Indulge in the heartwarming flavors of Split Pea Soup with this easy recipe featuring ham or smoked ham hock. Savor the rich taste of tender split peas, combined with aromatic vegetables and savory broth.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb (450g) dried split peas, rinsed and picked over
- 1 ham hock or 1/2 lb (225g) smoked ham, diced
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, peeled and chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 6 cups (1.5 liters) chicken or vegetable broth
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Instructions:
- In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onions, carrots, celery, and garlic. Sauté for about 5 minutes or until the vegetables are softened.
- Add the diced ham or ham hock to the pot and continue cooking for another 3-4 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
- Pour in the chicken or vegetable broth, and add the rinsed split peas, bay leaves, and dried thyme. Stir everything together.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover the pot with a lid, and let it simmer for about 1 to 1.5 hours, or until the split peas are tender and the soup has thickened. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- If using a ham hock, remove it from the pot and shred the meat off the bone. Return the shredded meat to the soup and discard the bone and any excess fat.
- Season the soup with salt and black pepper to taste. The amount of salt needed may vary depending on the saltiness of the ham used, so it’s best to start with a little and adjust as needed.
- Remove the bay leaves from the pot and discard them.
- For a smoother consistency, you can use an immersion blender to partially blend the soup, or transfer a portion of the soup to a blender and blend until smooth before returning it to the pot.
- Serve the delicious split pea soup hot, garnished with a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley if desired.
Enjoy your comforting and flavorful Split Pea Soup! It’s perfect for chilly days or any time you’re in the mood for a hearty soup.
You can try our other recipes too for a yummy taste bud, Have a good day or evening