Split Pea and Ham Soup

Split Pea and Ham Soup: A Cozy Bowl of Tradition and Comfort

There’s something undeniably comforting about a warm bowl of soup on a chilly evening. As the leaves begin to change outside and the air turns crisp with autumn, I often find myself reminiscing about family dinners gathered around the table, laughter filling the air while delicious aromas wafted from the kitchen. One dish that has always held a special place in my heart—and on our dinner table—is Split Pea and Ham Soup. This beloved recipe is more than just a meal; it’s a hug in a bowl, evoking memories of warmth, comfort, and togetherness.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

If you’re on the lookout for an easy recipe that can satisfy your family and friends, look no further. Here are a few reasons why Split Pea and Ham Soup deserves a spot in your meal rotation:

• Comforting Food: Rich, hearty, and packed with flavor, this soup warms your soul with every spoonful.
• Family Favorite: Generations have cherished this dish; it’s a wonderful way to create new memories while honoring old traditions.
• Quick Dinner Idea: With just a handful of ingredients and minimal prep, this soup can be made in under an hour!
• Healthy Option: Packed with protein and fiber, it’s a guilt-free indulgence.
• Versatile: Customize it with your favorite vegetables or spices to make it your own.

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Ingredients

You’ll love how this recipe utilizes simple, wholesome ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:

• Split Peas: The star of the show, providing a creamy texture and subtle nutty flavor.
• Ham: A key flavor component; leftover ham or a ham hock works beautifully.
• Carrots: Diced for sweetness and a pop of color.
• Celery: Adds a lovely crunch and aromatic freshness.
• Onion: A must-have for depth of flavor in any soup.
• Garlic: Enhances the overall taste with its savory goodness.
• Vegetable or Chicken Broth: Choose low-sodium for a healthier option.
• Bay Leaves: They impart a lovely earthiness.
• Thyme: Fresh or dried thyme takes this soup to the next level.

Substitutions: You can easily swap split peas for lentils if you’re in a pinch, or add in your favorite vegetables like potatoes or spinach for extra nutrition.

Timing

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Total Time: 50 minutes

In less time than it takes to order takeout, you’ll have a delicious, homemade meal on the table!

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Rinse the Split Peas: Begin by rinsing your split peas under cold water to remove any dust or debris.
2. Sauté the Aromatics: In a large pot, add a drizzle of olive oil over medium heat. Toss in the diced onion, garlic, carrots, and celery. Sauté for about 5-7 minutes until softened; your kitchen will smell amazing at this point!
3. Add the Ham: Stir in your ham, allowing the flavors to meld and for the ham to start releasing its savory essence.
4. Combine Ingredients: Add in the rinsed split peas, broth, bay leaves, thyme, salt, and pepper. Bring it to a gentle boil.
5. Simmer: Lower the heat to a simmer, covering the pot. Let it cook for about 30 minutes, stirring occasionally. Just imagine the aroma filling your home, inviting everyone to gather.
6. Season to Taste: After 30 minutes, taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary. Remove the bay leaves before serving.

Tips and Variations

• Creative Swaps: Add diced potatoes for extra heartiness, or throw in some spinach or kale for a nutrient boost.
• Festive Twist: For a holiday feel, add a pinch of nutmeg or a splash of apple cider for a subtle sweetness.
• Make it Vegan: Omit the ham and use vegetable broth; add smoked paprika for a hint of smokiness.

Serving Suggestions

Picture this: a steaming bowl of Split Pea and Ham Soup, garnished with fresh herbs and a sprinkle of cracked black pepper, served alongside crusty sourdough bread or a crisp green salad. For a cozy gathering, pair it with a robust red wine or a refreshing iced tea—perfect for sharing laughter and stories.

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

This soup is a champion of leftovers! It stores well in the fridge for up to five days or can be frozen for up to three months. To reheat, simply transfer to a pot and warm over medium heat, adding a splash of broth if it has thickened too much. It’s even better the next day as the flavors continue to develop!

Pro Tips from the Kitchen

1. Use Leftover Ham: This soup is a great way to use up leftover holiday ham—making it both economical and delicious!
2. Don’t Skip the Soaking: While not always necessary, soaking the split peas for an hour can shorten cooking time and improve texture.
3. Enhance with Herbs: Fresh herbs sprinkled on top just before serving adds a burst of freshness to each bowl.

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FAQs

• Can I use dried peas instead of split peas?
  Yes! Just be sure to adjust your cooking time, as dried peas can take longer to soften.

• Does this recipe freeze well?
  Absolutely! Just let it cool completely before transferring it to airtight containers.

• What can I serve this soup with?
  Any crusty bread or a green salad pairs beautifully. You can also enjoy it simply on its own!

Conclusion

There’s a simple kind of magic that comes from cooking for the people we love. Split Pea and Ham Soup is more than just a comforting meal; it’s an invitation to gather, connect, and create new memories. I hope you feel inspired to try this delightful recipe and make it a part of your family traditions. Happy cooking, and may your bowls always be filled with warmth and joy!

Contents

• 1 Split Pea and Ham Soup
  • 1.1 Ingredients  
  • 1.2 Method 
  • 1.3 Notes

Split Pea and Ham Soup

A rich and hearty soup that combines split peas and ham, perfect for cozy evenings and family gatherings.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 40 minutes mins

Total Time 50 minutes mins

Servings: 6 servings

Course: Main Course, Soup

Cuisine: American

Calories: 250

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Main Ingredients

• 1 cup Split Peas The star ingredient providing a creamy texture.
• 1 cup Ham Leftover ham or ham hock works beautifully.
• 2 medium Carrots, diced Adds sweetness and color.
• 2 stalks Celery, diced For aromatic freshness.
• 1 medium Onion, diced Provides depth of flavor.
• 2 cloves Garlic, minced Enhances the savory goodness.
• 6 cups Vegetable or Chicken Broth Low-sodium for a healthier option.
• 2 leaves Bay Leaves Imparts a lovely earthiness.
• 1 teaspoon Thyme Fresh or dried enhances the flavor.

Method

 

Preparation

1. Rinse the split peas under cold water to remove any dust or debris.
2. In a large pot, add a drizzle of olive oil over medium heat. Toss in the diced onion, garlic, carrots, and celery. Sauté for about 5-7 minutes until softened.
3. Stir in the ham, allowing the flavors to meld.
4. Add the rinsed split peas, broth, bay leaves, thyme, salt, and pepper. Bring to a gentle boil.
5. Lower the heat to a simmer, covering the pot. Let it cook for about 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
6. After 30 minutes, taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary. Remove the bay leaves before serving.

Notes

This soup is perfect for leftovers and can be stored in the fridge for up to five days or frozen for up to three months. Enhance with fresh herbs before serving for added freshness.

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