Description
This is a recipe for a classic, hearty Split Pea Soup with Ham, designed to bring joy and connection back to your kitchen. Liam, the artist, crafts this comforting dish, while Sara, the muse, inspires the playful spirit.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 pound dried split peas, rinsed
- 8 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 pound smoked ham hock or leftover ham, diced
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- Water, as needed
Instructions
- Rinse the split peas thoroughly under cold water. Discard any small stones or discolored peas.
- In a large pot or Dutch oven, combine the rinsed split peas, broth, ham (if using ham hock, add it whole), onion, carrots, celery, garlic, bay leaf, thyme, and pepper.
- Bring the mixture to a boil over high heat.
- Reduce the heat to low, cover partially, and simmer for 1.5 to 2 hours. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking to the bottom.
- If the soup becomes too thick, add a little water or extra broth until you reach your desired consistency. The peas should be very soft and starting to break down.
- Remove the ham hock (if used) and bay leaf. Shred the meat from the hock and return it to the pot. Discard the bone.
- Continue to simmer for another 15 minutes for flavors to meld. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.
- Serve hot. This soup tastes even better the next day.
Notes
- For a vegan version, omit the ham and use vegetable broth. Add smoked paprika for a smoky flavor.
- If using pre-cooked diced ham, add it during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
- This recipe works well in a slow cooker or Instant Pot; follow your appliance’s specific directions, usually simmering on low for 6-8 hours in the slow cooker.
- If you prefer a smoother soup, remove the bay leaf and use an immersion blender to partially blend a portion of the soup before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 hours
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop Simmering
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1.5 cups
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 650mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 18g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 30mg