In the South, food is intimately connected with celebrations and traditions. One particular culinary delight I am fond of is the tradition of eating greens and black-eyed peas (with cornbread, of course) on New Year’s day. This southern custom goes back to the Civil War, and it’s packed with symbolism and hopes for future prosperity and good fortune. The first saying that explains this tradition goes, “Eat poor on New Year’s, and eat fat the rest of the year,” referring to the health benefits of the humble legume called black-eyed peas. A second saying elaborates on the theme, declaring, “Peas for pennies, greens for dollars, and cornbread for gold.”
Traditionally, we would consume these staple items separately on the dinner plate, accompanied by some ham. However, a few years back, I discovered the delicious New Year’s Day Turnip Green soup. This comforting and tasty soup can turn even the most stubborn greens-dislikers into lovers. It unites all the ingredients in a crockpot, making it an easy, one-pot meal to throw together.
Health Benefits of Turnip Green Soup
The humble turnip green holds a myriad of health advantages. They provide antioxidant and anti-inflammatory benefits, making them an excellent source of vitamins C, E, and K.
Additionally, black-eyed peas have been found to lower cholesterol levels due to their high soluble fiber content.
Finally, the cornbread provides a delicious and wholesome side dish, rich in vitamin A and minerals like selenium, potassium, and magnesium.
Making Your Turnip Green Soup
To streamline the soup-making process, I recommend using canned vegetables, ideally organic, to avoid the boatloads of BPA (from the plastic lining in regular canned foods). You can create this flavorful, fortifying soup with a few simple ingredients and your trusty slow cooker. If you saved your hambone from Christmas dinner, this would be the perfect opportunity to use it. If not, feel free to substitute with some diced pre-cooked ham or smoked sausage.
New Year’s Day Turnip Green Soup
Ingredients:
- Ham bone with some ham still attached (or 1 cup of diced pre-cooked ham or smoked sausage)
- 1 – 27 oz. can seasoned turnip greens
- 1 – 16 oz. can of condensed chicken and rice soup (add water per instructions on can)
- 1 – 15 oz. can of seasoned black-eyed peas
- 1 – 10 oz. can of Ro-Tel (mild) or 1 cup diced tomato and a ½ cup each of onion and mild green chili pepper
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
- Place all ingredients into a crockpot and cook on low for 4 hours, allowing the flavors to meld well.
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If you’re in a hurry, you can cook the soup in a pot on the stovetop instead, simmering uncovered for about half an hour.
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Adjust the liquid content to your preference. If you prefer a soupier consistency, simply add more liquid.
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Serve with cornbread on the side.
With this Southern-inspired New Year’s Day Turnip Green Soup, you can partake in this delicious culinary tradition while taking advantage of its numerous health benefits. The comforting flavors and warm, satisfying textures make it a surefire hit with family and friends. So, get your hands on these ingredients, fire up your crockpot, and welcome the new year with a steaming bowl of turnip green soup.
