Here’s a detailed recipe guide for Split Pea Soup with Ham:
Introduction
Split pea soup with ham is a classic, hearty dish perfect for cold days or when you’re craving comfort food. This thick, creamy soup combines earthy split peas, tender vegetables, and smoky ham to create a satisfying meal. It’s simple to prepare, budget-friendly, and can easily be adapted for a slow cooker or stovetop. Serve with crusty bread for a cozy and nourishing meal.
Ingredients Quantity
- 1 lb (450g) dried green split peas, rinsed and sorted
- 8 cups (2 liters) chicken broth or water
- 1 meaty ham bone or 2 cups diced ham
- 1 large onion, diced
- 3 carrots, peeled and diced
- 3 celery stalks, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- Salt to taste
- Optional garnish: fresh parsley or croutons
Optional Additions
- Potatoes: Add 1-2 diced potatoes for extra heartiness.
- Smoked paprika: A pinch adds depth and smoky flavor.
- Bacon: Crisped and crumbled on top for garnish.
- Cream: Stir in a splash of heavy cream for added richness.
- Vegetarian option: Skip the ham and use vegetable broth; enhance the flavor with liquid smoke.
Tips for Success
- Rinse and sort split peas: This removes debris and ensures they cook evenly.
- Use a ham bone: It adds incredible flavor and depth to the soup. If unavailable, diced ham works well too.
- Stir occasionally: To prevent the peas from sticking to the bottom of the pot.
- Adjust consistency: For a thicker soup, let it simmer longer. For a thinner soup, add more broth or water.
- Blend for creaminess: Use an immersion blender to puree part of the soup while leaving some chunks for texture.
Instructions
Stovetop Method
- Prepare ingredients: Rinse and sort the split peas. Dice the vegetables and ham (if using pre-cooked ham).
- Cook vegetables: In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat a splash of oil over medium heat. Sauté onions, carrots, celery, and garlic until softened (about 5 minutes).
- Combine ingredients: Add the split peas, ham bone or diced ham, chicken broth, bay leaf, thyme, and black pepper. Stir to combine.
- Simmer: Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and simmer for 1.5-2 hours, stirring occasionally, until the peas are tender and the soup thickens.
- Remove ham bone: If using a ham bone, remove it from the pot. Shred any remaining meat from the bone and return the meat to the soup.
- Adjust seasoning: Taste and add salt or additional pepper as needed.
- Serve: Ladle into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley or croutons if desired.
Slow Cooker Method
- Add all ingredients to the slow cooker.
- Cook on low for 7-8 hours or on high for 4-5 hours, until the peas are tender.
- Remove the ham bone, shred the meat, and return it to the soup. Adjust seasoning and serve.
Description
Split pea soup with ham is thick, creamy, and packed with smoky flavors from the ham. The split peas break down into a velvety base, while the carrots, celery, and onions add texture and sweetness. The ham provides a savory depth, making every bite hearty and satisfying. This soup is the epitome of comfort food, perfect for warming up on a chilly day.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate)
- Calories: 250
- Protein: 18g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fat: 6g
- Sodium: 750mg
- Fiber: 10g
Conclusion
Split pea soup with ham is a timeless dish that’s as comforting as it is flavorful. It’s easy to make, packed with nutrients, and perfect for meal prepping, as it reheats beautifully. Whether served as a main course or a starter, this soup is sure to satisfy even the heartiest appetites.
Recommendation
Pair this soup with freshly baked bread or buttered rolls for the ultimate cozy meal. If you have leftovers, freeze portions for a quick, comforting meal in the future. Split pea soup is the perfect example of turning simple ingredients into something extraordinary—indulge in its rich, smoky goodness guilt-free!