Hearty and Flavorful Split Pea and Ham Soup: A Delicious and Easy Recipe
Split pea and ham soup is a classic comfort food, perfect for a chilly day. This recipe is easy to follow and yields a rich, flavorful soup that the whole family will love. It’s a great way to use leftover ham, and it’s packed with nutrients. Let’s dive into making this delicious soup!
## Why You’ll Love This Recipe
* **Comforting and Hearty:** Split pea and ham soup is incredibly satisfying and warming.
* **Easy to Make:** This recipe requires simple ingredients and minimal effort.
* **Budget-Friendly:** Split peas are inexpensive, making this a great budget-friendly meal.
* **Great for Leftovers:** This soup tastes even better the next day, as the flavors meld together.
* **Nutritious:** Split peas are packed with protein, fiber, and essential vitamins and minerals.
* **Perfect for Using Leftover Ham:** It’s a fantastic way to use up that leftover holiday ham.
## Ingredients You’ll Need
* **Dried Split Peas:** 1 pound (about 2 cups), rinsed
* **Ham Hock or Ham Bone:** 1 large or 2 small
* **Cooked Ham:** 1-2 cups, diced (if not using a ham hock or bone, increase to 3 cups)
* **Onion:** 1 large, chopped
* **Carrots:** 2 medium, chopped
* **Celery:** 2 stalks, chopped
* **Garlic:** 2-3 cloves, minced
* **Chicken Broth:** 8 cups (or vegetable broth)
* **Water:** 4 cups (adjust as needed for desired consistency)
* **Bay Leaf:** 1-2
* **Dried Thyme:** 1 teaspoon
* **Dried Marjoram:** 1/2 teaspoon (optional, but adds a nice flavor)
* **Salt and Pepper:** To taste
* **Olive Oil or Butter:** 1 tablespoon (for sautéing vegetables)
* **Optional Garnishes:** Fresh parsley, croutons, a swirl of cream
## Equipment You’ll Need
* **Large Stockpot or Dutch Oven:** At least 6-quart capacity.
* **Cutting Board and Knife:** For chopping vegetables and ham.
* **Measuring Cups and Spoons:** For accurate ingredient measurements.
* **Ladle:** For serving the soup.
* **Optional: Immersion Blender or Regular Blender:** For a smoother soup (optional).
## Step-by-Step Instructions
Here’s a detailed guide to making the perfect split pea and ham soup:
**Step 1: Prepare the Split Peas**
* **Rinse the Split Peas:** Place the dried split peas in a colander and rinse them thoroughly under cold running water. This helps remove any debris and excess starch.
**Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables**
* **Heat the Oil:** In a large stockpot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil or butter over medium heat.
* **Add the Onion, Carrots, and Celery:** Add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery to the pot. Sauté for about 5-7 minutes, or until the vegetables are softened and the onion is translucent. Stir occasionally to prevent burning.
* **Add the Garlic:** Add the minced garlic to the pot and sauté for another minute, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can become bitter.
**Step 3: Add the Remaining Ingredients**
* **Add the Split Peas, Ham Hock (or Ham), Broth, and Water:** Add the rinsed split peas, ham hock (or diced ham), chicken broth, and water to the pot.
* **Add the Bay Leaf and Herbs:** Add the bay leaf, dried thyme, and dried marjoram (if using) to the pot. These herbs will infuse the soup with flavor as it simmers.
* **Season with Salt and Pepper:** Season the soup with salt and pepper to taste. Remember that the ham will also add salt to the soup, so start with a smaller amount and adjust later.
**Step 4: Simmer the Soup**
* **Bring to a Boil:** Bring the soup to a boil over high heat.
* **Reduce Heat and Simmer:** Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and simmer for 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the split peas are very tender and have broken down. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking to the bottom of the pot.
**Step 5: Remove the Ham Hock (if used)**
* **Remove the Ham Hock:** If you used a ham hock, remove it from the pot using tongs. Place it on a cutting board to cool slightly.
* **Shred the Ham:** Once the ham hock is cool enough to handle, shred the meat from the bone. Discard the skin, fat, and bone.
* **Return the Shredded Ham to the Soup:** Add the shredded ham back to the pot.
**Step 6: Adjust Consistency (Optional)**
* **For a Chunky Soup:** Leave the soup as is for a more rustic, chunky texture.
* **For a Smoother Soup:** Use an immersion blender to blend the soup until smooth. Alternatively, you can carefully transfer the soup to a regular blender in batches and blend until smooth (be cautious when blending hot liquids). If using a regular blender, be sure to vent the lid to prevent pressure buildup.
**Step 7: Add Diced Ham (if not already added)**
* **Add Diced Ham:** If you haven’t already added diced ham, stir it into the soup now. This is especially important if you didn’t use a ham hock or bone.
**Step 8: Simmer for Another 15-20 Minutes**
* **Simmer Again:** Simmer the soup for another 15-20 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together and the ham to heat through.
**Step 9: Taste and Adjust Seasoning**
* **Taste and Adjust:** Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning as needed. Add more salt, pepper, or herbs to your liking. You may also want to add a squeeze of lemon juice for a touch of brightness.
**Step 10: Serve and Garnish**
* **Serve Hot:** Serve the split pea and ham soup hot.
* **Garnish (Optional):** Garnish with fresh parsley, croutons, a swirl of cream, or a sprinkle of black pepper.
## Tips for the Best Split Pea and Ham Soup
* **Use High-Quality Ingredients:** The better the quality of your ingredients, the better the soup will taste. Use a good quality ham and fresh vegetables.
* **Don’t Skip the Sautéing:** Sautéing the vegetables helps to develop their flavor and adds depth to the soup.
* **Simmer Low and Slow:** Simmering the soup over low heat for a long time allows the flavors to meld together and the split peas to break down properly.
* **Adjust the Consistency to Your Liking:** Whether you prefer a chunky soup or a smooth soup, you can adjust the consistency to your liking using an immersion blender or regular blender.
* **Don’t Over-Salt:** Ham can be quite salty, so be careful not to over-salt the soup. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed.
* **Use a Ham Hock or Bone for Extra Flavor:** A ham hock or bone adds a lot of flavor to the soup. If you don’t have one, you can substitute with more diced ham.
* **Add a Touch of Acidity:** A squeeze of lemon juice or a splash of vinegar can brighten the flavors of the soup.
* **Make it Vegetarian:** For a vegetarian version, omit the ham and use vegetable broth. You can also add smoked paprika for a smoky flavor.
* **Store Leftovers Properly:** Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.
## Variations and Additions
* **Smoked Sausage:** Add sliced smoked sausage for a different flavor profile.
* **Potatoes:** Add diced potatoes for a heartier soup.
* **Spinach or Kale:** Stir in fresh spinach or kale during the last few minutes of cooking for added nutrients.
* **Spices:** Experiment with different spices, such as smoked paprika, cumin, or chili powder.
* **Herbs:** Use fresh herbs like rosemary or oregano for a more intense flavor.
* **Cream:** Stir in a dollop of heavy cream or sour cream for a richer soup.
* **Lemon Juice:** A squeeze of fresh lemon juice brightens the flavors and adds a refreshing tang.
## Serving Suggestions
* **With Crusty Bread:** Serve the soup with a slice of crusty bread for dipping.
* **With a Salad:** Pair the soup with a fresh green salad for a light and balanced meal.
* **As a Starter:** Serve a small bowl of soup as a starter to a larger meal.
* **In a Bread Bowl:** Serve the soup in a bread bowl for a fun and hearty presentation.
* **With Grilled Cheese:** A grilled cheese sandwich is the perfect accompaniment to a bowl of split pea and ham soup.
## Nutritional Information (Approximate)
(Note: Nutritional information will vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.)
* **Calories:** Approximately 300-400 per serving
* **Protein:** 20-25 grams
* **Fat:** 10-15 grams
* **Carbohydrates:** 30-40 grams
* **Fiber:** 10-15 grams
## How to Store and Reheat
**Storage:**
* Allow the soup to cool completely before storing it.
* Transfer the soup to an airtight container.
* Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
**Reheating:**
* **Stovetop:** Pour the soup into a saucepan and heat over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through.
* **Microwave:** Place the soup in a microwave-safe bowl and heat on high for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until heated through.
## Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
**Q: Can I use yellow split peas instead of green split peas?**
A: Yes, you can use yellow split peas. The flavor will be slightly different, but the soup will still be delicious.
**Q: Do I need to soak the split peas before cooking?**
A: No, split peas do not need to be soaked before cooking. However, rinsing them is recommended to remove any debris.
**Q: Can I make this soup in a slow cooker?**
A: Yes, you can make this soup in a slow cooker. Combine all the ingredients in the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours. Remove the ham hock, shred the meat, and return it to the slow cooker before serving.
**Q: Can I freeze split pea and ham soup?**
A: Yes, split pea and ham soup freezes well. Allow the soup to cool completely before transferring it to freezer-safe containers. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
**Q: What can I substitute for ham hock?**
A: If you don’t have a ham hock, you can use a ham bone or smoked turkey leg. You can also increase the amount of diced ham to compensate for the lack of flavor from the ham hock.
**Q: Is split pea soup healthy?**
A: Yes, split pea soup is a healthy and nutritious meal. It’s packed with protein, fiber, and essential vitamins and minerals.
**Q: Can I add other vegetables to the soup?**
A: Yes, you can add other vegetables to the soup, such as potatoes, turnips, or parsnips.
**Q: How can I make the soup thicker?**
A: To make the soup thicker, you can use an immersion blender to blend some of the soup, or you can add a slurry of cornstarch and water to the pot during the last few minutes of cooking.
**Q: How can I make the soup thinner?**
A: To make the soup thinner, simply add more broth or water.
## Conclusion
This split pea and ham soup recipe is a delicious and easy way to enjoy a classic comfort food. With simple ingredients and minimal effort, you can create a hearty and flavorful soup that the whole family will love. Whether you’re using leftover ham or cooking with a ham hock, this recipe is sure to become a favorite. So gather your ingredients, follow the steps, and enjoy a warm and satisfying bowl of split pea and ham soup!