Split Pea Soup with Ham: A Hearty and Flavorful Recipe
This recipe for split pea soup with ham is a classic for a reason! It's hearty, flavorful, and surprisingly easy to make. Perfect for a chilly evening or a comforting weekend lunch, this soup is sure to become a staple in your kitchen. We'll cover everything from selecting the best ingredients to perfecting the cooking process, ensuring you achieve a perfectly creamy and delicious bowl of split pea soup every time.
Choosing Your Ingredients: The Foundation of Great Soup
The quality of your ingredients directly impacts the final taste of your soup. Here's what you'll need:
- Split peas: Green split peas are the traditional choice, offering a lovely earthy flavor. Make sure to rinse them thoroughly before using to remove any debris.
- Ham bone or ham hock: This is where the magic happens! A ham bone or hock adds incredible depth of flavor. If you don't have a bone, you can substitute with about 1 cup of diced cooked ham.
- Aromatics: Onions, carrots, and celery form the classic mirepoix, adding sweetness and complexity to the soup. Don't skimp on these!
- Broth: Using a good quality chicken or vegetable broth will elevate the flavor profile significantly. Avoid using low-sodium broth if you're watching your salt intake, and adjust seasoning accordingly.
- Spices: Bay leaves, black pepper, and thyme are perfect additions. Experiment with other herbs like rosemary or sage for a unique twist.
Step-by-Step Recipe: Cooking Your Perfect Split Pea Soup
Prep Time: 15 minutes Cook Time: 1-1.5 hours
Yields: 6-8 servings
Ingredients:
- 1 cup dried green split peas, rinsed
- 1 ham bone or ham hock (or 1 cup diced cooked ham)
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 8 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme (or 1 tablespoon fresh thyme)
- Salt to taste
Instructions:
- Sauté the aromatics: In a large pot or Dutch oven, sauté the onion, carrots, and celery in a little olive oil until softened. This step enhances the overall flavor of the soup.
- Add the ham: Add the ham bone or hock (or diced ham) to the pot. If using a bone, ensure it's submerged in the liquid.
- Combine ingredients: Add the rinsed split peas, broth, bay leaves, black pepper, and thyme to the pot. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for at least one hour, or until the peas are tender. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Remove the ham: Once the peas are tender, remove the ham bone or hock from the pot. If using a bone, let it cool slightly, then remove the meat and chop it, adding it back to the soup.
- Blend (optional): For a creamier soup, use an immersion blender to partially or fully blend the soup. This step is entirely optional, depending on your preference.
- Season and serve: Season the soup with salt to taste. Serve hot with crusty bread.
Tips for the Best Split Pea Soup
- Soaking (optional): Soaking the split peas for a few hours or overnight can reduce cooking time and improve their texture.
- Don't overcook: Overcooked split peas can become mushy. Aim for tender but still slightly firm peas.
- Adjust seasonings: Taste and adjust the seasonings throughout the cooking process.
- Garnish: A dollop of sour cream or crème fraîche, a sprinkle of fresh parsley, or a crispy crouton can add a delightful finishing touch.
Serving Suggestions & Variations
This split pea soup is incredibly versatile. Serve it as a standalone meal, alongside a simple salad, or pair it with crusty bread for dipping. Here are some creative variations:
- Spicy Split Pea Soup: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of your favorite hot sauce.
- Smoked Split Pea Soup: Use smoked ham or add a tablespoon of smoked paprika for a smoky flavor profile.
- Vegetarian Split Pea Soup: Omit the ham and use vegetable broth. Add some mushrooms or other vegetables for extra heartiness.
Enjoy your delicious homemade split pea soup with ham! Let us know in the comments what your favorite variations are.
