Description
Hearty split pea soup with ham brings rustic comfort from traditional kitchens, blending smoky pork and creamy legumes into a soul-warming bowl. Rich flavors and nourishing ingredients invite you to savor each spoonful of this classic winter favorite.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein:
- 1 lb ham, diced
- 2 cups chicken broth
Vegetables:
- 2 cups split peas
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
Seasonings and Extras:
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 bay leaf
- 1/2 tsp dried thyme
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 4 cups water
- Salt to taste
Instructions
- Prepare a large pot and heat olive oil over medium heat, creating a sizzling base for your aromatic soup foundation.
- Sauté chopped onions, carrots, and celery until vegetables become translucent and release their fragrant essence, approximately 5-6 minutes.
- Add minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds, allowing the garlic to become wonderfully aromatic without burning.
- Introduce diced ham to the vegetable mixture, stirring to distribute the protein evenly and allow slight caramelization.
- Pour in split peas, chicken broth, water, bay leaf, dried thyme, and black pepper, creating a rich liquid landscape for the soup.
- Bring the mixture to a robust boil, then immediately reduce heat to a gentle simmer, covering the pot with a tight-fitting lid.
- Allow soup to simmer for 45-50 minutes, stirring occasionally, until split peas become tender and begin to break down, creating a thick, creamy consistency.
- Remove bay leaf and taste the soup, adjusting seasoning with salt as needed to enhance the overall flavor profile.
- Let the soup rest for 5-10 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld and thicken slightly.
- Ladle into warm bowls and serve immediately, enjoying the hearty, comforting essence of this classic split pea soup.
Notes
- Boost protein by adding extra ham or shredded chicken for a more substantial meal.
- Create a vegetarian version by replacing ham with smoked paprika and using vegetable broth to maintain deep, rich flavor layers.
- Control soup thickness by adjusting liquid quantities: less liquid creates a thicker stew-like consistency, while more liquid produces a lighter soup texture.
- Enhance nutritional value by incorporating additional vegetables like parsnips or sweet potatoes during the sautéing stage for extra vitamins and complexity.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Fat: 10 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 10 g
- Protein: 15 g
- Cholesterol: 40 mg