Ten Bean Soup with Ham Bone (or, another way to get in those Black-Eye Peas for the New Years!)

So, I’m sure you’ve heard that your supposed to eat Black-Eye Peas and Cabbage for the New Year’s, right?   The peas are for luck, and the green leaves of the cabbage symbolize money.  I’m not sure where this comes from, but everyone I know here in south Louisiana will be making sure to eat their peas and cabbage this coming tuesday.

Only problem is, I’m not a huge fan of Black-Eye Peas.  I’d much rather eat Purple Hull Peas.  So, to get my peas in without being overwhelmed by them, I thought I’d make a Ten-Bean Soup with Ham.  There’s lots of Black-Eye Peas in those bags!

And the cabbage?

That’s easy.  A little of Mimi’s Choucroute, some of my coleslaw, maybe  smothered with bacon and onions…..or, some Cabbage Rolls.

Plenty of choices.

To make your Ten Bean Soup with Ham Bone, you will need:

• 2 1-pound bag of a ten bean  blend, using the quick-soak method

• 1 large ham bone

• 1 onion, minced

• 1 celery stalk, minced

• 3 cloves garlic, minced

• 1/4 cup bell pepper, finely chopped

• 2 bay leaves, if small, or 1 large bay leaf

• 3/4 cup barley

• 6 cups water

• 1 quart chicken stock (or  1 or 2 cubes of chicken or ham bouillion

Rinse the beans well and remove any particles or bad beans.

Soak the beans overnight, or do the quick soak method.

To do the quick soak method, add 8 cups of water to the beans in a heavy saucepan.  Bring to a boil for 2 minutes.  Turn off the heat and let sit for one hour.

Finely mince the onion, celery, garlic and bell pepper, or process in the food processor.

Add the vegetable seasonings, bay leaves, and 1 quart of stock of choice and 8 cups of water.

Simmer for a few hours, or cover and bake in the oven at 350 for 4 to 5 hours, my preferred method.

Remove the ham bone from the pot and transfer to a plate to cool.  Once cool, pul the ham off the bone and either shred by hand, cut into cubes.  Return the ham to the pot and discard the bone.

Taste for seasoning and add salt and/or some cajun seasoning, or a little bit of cayenne (1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon) just to add a little bite.

The results were surprisingly approved by the family and the neighborhood kids.  I served it with some toasted garlic bread, which makes everything taste better!

Happy New Year!

Note:  Yes, I did use the brand pictured above as that is what is available at my local grocery.  And, yes, I did use the seasoning packet provided in addition to all the fixings.  It was well flavoured, and just needed a little hot sauce added to each persons taste to make it just right.