Want more deliciousness? Follow me on X @TeresasRecipes
Enhanced Split Pea and Ham Soup
Delve into a bowl of this classic Split Pea and Ham Soup, a timeless dish that warms both the body and soul. Made with tender split peas, savory diced ham, and a medley of aromatic vegetables, this hearty soup is perfect for chilly days. The addition of a ham bone imbues the broth with rich, smoky flavors, creating a comforting, thick soup that evokes memories of family gatherings and home-cooked meals. Historically, this dish has roots in various cultures, dating back to ancient times when peas were dried and stored for long winters. Enjoy it with crusty bread for a complete meal.
Ingredients
- Salt
- to taste
- Black pepper
- to taste
- Bay leaf
- 1
- Chicken broth
- 8 cups
- Garlic
- 4 cloves, minced
- Celery
- 2 stalks, chopped
- Carrots
- 2, diced
- Onion
- 1 large, chopped
- Diced ham
- 2 cups
- Ham bone
- 1
- Split peas
- 1 cup, rinsed and drained
Instructions
- Rinse the split peas under cold water and set aside.
- In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat a bit of oil over medium heat. Add the ham bone, chopped onion, diced carrots, chopped celery, and minced garlic. Sauté for 5-7 minutes until the vegetables are softened and fragrant.
- Stir in the rinsed split peas, diced ham, chicken broth, bay leaf, and season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and let it simmer for about 2 hours, stirring occasionally, until the split peas are soft and the soup has thickened to your liking.
- Once cooked, carefully remove the ham bone and bay leaf from the soup. If desired, shred any remaining ham from the bone and return it to the pot.
- For a smoother texture, use an immersion blender to puree the soup until smooth, or leave it chunky for a heartier feel.
- Taste and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed. Serve the soup hot, garnished with fresh herbs if desired.
Tips
- For extra flavor, consider adding a splash of Worcestershire sauce or a few dashes of hot sauce.
- You can substitute the chicken broth with vegetable broth for a lighter version.
- If you prefer a thicker soup, simply let it simmer longer, or add an additional cup of split peas.
Dietary Information
Servings: 6 Dish Type: Soup Prep Time: 15 minutes Cook Time: 2 hours Calories: 250 Fat: 10g Carbs: 30g Protein: 15g Sodium: 600mg Sugar: 3g
Finding side dishes...
Selecting wines...
Reviews
Share Your Experience
Your Review
Want to share your experience with this recipe?
Sign in to Leave a ReviewCommunity Reviews
Loading community reviews...