Ham and Split Pea Soup: A Hearty and Flavorful Recipe
Are you looking for a comforting and delicious soup recipe that's perfect for a chilly evening? Look no further than this Ham and Split Pea Soup recipe! This classic soup is packed with flavor, easy to make, and incredibly satisfying. It's the perfect way to use up leftover ham bone, making it a budget-friendly and delicious meal.
Ingredients You'll Need:
This recipe uses simple, readily available ingredients to create a deeply flavorful soup. Here's what you'll need:
- 1 pound dried split peas, rinsed
- 8 cups ham broth (or water + 2-3 cups diced ham)
- 1 cup chopped onion
- 2 carrots, chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: 1/2 cup chopped fresh parsley for garnish
Step-by-Step Instructions:
Follow these simple steps to create a delicious bowl of ham and split pea soup:
Step 1: Sauté the Vegetables
In a large pot or Dutch oven, sauté the onion, carrots, and celery in a little olive oil or butter until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
Step 2: Add the Remaining Ingredients
Add the rinsed split peas, ham broth (or water and ham), thyme, rosemary, and bay leaf to the pot. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for at least 1 hour, or until the split peas are tender. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. If using a ham bone instead of diced ham, add it to the pot during this simmering stage.
Step 3: Season and Blend (Optional)
Once the split peas are tender, remove the bay leaf. Season the soup with salt and pepper to taste. If you prefer a smoother soup, you can use an immersion blender to partially or fully puree the soup. This step is entirely optional, based on your preference for texture.
Step 4: Serve and Enjoy!
Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley, if desired. Serve with crusty bread for dipping – the perfect accompaniment to this hearty soup!
Tips for the Best Ham and Split Pea Soup:
- Soaking the split peas (optional): Soaking the split peas for a few hours or overnight can reduce cooking time. However, it's not essential for this recipe.
- Ham bone vs. diced ham: Both work wonderfully! Using a ham bone adds a deeper, richer flavor. If using diced ham, add it along with the other vegetables in step 1 for maximum flavor infusion.
- Adjust seasoning: Taste the soup throughout the cooking process and adjust the seasoning as needed.
- Leftovers: This soup tastes even better the next day! Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
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This recipe is sure to become a family favorite. Enjoy!
