Split Pea Soup with Ham
Reasons to Try Split Pea Soup with Ham
This split pea soup with ham is a classic comfort food that warms you up from the inside out. It’s a perfect blend of flavors and textures that can turn any chilly day into a cozy meal. Not only is it delicious, but it also makes use of leftover ham, which is a great way to reduce waste in your kitchen.
How to Make Split Pea Soup with Ham
Ingredients:
- 1 cup green split peas
- 1 leftover ham bone
- 2 carrots, diced
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 potatoes, diced
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Directions:
- Rinse the split peas under cold water and set aside.
- In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat.
- Add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in the diced carrots and potatoes, cooking for another 5 minutes.
- Add the ham bone, split peas, chicken broth, salt, pepper, and bay leaf.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for about 1 to 1.5 hours, or until the peas are tender.
- Remove the ham bone, shred any meat back into the soup, and discard the bone.
- Adjust seasoning as needed and serve hot.
How to Serve Split Pea Soup with Ham
Serve the split pea soup hot, garnished with fresh herbs like parsley for an extra touch. This soup pairs wonderfully with crusty bread or a simple salad.
How to Store Split Pea Soup with Ham
Let any leftovers cool completely before transferring them to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. You can also freeze the soup for longer storage; it will keep well for about 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
Tips to Make Split Pea Soup with Ham
- For a thicker texture, blend a portion of the soup and stir it back in.
- If you prefer a vegetarian version, omit the ham and use vegetable broth instead.
- Experiment with spices like thyme or smoked paprika for added flavor.
Variation
You can add other vegetables, like celery or bell peppers, to the soup for different textures and flavors. Adjust the cooking time slightly to ensure everything is tender.
FAQs
1. Can I make this soup in a slow cooker?
Yes, you can prepare this soup in a slow cooker. Simply follow the same steps, adding all the ingredients to the slow cooker and cooking on low for 6-8 hours.
2. Is this soup gluten-free?
Yes, split pea soup is naturally gluten-free as it does not contain any wheat-based ingredients.
3. How can I make this soup vegetarian?
To make it vegetarian, leave out the ham and replace the chicken broth with vegetable broth. You can add extra vegetables or beans for added protein.
Split Pea Soup with Ham
Ingredients
Main ingredients
- 1 cup green split peas Rinsed before use
- 1 piece leftover ham bone Adds flavor to the soup
- 2 medium carrots, diced
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 medium potatoes, diced
- 4 cups chicken broth Can be replaced with vegetable broth for a vegetarian version
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 leaf bay leaf
- 1 tablespoon olive oil For sautéing
Instructions
Preparation
- Rinse the split peas under cold water and set aside.
- In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat.
- Add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in the diced carrots and potatoes, cooking for another 5 minutes.
Cooking
- Add the ham bone, split peas, chicken broth, salt, pepper, and bay leaf.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for about 1 to 1.5 hours, or until the peas are tender.
- Remove the ham bone, shred any meat back into the soup, and discard the bone.
- Adjust seasoning as needed and serve hot.
