This New Year’s Soup is a flavorful tradition that warms the soul and symbolizes good luck and prosperity for the coming year. Packed with blackeye peas for luck, collard greens for wealth, and sausage for savory richness, this recipe is as heartfelt as it is delicious. Crafted with love and intuition, this dish is the epitome of home-cooked comfort.
Why This Recipe Works
Slow Cooking Perfection: Cooking overnight in a slow cooker allows flavors to meld beautifully, creating a hearty, robust soup.
Symbolic Ingredients: Blackeye peas and collard greens are traditional New Year’s staples, believed to bring good fortune.
Balanced Flavors: The addition of apple cider vinegar and sugar balances the bitterness of collard greens, while Rotel tomatoes add a zesty kick.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Base Ingredients
1 lb dry blackeye peas (soaked for a few hours)
4 bunches of collard greens (washed, trimmed, and roughly chopped)
2 lbs pork sausage links (cooked in a skillet)
2 small cartons chicken stock
1 ½ tsp minced garlic
1 large can Rotel tomatoes
1 tbsp tomato paste
3 tbsp apple cider vinegar
1 tbsp sugar (adjust to taste)
1 ½ cups water (adjust as needed)
Seasonings
Dash of hot sauce (optional, for a kick)
Salt and pepper (to taste, added toward the end of cooking)
Instructions
Step 1: Prep the Ingredients
- Soak Blackeye Peas: Soak the peas for a few hours to soften them.
Pro Tip: No need for overnight soaking, as the slow cooker will finish the job.
- Prepare Collard Greens: Wash thoroughly, trim stems, and chop into large, rough pieces.
Step 2: Cook the Sausage
In a skillet, cook the sausage links until browned. Slice into bite-sized pieces and set aside.
Step 3: Assemble in the Slow Cooker
Layer the blackeye peas, collard greens, cooked sausage, and minced garlic.
Pour in the chicken stock and water.
Add Rotel tomatoes, tomato paste, apple cider vinegar, and sugar. Stir gently to combine.
Step 4: Cook Overnight
Set your slow cooker to low and cook for 10 hours or overnight.
Step 5: Adjust Seasoning
Taste the soup and adjust with salt, pepper, or additional water if needed.
Add a dash of hot sauce for a spicy kick, if desired.
Step 6: Serve
Ladle into bowls and serve with crusty bread or cornbread for a complete meal.
Tips for Success
Use Fresh Collard Greens: Fresh greens provide the best flavor and texture. Pre-washed and bagged greens can also work in a pinch.
Balance the Bitter: The sugar and vinegar combination is key to mellowing out the natural bitterness of collard greens. Adjust to your taste.
Customize the Meat: Substitute smoked turkey legs, ham hocks, or bacon for the sausage if you prefer.
Serving Suggestions
Pair with buttery cornbread for a true Southern experience.
Serve alongside a crisp green salad for added freshness.
Garnish with fresh parsley or a splash of hot sauce for extra flair.
Why This Soup is Perfect for New Year’s
This dish isn’t just about deliciousness—it’s steeped in tradition.
Blackeye Peas: Represent coins and bring financial luck.
Collard Greens: Symbolize folded money, promising wealth.
Pork Sausage: Adds richness, embodying abundance.
Making this soup is a way of spreading love and goodwill through food, an excellent way to ring in the new year.
Variations and Twists
Vegetarian Option: Skip the sausage and add smoked paprika or liquid smoke for depth.
Spice It Up: Use spicy sausage or add crushed red pepper flakes.
Extra Veggies: Include carrots, celery, or diced potatoes for a heartier soup.
Storage and Reheating
Storing Leftovers
Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freezing
Portion the soup into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 3 months.
Reheating
Reheat on the stove over medium heat or in the microwave until warmed through.
The Heart of the Recipe
Cooking is love, and this soup is a beautiful representation of that sentiment. It’s not about perfect measurements but rather cooking with passion and care for those you love. As the user says, “If ya know, ya know.” This recipe has been passed down and perfected over the years, embodying a rich tradition that connects family and friends.
So as you prepare this dish, remember: you’re not just making soup—you’re spreading kindness and ringing in the new year with warmth, flavor, and a touch of Southern hospitality.
Happy New Year 2025!