Web-Exclusive Recipe: Good-Luck Minestrone

Good-Luck Minestrone

Makes 20 cups

In the South, eating black-eyed peas and collard greens on New Year's Day ensures good luck in the coming year, so this hearty minestrone from David Hagedorn is something of a talisman. The soup freezes well, and that makes it a good large-batch item to prepare when you're not sure how many guests will be showing up.

1 pound dried black-eyed peas

3 quarts low-sodium chicken stock or broth

2 tablespoons chicken-flavored soup base, such as Better Than Bouillon brand

2 pounds smoked turkey necks or wings

4 tablespoons olive oil

1 large white or yellow onion, coarsely chopped

4 carrots, cut into 1/2 -inch dice

4 stalks celery, cut into 1/2 -inch dice

4 medium cloves garlic, crushed