Description
Hearty Creamy Split Pea Soup brings comfort and warmth to winter tables with its rich blend of tender ham and fragrant spices. Smooth, satisfying spoonfuls invite hungry diners to savor each delicious mouthful of this classic comfort recipe.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 1½ cups dried green split peas, rinsed
- 1 meaty ham bone or ham hocks
- 8 cups reduced-sodium chicken broth
Vegetables and Aromatics:
- 2 medium onions, finely diced
- 2–3 large carrots, finely diced
- 3–4 celery stalks, finely diced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
Seasonings and Extras:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon dried Italian seasoning
- 1½ teaspoons ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- ⅛ teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 2 small bay leaves (or 1 large)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh thyme leaves (optional, for garnish)
- Crusty buttered bread, for serving
Instructions
- Prepare a robust pot and warm olive oil over medium heat, creating a sizzling base for the aromatic vegetables. Introduce diced onions, carrots, and celery, seasoning with salt and pepper. Allow the mixture to dance and caramelize for 5-8 minutes until vegetables soften and onions turn golden brown.
- Infuse the pot with minced garlic, Italian seasoning, cumin, thyme, and red pepper flakes. Toast the spices for 60 seconds, releasing their vibrant essences and creating a fragrant foundation.
- Incorporate thoroughly rinsed split peas, ham bone, bay leaves, and chicken broth. Elevate the temperature to a rolling boil, then immediately reduce to a gentle simmer. Allow the soup to transform for 60-90 minutes, occasionally stirring to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
- Assess the soup’s texture when peas become tender and liquid thickens. Extract the ham bone, meticulously shred the meat, and return succulent pieces to the pot. Discard bay leaves and bone remnants.
- Transform the soup’s consistency by carefully blending two cups into a silky puree. Reintegrate the smooth mixture, creating a luxurious, creamy texture. Fine-tune seasoning with additional salt and pepper to harmonize flavors.
- Ladle the steaming soup into bowls, garnishing with delicate fresh thyme sprigs. Accompany with crusty, butter-slathered bread for a comforting dining experience.
Notes
- Enhance protein content by adding extra ham or diced chicken for a meatier texture.
- Make it vegetarian by swapping ham bone with smoked paprika, liquid smoke, or vegetable broth for depth of flavor.
- Control soup thickness by adjusting liquid; add more broth for thinner consistency or let it simmer longer for a heartier soup.
- Freeze leftovers in airtight containers for up to 3 months, ensuring smooth reheating by stirring occasionally and adding splash of broth.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 70-98 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 14g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 20mg