portion it into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave for another delicious and comforting meal.

Hope everyone has a happy and healthy New Year!! Here’s to good food, good health, and good luck in the coming year. See you soon!

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Disclosure: I’ve been working with Bush’s Beans for over 3 years now and have loved using their beans in my recipes. I was a lover of Bush’s Beans before we started working together and although I do receive product and compensation from them, my opinions are my own.