Split pea soup with ham is like a warm hug in a bowl. Imagine the savory aroma wafting through your kitchen, inviting everyone to gather around the table. The rich, creamy texture combined with smoky ham creates an unforgettable flavor that dances on your taste buds. family-friendly cozy meals warm soup recipes for winter Perfect for chilly evenings or lazy weekends, this dish promises comfort and satisfaction in every spoonful.
As a child, I remember my grandmother’s kitchen filled with laughter and the comforting scent of split pea soup simmering on the stove. She would often say that food tastes better when shared with loved ones, and boy, was she right! This recipe brings back those cherished memories while creating new ones at every dinner party or family gathering. classic corn chowder.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This easy split pea soup with ham packs a hearty punch of flavor while being incredibly simple to prepare
- The vibrant green color is as appealing as its taste, making it a feast for both eyes and palate
- It’s versatile enough for lunch or dinner and can be customized based on what you have in the pantry
- Ideal for meal prep, this soup freezes beautifully for quick meals later on
I still chuckle when I think about the first time I made this soup—my friends were skeptical until they took that first sip and their faces lit up like Christmas lights.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish: For more inspiration, check out this delicious patty melts recipe.
- Split Peas: Look for dried green or yellow split peas; they should be whole and free from debris.
- Smoked Ham Hock: This adds a deep, smoky flavor; choose one that’s meaty for best results.
- Carrots: Fresh carrots bring sweetness and color; chop them into even pieces for uniform cooking.
- Celery: Use crisp celery stalks to add crunch and depth; they should be finely diced.
- Onion: A yellow onion works well here; sauté until translucent to release its natural sweetness.
- Garlic: Fresh garlic cloves are essential; minced garlic adds aromatic goodness throughout the soup.
- Vegetable Broth: Opt for low-sodium broth so you control the saltiness of your soup.
- Bay Leaves: These add subtle herbal notes; remember to remove them before serving.
- Thyme: Dried thyme enhances the flavors beautifully; fresh thyme can also work if you have it on hand.
- Black Pepper: Freshly cracked black pepper gives just the right amount of kick without overpowering other flavors.
- Salt: Adjust to taste at the end of cooking since ham can be salty itself.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
Sautéing Aromatics
Start by heating a large pot over medium heat. Add chopped onions, carrots, and celery along with a drizzle of olive oil. Sauté until onions become translucent and fragrant, about 5 minutes.
Add Garlic and Herbs
Stir in minced garlic, bay leaves, and thyme. Allow these aromatics to cook for an additional minute until they release their delightful scents—this will make your kitchen smell amazing!
Toss in Split Peas and Ham Hock
Next, add rinsed split peas along with the smoky ham hock into the pot. Stir well to combine all ingredients before pouring in vegetable broth to cover everything comfortably.
Braise It All Together
Bring the mixture to a gentle boil before reducing heat to low. Cover and simmer for 1 to 1.5 hours until peas are tender and creamy—stir occasionally while daydreaming about how good this will taste!
Taste Test Time
After cooking time is up, remove the ham hock from the pot. Shred any meat off it (it should fall apart easily) before returning it back into your hearty mix.
Add Final Seasonings
Season your split pea soup with salt and freshly cracked black pepper according to taste preferences. Enjoy each spoonful of warmth as you serve this delightful dish hot!
And there you have it—a delicious bowl of split pea soup with ham ready to warm your heart! side dishes with ham.
You Must Know
- Split pea soup with ham is a comforting classic that warms the soul
- The rich, smoky flavor of the ham paired with the creamy texture of the split peas creates a perfect harmony
- This dish not only nourishes but also brings back delightful memories of family gatherings
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by sautéing onions and garlic until fragrant, then add split peas and broth, followed by your diced ham. Cook until tender for a deliciously smooth texture.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to customize with spices like thyme or smoked paprika. You can also add carrots or celery for extra flavor and nutrition, making it uniquely yours.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftover split pea soup in an airtight container in the fridge for up to five days. Reheat gently on the stove, adding a splash of water if it thickens too much.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Use dried split peas for a heartier texture; they hold up better than frozen ones
- Make sure to rinse them well before cooking to remove any grit
- Consider adding bay leaves during cooking for extra depth of flavor
Cooking split pea soup with ham takes me back to chilly evenings spent at my grandmother’s house, where her kitchen always smelled like happiness and warmth. For more inspiration, check out this easy chicken spring rolls recipe.
FAQ
What is the best type of ham for split pea soup with ham?
Use smoked ham hocks or shank; they impart wonderful flavor to the soup.
Can I make split pea soup vegetarian?
Absolutely! Substitute vegetable broth and skip the ham for a delicious vegetarian version.
How long does it take to cook split pea soup?
It usually takes about 1-1.5 hours on the stove until peas are tender and creamy.
Split Pea Soup with Ham
- Total Time: 1 hour 40 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 6
Description
Split pea soup with ham is the ultimate comfort food, delivering warmth and satisfaction in every bowl. This hearty dish combines creamy split peas with smoky ham, creating a delightful symphony of flavors that will remind you of cherished family gatherings. Perfect for chilly evenings or meal prep, this recipe is as nourishing as it is delicious.
Ingredients
- 1 cup dried green split peas
- 1 meaty smoked ham hock (about 1 pound)
- 2 medium carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, finely diced
- 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 4 cups low-sodium vegetable broth
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- Freshly cracked black pepper, to taste
- Salt, to taste
Instructions
- In a large pot over medium heat, sauté onions, carrots, and celery in a drizzle of olive oil until onions are translucent (about 5 minutes).
- Add minced garlic, bay leaves, and thyme; cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Stir in rinsed split peas and the smoked ham hock. Pour in vegetable broth to cover all ingredients.
- Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 1 to 1.5 hours until peas are tender and creamy.
- Remove the ham hock; shred meat off the bone before returning it to the soup.
- Season with salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 90 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 550mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 12g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
