Teresa's Recipes
Smoky Split Pea Chowder
Experience the warmth of comfort food with this Smoky Split Pea Chowder, a hearty blend of vibrant vegetables and the deep, rich flavors of smoked ham. This velvety chowder, perfect for chilly evenings, is not just a meal—it's a tradition that dates back centuries, often associated with rustic kitchens and gatherings. The split peas lend a beautiful green hue, while the heavy cream adds a luscious finish. Each spoonful is a reminder of home and hearth, bringing together the best of simple ingredients for a delightful culinary experience.
Ingredients
- 1 cup, rinsed and drained Split peas
- 1 cup, diced Smoked ham
- 2 tablespoons Olive oil
- 1 medium, diced Onion
- 2 medium, diced Carrots
- 2 stalks, diced Celery
- 2 medium, diced Potatoes
- 2 cloves, minced Garlic
- 6 cups Vegetable broth
- 1 teaspoon, dried Thyme
- 1 Bay leaf
- to taste Salt
- to taste Pepper
- 1/2 cup Heavy cream
- for garnish Fresh parsley
Dietary Notes
- Servings: 6
- Dish Type: Soup
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Calories: 320
- Fat: 12g
- Carbs: 40g
- Protein: 15g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Sugar: 3g
Instructions
- 1. Rinse the split peas under cold water and drain well.
- 2. In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
- 3. Add the diced onion, carrots, celery, and potatoes to the pot. Sauté until the vegetables are tender, about 10 minutes.
- 4. Stir in the minced garlic, diced smoked ham, bay leaf, thyme, salt, and pepper. Cook for another 5 minutes until fragrant.
- 5. Add the rinsed split peas and vegetable broth to the pot. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for about 45 minutes, or until the split peas are soft and tender.
- 6. Remove the bay leaf from the pot and discard.
- 7. Using an immersion blender, puree about half of the soup until smooth. This will create a thicker texture for the chowder. If you don't have an immersion blender, you can transfer half of the chowder to a regular blender, blend until smooth, and return it to the pot.
- 8. Stir in the heavy cream and cook for an additional 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
- 9. Serve the split pea chowder hot, garnished with freshly chopped parsley.
Tips
- For a vegetarian version, omit the smoked ham and replace the vegetable broth with a mushroom broth for added depth of flavor.
- Feel free to add more vegetables such as spinach or kale for extra nutrition.
- This chowder freezes well, so make a double batch and enjoy it later!