Split Pea Soup with Ham – Welcome to my kitchen, where warmth and comfort are on the menu! In this recipe, I’ll show you how to create a delightful Split Pea Soup with Ham that will wrap you in a cozy embrace and transport you to a world of comforting flavors. With a perfect blend of tender split peas, savory ham, and aromatic vegetables, this soup is a bowl of pure comfort. Join me on this culinary journey and discover why this soup is a must-try for any soup lover.
Picture this: a cold winter’s night, snow falling gently outside, and the tantalizing aroma of Split Pea Soup with Ham filling the air. It’s a scene that plays out in my little family’s kitchen time and time again. This recipe has become a beloved staple in our household, bringing us together and warming our hearts. From the first spoonful, my husband’s eyes light up with joy, transporting him back to his childhood. The combination of tender split peas, the richness of the ham, and the harmony of flavors have made this soup a true favorite. It’s a dish that brings us comfort and nourishment, reminding us of the simple pleasures in life.
Why This Soup Warms Hearts and Stomachs?
- Unique blend: This soup brings together the earthy goodness of split peas, the smoky flavor of ham, and the aromatic medley of onions, carrots, and celery. It’s a symphony of flavors that will leave you craving more.
- Wholesome ingredients: Made with love and care, this recipe features quality ingredients such as tender split peas, meaty ham bone, and a fragrant blend of vegetables. Each element comes together to create a soup that is both nutritious and satisfying.
- Thick and hearty: As the split peas break down during cooking, they lend their creamy texture to the soup, resulting in a thick and comforting consistency. It’s a bowl that will warm you from the inside out.
- Versatile and customizable: While this recipe is a classic, it also allows for personal touches. You can adjust the seasoning to your liking, add extra vegetables, or even experiment with different types of ham. Make it your own!
Ingredients:
- ¼ cup (56g) unsalted butter
- 2 cups (280g) chopped onion
- 1 cup (128g) diced carrot (¼-inch dice)
- 1 cup (128g) diced celery (¼-inch dice)
- ¼ to 1 teaspoon kosher salt, to taste
- ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, plus additional to taste
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 pound (454g) dried split peas, rinsed and sorted
- 1 meaty ham bone
- 1 large bay leaf (or 2 small)
- 2 teaspoons fresh thyme leaves, chopped and quantity divided
- 6 cups (1.42L) chicken stock
- 2 cups (473ml) water
- 1 cup (128g) diced ham (¼-inch dice)
- Buttery Garlic Croutons, for serving
Directions:
In a large pot or Dutch oven, melt the butter until the foam subsides. Add the onion, carrot, celery, ¼ teaspoon salt, and ½ teaspoon pepper. Cook until the vegetables are softened and just beginning to brown, about 5-8 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until it becomes wonderfully fragrant. Stir in the rinsed split peas.
Add the ham bone, bay leaf, and 1 teaspoon of the fresh thyme. Stir in the chicken stock and water. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer uncovered for 60-90 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the split peas are cooked down and the soup reaches your desired thickness. (As the soup thickens, stir more frequently, and if it gets too thick for your liking, feel free to add a little more stock or water.)
During the last 15 minutes of cooking, add the diced ham to the pot. When the soup is ready to be served, remove and discard the ham bone and bay leaf. Stir in the remaining 1 teaspoon of fresh thyme. Taste and season with salt if needed.
Ladle the hot Split Pea Soup with Ham into bowls and garnish with a handful of Buttery Garlic Croutons. For an extra touch of flavor, sprinkle some cracked black pepper on top. Now, take a moment to savor the aroma and dive into a bowl of pure comfort!
Notes:
- If you prefer a smoother consistency, you can use an immersion blender or a countertop blender to partially blend the soup before adding the diced ham.
- Feel free to customize this recipe by adding your favorite herbs or vegetables. It’s a versatile soup that welcomes creativity in the kitchen.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for future cozy nights.
In conclusion, this Split Pea Soup with Ham is more than just a recipe—it’s a warm hug in a bowl. From the first spoonful to the last, this comforting soup captivates your senses with its rich flavors and velvety texture. The tender split peas, savory ham, and aromatic vegetables blend together to create a symphony of taste that will leave you feeling nourished and content.
Whether you’re seeking solace on a chilly evening or simply craving a hearty and wholesome meal, this soup delivers on all fronts. It’s a dish that invites you to slow down, savor each bite, and appreciate the simple joys of homemade comfort food. The delightful aroma that fills your kitchen as it simmers on the stove will awaken memories and create new ones, making this soup a staple in your culinary repertoire.
So, gather your loved ones, cozy up with a bowl of Split Pea Soup with Ham, and let its flavors transport you to a place of comfort and happiness. Share it with your family, friends, or neighbors and watch as their faces light up with gratitude. This recipe is a reminder of the power of food to bring people together, to nourish not only our bodies but also our souls.
Take a leap into this flavorful journey and enjoy the wholesome goodness this soup has to offer. It’s a timeless classic that will warm your heart and leave you longing for more. So, grab your ladle, gather around the table, and let the magic of this Split Pea Soup with Ham fill your home with love, warmth, and cherished memories.
FAQs
Can I use pre-cooked ham instead of a ham bone?
Absolutely! If you don’t have a ham bone, using pre-cooked ham is a convenient option. Simply add the diced ham during the last 15 minutes of cooking to ensure it’s heated through.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian or vegan?
Definitely! To make it vegetarian, omit the ham bone and diced ham, and use vegetable stock instead of chicken stock. For a vegan version, follow the vegetarian modifications and replace the butter with a plant-based alternative.
Can I freeze this soup?
Absolutely! This soup freezes beautifully. Allow it to cool completely, then transfer it to airtight containers or freezer bags. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Can I substitute yellow split peas for green split peas?
Yes, you can! Yellow split peas can be used as a substitute for green split peas in this recipe. The flavor and texture may vary slightly, but it will still be delicious.
Split Pea Soup with Ham
Ingredients
- ¼ cup 56g unsalted butter
- 2 cups 280g chopped onion
- 1 cup 128g diced carrot (¼-inch dice)
- 1 cup 128g diced celery (¼-inch dice)
- ¼ to 1 teaspoon kosher salt to taste
- ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper plus additional to taste
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 pound 454g dried split peas, rinsed and sorted
- 1 meaty ham bone
- 1 large bay leaf or 2 small
- 2 teaspoons fresh thyme leaves chopped and quantity divided
- 6 cups 1.42L chicken stock
- 2 cups 473ml water
- 1 cup 128g diced ham (¼-inch dice)
- Buttery Garlic Croutons for serving
Instructions
- In a large pot or Dutch oven, melt the butter until the foam subsides. Add the onion, carrot, celery, ¼ teaspoon salt, and ½ teaspoon pepper. Cook until the vegetables are softened and just beginning to brown, about 5-8 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until it becomes wonderfully fragrant. Stir in the rinsed split peas.
- Add the ham bone, bay leaf, and 1 teaspoon of the fresh thyme. Stir in the chicken stock and water. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer uncovered for 60-90 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the split peas are cooked down and the soup reaches your desired thickness. (As the soup thickens, stir more frequently, and if it gets too thick for your liking, feel free to add a little more stock or water.)
- During the last 15 minutes of cooking, add the diced ham to the pot. When the soup is ready to be served, remove and discard the ham bone and bay leaf. Stir in the remaining 1 teaspoon of fresh thyme. Taste and season with salt if needed.
- Ladle the hot Split Pea Soup with Ham into bowls and garnish with a handful of Buttery Garlic Croutons. For an extra touch of flavor, sprinkle some cracked black pepper on top. Now, take a moment to savor the aroma and dive into a bowl of pure comfort!
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