There’s something truly heartwarming about a bowl of split pea soup with ham. It’s like a hug in a bowl, perfect for those chilly days when you need a little extra comfort. I remember the first time I made this soup; I was curled up in my cozy kitchen, the aroma of simmering peas and savory ham filling the air. It brought back memories of family gatherings and my grandmother’s warm kitchen, where we’d all gather around the table, sharing stories and laughter. That’s the magic of this soup—it’s simple to prepare and yet so rich in flavor and nostalgia.
This recipe is a breeze; you don’t need any fancy techniques or hard-to-find ingredients. Just a few staples that you probably already have in your pantry. You’ll love how quickly it comes together, making it a perfect weeknight meal or a cozy weekend treat. Plus, it’s nourishing and filling, packed with protein and fiber, which makes it not just a comfort food, but a healthy one too! So, grab your favorite pot, and let’s dive into this delightful recipe that’s sure to warm your heart and soul.
Ingredients
- 1 cup dried split peas, rinsed and sorted
- 1 medium onion, chopped into small pieces
- 2 carrots, diced for a touch of sweetness
- 2 celery stalks, diced for added crunch
- 1 ham hock or 1 cup of diced cooked ham for flavor
- 4 cups of chicken or vegetable broth, whichever you prefer
- 1 bay leaf to enhance the aroma
- Salt and pepper to taste, don’t be shy!
Feel free to adjust the amounts depending on your taste! If you’re looking for a lighter option, turkey can be a great substitute for ham. And for a vegetarian twist, just skip the meat and use vegetable broth instead. Cooking should be fun and flexible!
How to Prepare *Split Pea Soup with Ham*
Now, let’s get into the nitty-gritty of making this comforting split pea soup with ham. Trust me, it’s easier than you might think! Follow these steps, and you’ll have a pot full of deliciousness in no time. I promise it’ll be worth every minute spent in the kitchen.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Rinse the Split Peas: Start by rinsing your dried split peas under cold water. This helps remove any dirt or debris that might be lurking. Just give them a good rinse in a colander and set them aside.
- Gather Your Ingredients: In a large pot, combine the rinsed split peas, chopped onion, diced carrots, and diced celery. These veggies add a lovely sweetness and texture to the soup!
- Add the Flavor: Toss in either the ham hock or diced ham, which will infuse the soup with that savory goodness we all love. Then, pour in your broth—whether it’s chicken or vegetable—followed by the bay leaf. Oh, the aroma is already starting to come together!
- Bring to a Boil: Place the pot over medium-high heat and bring everything to a gentle boil. Keep an eye on it, and give it a stir now and then to make sure nothing sticks to the bottom.
- Simmer: Once it’s boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for about 1 hour. You want those split peas to soften and break down, creating a creamy texture. If you notice it getting too thick, you can always add a splash more broth or water.
- Shred the Ham: After an hour, remove the ham hock if you used one. Be careful—it’s hot! Let it cool for a minute, then shred any meat off the bone and return it to the pot. This step really amps up the flavor and heartiness.
- Season to Taste: Now, it’s time to season! Add salt and pepper to your liking. Don’t forget to taste as you go; this is your soup, after all!
- Serve Warm: Ladle the soup into bowls and enjoy it warm. It’s perfect on its own or with a slice of crusty bread on the side. Dive in and savor the comforting flavors!
And there you have it! A simple, hearty split pea soup with ham that feels like a warm embrace. Remember, cooking is about enjoying the process, so don’t rush it. Let the flavors meld together, and take a moment to relish in the delightful aromas filling your kitchen. Happy cooking!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- It’s a comforting dish that warms you from the inside out, perfect for chilly evenings.
- Super easy to prepare with just a few simple ingredients you likely have on hand.
- Packed with protein and fiber, making it a nutritious option for any meal.
- Leftovers taste even better the next day as the flavors continue to develop!
- It’s versatile—swap in turkey for a lighter version or add your favorite herbs for extra flavor.
You’ll find that this split pea soup with ham becomes a go-to recipe in your home!
Tips for Success
To make the most out of your split pea soup with ham, here are a few handy tips that I’ve gathered over the years. First off, don’t skip the rinsing step! It really does help clean the peas and ensures a smoother texture. You might also consider soaking the peas for a couple of hours before cooking to help them cook faster, but it’s not a must. Just keep an eye on them as they simmer; if they look too thick, add a little more broth or water to loosen things up.
If you’re not fond of ham, feel free to use turkey or even crispy bacon for a different flavor profile. You can also experiment with herbs and spices—thyme, rosemary, or even a dash of smoked paprika can add a delightful twist! And for those watching their sodium intake, using low-sodium broth is a great way to control the saltiness without sacrificing flavor.
Lastly, don’t be afraid to personalize it! Maybe throw in some diced potatoes or a handful of spinach towards the end for added nutrition. Cooking is all about making it your own, so have fun with it! You’ll find that each batch can be a little different, and that’s part of the joy.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Storing your delicious split pea soup with ham is quite simple! Just let any leftovers cool completely before transferring them to an airtight container. You can keep it in the refrigerator for up to 4 days—trust me, it tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld together!
If you want to keep it longer, consider freezing the soup. Portion it into freezer-safe containers or freezer bags, leaving some room for expansion, and it’ll last for about 2-3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, just thaw it overnight in the refrigerator.
To reheat, gently warm it on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally. If it looks a bit thick, add a splash of water or broth to loosen it up. You can also microwave it in short bursts, stirring in between, until it’s heated through. Enjoy your warm bowl of comfort!
Nutritional Information
While I’ve provided some general nutritional information for this split pea soup with ham, please keep in mind that these values can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you choose. For the most accurate information, I recommend checking the labels on your ingredients. Enjoy your healthy, hearty meal!
FAQ Section
Can I make this soup in a slow cooker?
Absolutely! Just follow the same steps for rinsing and combining your ingredients, then set your slow cooker on low for about 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours. It’s a great way to let those flavors develop while you go about your day.
What if I don’t have a ham hock?
No worries at all! You can simply use diced ham instead, or even a smoked sausage for that lovely flavor. If you prefer a vegetarian version, just skip the meat and use vegetable broth.
Can I add other vegetables?
Definitely! Feel free to toss in some diced potatoes, spinach, or even sweet corn for extra nutrition and flavor. Just remember to adjust your cooking time accordingly, especially for firmer veggies.
How do I store leftovers?
Let your soup cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It’ll keep in the fridge for up to 4 days, or you can freeze it for 2-3 months. Just remember to leave some space in your container for expansion!
Can I use frozen split peas?
While dried split peas are the best for this recipe, you can definitely use frozen split peas if that’s what you have on hand. Just add them to the pot without thawing, and adjust the cooking time as needed!
Warm Your Soul with Split Pea Soup with Ham Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
A comforting split pea soup with ham that’s easy to make and perfect for any meal.
Ingredients
- 1 cup dried split peas
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 1 ham hock or 1 cup diced ham
- 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Rinse the split peas under cold water.
- In a large pot, combine the peas, onion, carrots, celery, ham hock, broth, and bay leaf.
- Bring to a boil over medium-high heat.
- Reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 1 hour or until peas are tender.
- Remove the ham hock, shred the meat, and return it to the pot.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve warm.
Notes
- You can use turkey instead of ham for a lighter option.
- For a vegetarian version, omit the ham and use vegetable broth.
- Feel free to add your favorite herbs for extra flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 15g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
Keywords: split pea soup with ham, comfort food, easy soup recipe
