The struggle is real at times and definitely not for the faint at heart.

If your family traditionally sticks to a ham on any major holiday, listen up.

But you’ve got the option to substitute meat from your holiday ham, plus a ham hock.

Southern Living Potato Ham Soup in bowls to serve garnished with thyme leaves

Credit:Caitlin Bensel, Food Stylist: Torie Cox

It’s a complete and comforting meal in a bowl.

Applewood-smoked bacon deepens the pork flavor.

And it’s good enough to serve anytime, not just New Year’s Day.

Split Pea Soup in a white bowl

Credit:Caitlin Bensel; Food Styling: Torie Cox

Capitol Hill Bean Soup

This soup is a favorite in the Senate’s restaurant.

It’s inexpensive, easy-to-prepare, and requires little attention.

This slow-cooker soup is as easy as they come.

Black-eyed pea soup with ham hocks in white pot with smaller bowl of soup

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Throw in your leftover bone-in ham and let it simmer.

We like to add a splash of hot sauce for color and a little kick.

Ham And Bean Soup

This isthesoup to make on a chilly fall or winter day.

Soup Beans

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Serve with aside of cornbreadfor an irresistible dinner.

Serve over cooked rice.

Ham And Potato Soup

This homey stovetop soup comes together in less than an hour.

Instant Pot Black-eyed Pea Soup

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Russet potatoes give the dish body, while half-and-half adds richness.

Capitol Hill Bean Soup

Credit: Photo: Greg DuPree; Prop Styling: Mindi Shapiro Levine; Food Styling: Torie Cox

Navy Bean and Ham Soup

Credit: Photo: Hector M. Sanchez

creamy-potato-and-ham-hock-slow-cooker-soup

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Ham-and-Bean Soup

Credit: Hector Manuel Sanchez

Hoppin' John Soup

Credit: Photo: Johnny Autry; Styling: Caroline M. Cunningham

Southern Living Potato and Ham Soup in bowls to serve

Credit:Caitlin Bensel, Food Stylist: Torie Cox