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Seven Soup of Good Fortune Dec 29 - Jan 4
- Chef Gary W Irvin II
- Dec 28, 2025
- 3 min read
Starting the new year with intention can set the tone for the months ahead. One meaningful way to do this is through food, especially soups that carry symbols of prosperity, protection, renewal, and community. This week’s soup journey brings together seven recipes from different cultures, each rich in tradition and good fortune. From Italian lentils to West African peanuts, these bowls offer more than nourishment—they invite reflection and hope for the days to come.
Meatless Monday: Italian Lentil & Greens Soup
Lentils have long symbolized prosperity and abundance in Italian culture. Their coin-like shape makes them a natural choice for New Year’s dishes meant to attract wealth. This soup combines lentils with fresh kale in a tomato, garlic, and rosemary broth. The broth’s herbal aroma and the hearty texture of lentils create a comforting start to the week.
Key ingredients:
Lentils for prosperity
Fresh kale for nourishment
Tomato, garlic, and rosemary for flavor and warmth
This soup is easy to prepare and perfect for meal prep. Simmer lentils until tender, add sautéed garlic and rosemary, then stir in chopped kale just before serving. The result is a bowl full of intention and health.
Tex-Mex Tuesday: Pozole-Style Black Bean Soup
Corn and beans are powerful symbols in Mexican culture. Corn represents life and community, while beans stand for protection. This pozole-inspired soup blends black beans, hominy, fire-roasted tomatoes, cumin, lime, and fresh cilantro. The combination creates a vibrant, spicy bowl that feels like a celebration.
Highlights of this soup:
Black beans for protection
Hominy (dried corn kernels) for life and community
Fire-roasted tomatoes and cumin for depth and warmth
Serve with a squeeze of lime and a sprinkle of cilantro to brighten the flavors. This soup invites you to enjoy a fiesta of fortune in every spoonful.
Wellness Wednesday: Korean Tteokguk
Tteokguk is a traditional Korean soup eaten during the New Year to symbolize purity and renewal. The clear broth and soft rice cakes represent cleansing and fresh beginnings. This version includes scallions, mushrooms, and a touch of sesame oil for a gentle, nourishing reset.
What makes this soup special:
Rice cakes symbolize renewal
Clear broth for purity
Mushrooms and scallions add earthiness and freshness
Tteokguk is simple but meaningful. It encourages slowing down and focusing on health, making it an ideal midweek wellness boost.
Throwback Thursday: Southern Hoppin’ John Soup
Hoppin’ John is a Southern classic, traditionally eaten on New Year’s Day for luck and money. Black-eyed peas and greens are the stars here, simmered in a smoky broth with collards and topped with bacon and sausage. This soup honors heritage and resilience.
Key elements:
Black-eyed peas for luck
Collard greens for money
Smoky broth for comfort and tradition
This soup connects you to Southern roots and the idea that good fortune comes from strength and community.
Flavor Fusion Friday: Chinese Longevity Noodle Soup
Long noodles symbolize long life in Chinese culture. This soup features a soy-ginger broth with shiitake mushrooms, bok choy, and scallion oil. The flavors are balanced and inviting, encouraging you to slurp your way into longevity.
Important ingredients:
Long noodles for long life
Shiitake mushrooms for umami depth
Soy-ginger broth for warmth and spice
Eating this soup slowly and mindfully adds to the experience of welcoming a long, healthy life.
Seasonal Saturday: Japanese Ozoni
Ozoni is a Japanese soup traditionally served during the New Year to celebrate harmony and harvest. This version uses a miso-dashi broth with winter vegetables and toasted mochi. The flavors are subtle but rich, reflecting the season’s bounty.
What to expect:
Miso-dashi broth for umami and warmth
Winter vegetables for seasonal nourishment
Toasted mochi for texture and tradition
Ozoni invites you to appreciate the changing seasons and the hope that comes with harvest time.
Soulful Sunday: West African Peanut & Sweet Potato Stew
Groundnuts (peanuts) symbolize stability and blessing in West African culture. This stew combines peanut butter with sweet potatoes in a rich, comforting bowl. It offers strength and community, closing the week with soulful warmth.
Features of this stew:
Peanuts for stability and blessing
Sweet potatoes for sweetness and nourishment
Spices and herbs for depth and comfort
This stew is perfect for sharing, reminding us that good fortune grows in connection with others.
Cheers to a New Year filled with Happiness and Prosperity.
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