Ham and Split Pea Soup Recipe — A Great Soup

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Ham and Split Pea Soup Recipe — A Great Soup

Introduction

Ham and Split Pea Soup is a warm and hearty dish that brings comfort on chilly days. It’s a classic recipe that makes the most of simple ingredients and is packed with flavor.

Why Make This Recipe

This soup is not only delicious but also very easy to prepare. It’s perfect for busy weeknights or a cozy weekend meal with family. With its rich taste and satisfying texture, it’s sure to please everyone at the table.

How to Make Ham and Split Pea Soup

Making Ham and Split Pea Soup is straightforward and quick. Here’s how you can create this tasty dish in your own kitchen.

Ingredients:

  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 2 ribs celery, diced
  • 0.5 onion, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, sliced
  • 1 pound dried split peas, rinsed
  • 1 pound ham, diced
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 1 quart chicken stock
  • 2.5 cups water
  • Salt and ground black pepper to taste

Directions:

  1. Melt the butter in a large soup pot over medium-low heat. Once melted, add the celery, onion, and sliced garlic. Cook and stir for about 5 to 8 minutes until the onions are translucent but not brown.

  2. Now, stir in the rinsed split peas, diced ham, and bay leaf. Pour in the chicken stock and water, mixing everything well. Bring the soup to a simmer and let it cook for about 1 hour and 15 minutes, or until the peas are tender and the soup has thickened. Stir occasionally.

  3. Before serving, season your soup with salt and black pepper to taste.

How to Serve Ham and Split Pea Soup

Serve this warm soup in bowls, and feel free to add some crusty bread or a sprinkle of fresh herbs on top for extra flavor. It’s a perfect meal on its own!

How to Store Ham and Split Pea Soup

If you have leftovers, let the soup cool down and then store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. It also freezes well, so you can enjoy it later on those busy days!

Tips to Make Ham and Split Pea Soup

  • Be sure to rinse the split peas before adding them to the pot. This helps remove any dust or debris.
  • For a smokier flavor, try using a ham hock or smoked ham.
  • Adjust the consistency by adding more water or stock if you like a thinner soup.

Variation

You can add other vegetables like carrots or potatoes to make the soup even heartier. Experiment with spices like thyme or cumin for added flavor.

FAQs

1. Can I use leftover ham for this recipe?
Yes, using leftover ham is a great way to make this soup! It adds extra flavor and makes the dish even easier to prepare.

2. Is this soup gluten-free?
Yes, Ham and Split Pea Soup is naturally gluten-free as it does not contain any wheat products.

3. How can I make this soup vegetarian?
To make a vegetarian version, skip the ham and use vegetable stock instead of chicken stock. Add more vegetables for flavor!