Do you follow any lucky New Year’s traditions? Well, navy bean soup may become my new lucky food. I like to eat black-eyed peas and rice. It’s a southern thang! Typically, I prepare a full southern black-eyed pea dish called Hoppin John. However, David doesn’t like them, so this year, I just popped open a can, heated it up, and ate it with rice. I mean, I ain’t gonna miss out on a little extra luck, right?
Well, fat lotta good that did me! Or, I could blame David since he opted to eat a non-luck bringing dish. We woke up the day after New Year with a 22-degree temp and a busted heater. The cold woke us up well before our alarm clock because the house had reached meat-hanging temperatures. The cats snuggled, stealing our body heat. While David dealt with the heater (and ultimately calling a repairman), I turned the stove on to make oatmeal. It flared with inviting warmth – only to subsequently die. Yep! Two appliances on the fritz on day 2! OH! And David lost his wallet on Day 5, so there’s that. So, what to do for dinner on this first week of the new year that isn’t going so well so far?
I See Luck in Them Thar Beans
I need comfort food – and another round of fortune. David won’t eat black-eyed peas, but at this point, I’m kinda desperate to get him to eat some food resembling southern luck. One of David’s favorite soups is senate bean soup. Since I don’t eat meat, I modify the recipe. Nonetheless, I changed it and hesitate to call it Senate Bean soup. Instead, it’s a Smokey slow cooker Navy Bean Soup. I usually make it on the stove-top. However, since that’s out of commission, I am going to try to make it in my slow cooker. Hopefully, the little navy beans resemble black-eyed peas enough to rub some luck off on David.
Slow Cooker Navy Bean Soup Modifications
Also, I usually use my own homemade vegetable broth for soup, but our stove is down, so I just used a bullion cube. To give the navy bean soup a smokey flavor, I added 2 tablespoons of liquid smoke. Feel free to use any dried white beans and adjust the cooking time accordingly. Larger beans, like white kidney beans, take a little longer.
I made my soup using the slow cooker function of my Instant Pot Ultra, but a regular slow cooker will work just fine. You know? I love my slow cooker. It’s the one kitchen appliance I cannot do without. I would sooner give up my stove than my slow cooker. And, I’m so glad that my Instant Pot has that feature built right in.
Nutrition
This dish ROCKS fiber for the day – and is very high protein. Also, it has more than half your calcium, iron, and other minerals! This is very similar to a recipe my mom used to make for Sunday Dinner, but I don’t put ham in mine. Therefore, it has no cholesterol, but liquid smoke maintains that smokey flavor.
This vegan slow cooker navy bean soup maintains the traditional smokey flavor that makes Navy Bean Soup so popular! Round out the meal with some crusty bread. I don't soak my beans and this recipe always turns out great!
Add all ingredients to the slow cooker, except spinach and tomatoes.
Cook on low for 6-8 hours or 4-6 hours on high.
Stir in tomatoes. Cook for another hour on low or 30 minutes on high.
Stir in baby spinach and serve.
Servings 4
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 365
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 0g
- Cholesterol 0mg
- Sodium 298mg13%
- Potassium 1671mg48%
- Total Carbohydrate 83g28%
- Dietary Fiber 33g132%
- Sugars 9g
- Protein 28g57%
- Vitamin A 94%
- Vitamin C 42%
- Calcium 27%
- Iron 54%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Ingredients
Directions
Add all ingredients to the slow cooker, except spinach and tomatoes.
Cook on low for 6-8 hours or 4-6 hours on high.
Stir in tomatoes. Cook for another hour on low or 30 minutes on high.
Stir in baby spinach and serve.
Alicia Taylor
We enjoy hosting parties and my husband and I are both avid gamers. You can find me on PS4 as SunshineFlaGirl. We also play tabletop RPGs and eurogames.
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100 Comments
Mel
March 9, 2022 - 6:42 pmCan you substitute the dried beans with canned beans? I’ve had the worst luck with getting bags of dried beans that just insist on staying hard.
Alicia Taylor
June 11, 2022 - 10:10 amYou should be able to use canned beans. I would just check them for doneness more frequently.
Sara Lehman
January 29, 2018 - 8:54 pmThis looks so good! I can’t wait to try your recipe!
Amanda Mason
January 28, 2018 - 2:48 pmThis sounds like a powerhouse of a soup recipe!! I’m hearing fiber, protein and clean carbs! Love it! I’m printing this one out so I can make it! Super excited I founfdthis recipe!
Alicia Taylor
January 29, 2018 - 11:20 amIt’s definitely delicious, too! We had it again this weekend.
Leslie
January 28, 2018 - 9:55 amYa know, I don’t actually know if I’ve ever had navy beans in soup before. I should give this a shot!
Jagriti Roy
January 28, 2018 - 7:58 amI always love to try new recipes and thank you so much for sharing such nutritional soup recipe. I will surely give it a try in my home..But it is quite amazing to know that even a food can play luck factor in our life..
Alicia Taylor
January 29, 2018 - 11:21 amI’m not sure how much stock I actually put into the superstition, but I am a sucker for traditions.
Anne Murphy
January 27, 2018 - 12:20 pmI love navy bean soup! Never used liquid smoke, though. I do like the savory/smoky flavor I sometimes get from ham or bacon, though, so I have to try this when I don’t have cured meat around! (And boy, I hope your luck has indeed turned… What a way to start the year!)
Alicia Taylor
January 29, 2018 - 11:22 amThanks, Anne! I hope you try it. Feel free to sub bacon for the liquid smoke if you like.
levy230902
January 27, 2018 - 12:01 amThanks for sharing the ingredient. This is a healthy dish
Preet
January 26, 2018 - 3:24 pmI love soups and always love to try new recipes. The soup looks so delicious and healthy, will try this recipe.
Analida's Ethnic Spoon
January 26, 2018 - 8:38 amI love the idea of a good luck food for the New Year! My husband’s family is German and they always have sauerkraut and pork and pickled herring. I am not a big fan of either but I would love your soup!
Alicia Taylor
January 26, 2018 - 11:37 amI’m not a fan of saurkraut, but cabbage is a staple good luck food. I don’t think I’ve ever had pickled herring. I was a vegetarian for 10 years and only recently started eating seafood again.
Cathleen @ A Taste of Madness
January 25, 2018 - 3:13 pmThis soup looks so good!! I am always looking for an excuse to take out my slow cooker 🙂
fasetto
January 25, 2018 - 3:06 pmBahahaha! It doesn’t sounds like you guys got off to a good start this year 🙂 Well, it can only go up from here, right?
Alicia Taylor
January 26, 2018 - 11:38 amYep – and it’s getting better 🙂 So I am happy with that.
Big Flavors from a Tiny Kitchen
January 25, 2018 - 9:15 amWhat a nice, comforting bowl! I love the traditions behind “lucky” foods, especially for the New Year.
Alicia Taylor
January 25, 2018 - 12:00 pmI do, too! I am not sure I put much stock in the superstition, but it’s fun to consider and observe.
Lauren Stewart
January 25, 2018 - 8:20 amWe don’t! BUT THIS recipe would be lucky right into my belly! It sounds amazing… and I can basically smell it from here!
Alicia Taylor
January 25, 2018 - 12:00 pmIt does make the house smell terrific!
eastcoasterlifestyle
January 24, 2018 - 8:49 pmThis Smokey Slow Cooker Navy Bean Soup looks super delicious. It is perfect to serve this time of year.
Tamara Andersen
January 24, 2018 - 5:04 pmWow! Talk about a stroke of bad luck! I hope everything is working now… I love a hearty, healthy vegetarian soup, and this looks so tasty and perfect for a chilly day!
Alicia Taylor
January 25, 2018 - 12:02 pmIt is going better now. We discovered that our gas seems to cut off when the temperature gets cold, so I am thankful our heat is electric!
Eloise
January 24, 2018 - 3:14 pmthat sure does look tasty! I’ll have to give it a go this coming weekend, yum! it’s the perfect time of year to eat a nice hearty soup ; )
Alicia Taylor
January 25, 2018 - 12:02 pmLet me know how you like it!
Angela Ricardo Bethea
January 24, 2018 - 2:46 pmYum! That looks so delicious! This recipe is really tempting that it makes me feel like I wanted to cook it right now. Wait I am going to list down the ingredients!
The Petite Cook (@PetiteCook)
January 24, 2018 - 2:06 pmThis looks so tasty and heartwarming! Perfect comfort food for this crazy cold weather!
Patti @Patty Cake's Pantry
January 24, 2018 - 11:18 amI laughed when I read about your husband’s dislike of black eyed peas. That describes my husband and me exactly. I grew up in a Sourthern home and black eyed peas were essential on New Year’s Day. Over the years, I have snuck them into his New Year’s Day meal in some creative ways. The best one was when I made homemade chow mein with lots of cabbage (another New Years necessity for prosperity) and added black eyed peas. Nobody noticed or complained. I certainly hope that your run of bad luck is over, but thank heaven for pressure cookers with slow cooker functions, right?
Alicia Taylor
January 25, 2018 - 12:04 pmI couldn’t agree more on the slow cooking Instant Pots!! Also, Black eye peas are an essential – but I usually use collard greens instead of cabbage. Seems I’ve become pretty adept at substituting “lucky” foods!
Dreaming Loud
January 24, 2018 - 11:04 amThis looks very yum! I love soups and bean soups are my absolutel favorite since I am a vegetarian!
Shubhada Bhide
January 24, 2018 - 10:43 amWow!! This Navy Bean Soup looks delicious and tasty. Perfect for a cold weather. I will definitetly trying this recipe.
David Elliott - The Single Dad's Guide to Life
January 24, 2018 - 2:26 amThis does look so delicious. Its the perfect time of year for a delicious soup like this. I always love when it gets cold and eating a nice warm bowl of soup.
fabiolazefi
January 24, 2018 - 1:09 amWell, I’m vegan so this soup definitely is on my list. I love liquid smoke and use it so often, especially with tofu.
Alicia Taylor
January 25, 2018 - 12:05 pmI haven’t ever tried it with Tofu! I can imagine that would be delicious! We do it occasionally – you’ll have to share your recipe with me
Samantha
January 23, 2018 - 11:26 pmOh no! It’s bad enough to have one major appliance to go out, but two is terrible! I’m from the South, but hate beans. My mom always makes black-eyed peas and collards for New Years. I eat spinach for my luck. My mom would probably like this recipe. I’ll have to send it to her.
Alicia Taylor
January 25, 2018 - 12:06 pmI usually make the collards, too – but didn’t this year. I haven’t found a good vegetarian recipe for them yet.
THE BLUE HYDRANGEAS (@drmolly)
January 23, 2018 - 9:14 pmCrockpot recipes are the best! I need to add this to my list of recipes to try!
April
SJAY
January 23, 2018 - 5:12 pmI will definitely will be showing my grandma this type of soup recipe, because I am tired of her cooking cabbage soup lol
forkwardthinkingfoodinista
January 23, 2018 - 4:48 pmVegan, healthy – yes please! This looks like a lovely warmer for those days when you come in after a long day and fancy some comfort food x
Alicia Taylor
January 25, 2018 - 12:11 pmYeah – I think I’m going to make it tonight. Hubby is under the weather and could use a bit of comfort food…. first, to clean the kitchen.
acheerymind
January 23, 2018 - 2:01 pmI love anything slow cooker! That soup looks just too delicious, I am keeping this recipe handy, with the cold days it will be just perferct!
Arielle Joy
January 23, 2018 - 12:20 pmYum! I’m always looking for delicious and healthy recipes. Pinned for future reference 🙂
Stevie
January 23, 2018 - 11:01 amOh my goodness!! This looks so delicious! Saving for later.. thank you for sharing!
PanacheMania
January 23, 2018 - 10:22 amThis looks so yummy and incredibly tempting. Just perfect for a cozy winter family dinner. Will try it very soon.
Laineey
January 23, 2018 - 9:50 amBummer about your appliances and hubby’s wallet! Things like that seem to come in clusters, don’t they? Your bean soup looks so delicious! Perfect for these cold winter days!!
Alicia Taylor
January 23, 2018 - 10:35 amIt is perfect! We’ve had it twice since then. The wallet showed up – in a public bathroom he never visited and missing all the cash. The blessing in disguise – no one used any of the cards.
Big Flavors from a Tiny Kitchen
January 23, 2018 - 8:01 amI love the addition of liquid smoke here! What a wonderful New Year’s tradition, though I’d want to dive into a bowl of this all year round!
Joanna Davis
January 23, 2018 - 4:32 amYour recipe sounds like a great replacement for the black-eyed peas. I am not a fan of beans I’m afraid but I would happily eat the peas, haha. Your recipe sounds delicious for everyone who likes beans.
Alicia Taylor
January 23, 2018 - 10:40 amI definitely love me some black-eye peas 🙂 They are especially good with a skillet cornbread and greens.
acraftymix
January 23, 2018 - 12:25 amOh dear Alicia, I’m sorry to hear about your appliances going on strike like that. What a rotten way to start the New Year. Thank goodness the Slow Cooker didn’t join the strike 😉 Loving your bean soup. It sounds awesome
Alicia Taylor
January 23, 2018 - 10:36 amI would have cried had that happened! LOL
Adriana Martin
January 22, 2018 - 11:21 pmWhat a yummy recipe, love soups even when weather is hot I love a good soup and those navy beans are one of my favorites. Need to make this soon =)
Amy Nash
January 22, 2018 - 10:51 pmWhat a delicious, comforting hearty soup! I love beans for their taste and nutritional value – now I guess I can love them for luck too!
Alecia @ CSNY
January 22, 2018 - 9:40 pmStove and furnace all at once?! That’s not a great way to start the year! I remember a few years ago my oven died right in the middle of my Christmas baking… That’s not a great feeling. I’m glad you’re cats could keep you warm 😉 I hope your lucks turns around
Alicia Taylor
January 23, 2018 - 10:38 amOh wow! Christmas baking! I think I would have just broken down into hysterics at that point. That is definitely NOT the time!
Lauren Beth (@NYCLaurenBeth)
January 22, 2018 - 9:12 pmMy niece is always looking for great new vegan recipes, this will be a great addition to some healthy options for the week. Can’t wait to try it out.
Jasmine - Stylish Cravings
January 22, 2018 - 8:46 pmLooks delicious and perfect for those cold days and nights! Soups are my go-to dish during the winter and I normally serve them with mashed potatoes, will have to try this one!
Patty
January 22, 2018 - 8:20 pmThis soup looks really good. Two appliances – that hurts! Have you replaced it yet? My oven died last week, but my stovetop still works.
Stephanie
January 22, 2018 - 8:09 pmI’ve never had any New Years food traditions, but this recipe sounds exactly like something my husband would love! I personally don’t care for smoke flavor, but could probably modify it as well.
Alicia Taylor
January 23, 2018 - 10:39 amYou could definitely leave that out. I do it because this soup is traditionally served with ham in it – which gives it a smokey flavor.
Cathleen @ A Taste of Madness
January 22, 2018 - 7:24 pmI have been wanting to use my slow cooker all last week but couldn’t think of a recipe to make. This one sounds right up my alley!
Alicia Taylor
January 22, 2018 - 7:24 pmIt’s one that will make your house smell wonderful
Cia Black
January 22, 2018 - 6:14 pmYes please, I’ll take a bowl. This looks super yummy, My kids are not bean eaters but I think this is a contender to try. And if they won’t eat it well, I guess that’s more for me.
jenny at dapperhouse
January 22, 2018 - 5:58 pmI don’t eat meat either and I have never used liquid smoke to cook with. I am exited to try a new flavor and your high protein and fiber recipe.
Aaron
January 22, 2018 - 5:28 pmYummmmmmmmm! I love how your recipes are not only tasty but also you put a lot of thoughts into nutritional value. Like high fibre low FODMAP etc that’s really impressive!
Alicia Taylor
January 22, 2018 - 5:48 pmThank for the feedback, Aaron! I am very health conscious, so I try to include that information for others who may also be interested.
theclutterboxblog
January 22, 2018 - 5:10 pmI have never heard of Lucky New Year Traditions. But this soup sounds perfect for cold days. Glad you noted that you don’t soak the beans!
Gloria Duggan
January 22, 2018 - 5:02 pmLove using my slow cooker, and this soup sounds delicious. Love the smokey flavour….and this would make great leftovers too.
loisaltermark
January 22, 2018 - 4:28 pmMy husband is vegetarian and it’s always hard to find a good, hearty soup he can eat. This looks delicious for both of us!
Abby
January 22, 2018 - 3:57 pmI love that you use liquid smoke to get a smokey flavor without all the effort. Funny story… my dad once asked a grocery store employee where he could find the liquid smoke, and she said, “Does that come in a powder?”
Alicia Taylor
January 22, 2018 - 4:43 pmOh! That is hilarious! Almost as good as powdered water – just add water!
Candice
January 22, 2018 - 2:55 pmYummy! I’m always looking for new recipes that my vegetarian boyfriend and I can both enjoy. Thanks for sharing!
Alicia Taylor
January 22, 2018 - 3:52 pmHe would probably enjoy this one!
Ithfifi Williams / IthinityBeauty
January 22, 2018 - 2:17 pmThat sounds so tasty, hearty and filling! I like that you were able to adapt it to suit you both. I’m not a vegetarian but I do like having meatless meals, especially with soups.
Alicia Taylor
January 22, 2018 - 2:39 pmIt’s easily adaptable. If you decide to try it ham, just leave out the smoke.
Marjie Mare
January 22, 2018 - 12:17 pmThis meal is calling my name, simple, delicious, and easy to make. Thanks for sharing the recipe.
Alicia Taylor
January 22, 2018 - 2:39 pmEnjoy!
Katie @ Pick Any Two
January 22, 2018 - 11:27 amYUM! Delicious AND healthy! I’ve actually never cooked with liquid smoke before, but this recipe seems like the perfect time to give it a try.
Alicia Taylor
January 22, 2018 - 2:40 pmI use it to replace the smokey flavor that some meats, pork in particular, adds to gravies and soups.
Elizabeth O
January 15, 2018 - 10:30 amThis looks so delicious and really tempting. Perfect for this long cold weather. I bet my mom will really like this Bean Soup. I am looking forward to try this recipe this week.
chewoutloud
January 12, 2018 - 12:45 pmThis is a great vegan option! Looks and sounds super tasty, “meaty,” and satisfying. Love navy beans and veggie soups!
Alicia Taylor
January 12, 2018 - 1:42 pmIt’s a meal that my meat-loving husband (who patiently embraces my pescatarian ways) asked me to add to our regular repertoire!
Lisa Rios
January 11, 2018 - 9:45 amYum! This looks like a delicious vegan soup. We love beans for protein and to give us strength.
Alicia Taylor
January 11, 2018 - 10:21 amNot to mention the fiber! This is a very nutritious meal.
DrKLeeBanks
January 10, 2018 - 7:44 pmI’m a fan of slow cooker recipes, especially during cold weather. I also like bean recipes, and when they’re also gluten-free … definitely makes this one to try! Thanks for sharing!
Lauren Ashley | ImLaurenAc
January 10, 2018 - 4:41 pmOh, man. I hope things turn around. I share those southern traditions, too. Black eyed peas, collards and cabbage, etc.
This recipe looks really good! The weather has been so cold here, I’ve been looking for hearty soup/stew recipes to make. I’m definitely going to try this one out.
Alicia Taylor
January 10, 2018 - 4:50 pmAwesome, Lauren! Please be sure to let me know if you enjoy it 🙂 I’m hoping things turn around, too – I could use some more luck. On the bright side, David did find his wallet – but all the money was taken from it.
Evelyn | PathofPresence.com
January 10, 2018 - 1:00 pmI love love love this recipe. The colors of the foods really draw me in. That is it nutritious and that I can put it in a slow cooker makes this a winner in my book. Saving…Thank you!!
Czjai Reyes-Ocampo
January 10, 2018 - 5:47 amThis dish is perfect for today’s weather! Bookmarking and trying this over the weekend! 🙂
Emily Fata
January 9, 2018 - 2:43 pmOh myyy, this looks so tasty! I can’t wait to try this recipe out myself soon!
Jeni @ Biscuits & Booze
January 9, 2018 - 12:08 pmGosh my husband would love this soup. I love that you get smoke in there without bacon!
Alicia Taylor
January 10, 2018 - 8:07 amIt’s very yummy. I hope your husband likes it.
Veggie Inspired
January 9, 2018 - 11:41 amI love hearty bean soups. And the fact that this is made in the slow cooker makes it even better. Can’t wait to try it.
Alicia Taylor
January 10, 2018 - 8:07 amIt’s also vegan 🙂 It’s so healthy and good for winter.
Britt | Sweet Tea & Thyme
January 9, 2018 - 11:28 amI love soup recipes during the cold months. Nothing is better for the season, and this reminds me of the bean soup my mama used to make when it snowed. Love that this is a slow cooker recipe!
Traci
January 9, 2018 - 11:05 amI’m such a fan of navy beans…and cooking vegan has never been easier! Great recipe…thanks for sharing 🙂
Dannii
January 9, 2018 - 10:59 amI just love a hearty bean stew at this time of year. I love that it can all be done in the slow cooker too.
RenaissanceGirl
January 9, 2018 - 10:54 amGreat recipe – I’m trying to add more meat-free meals to my repertoire, and this looks so easy and filling! We finally get liquid smoke in some supermarkets in the UK now too – So I won’t miss out on that smokey goodness 🙂
cheddarben
January 9, 2018 - 10:44 amThis looks really tasty and nice for a cold winter day!