Description
Hearty split pea soup with ham delights diners seeking comfort in a classic bowl. Simmering ham hock, green peas, and vegetables create a rich, satisfying meal you’ll savor to the last spoonful.
Ingredients
Scale
Base Ingredients:
- 1 lb (0.45 kg) split peas
- 1 smoked ham hock
- 6 cups (1.4 liters) chicken broth
- 1 russet potato, peeled and diced
- 2 tablespoons (30 ml) olive oil
Vegetables & Aromatics:
- 1 yellow onion, diced
- 3 stalks celery, diced
- 3 carrots, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Seasonings:
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt to taste
- Freshly cracked black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare a large pot and warm it over medium-high heat. Drizzle olive oil and introduce diced onions, celery, and carrots. Sauté for approximately 4 minutes until vegetables become tender and translucent.
- Quickly incorporate minced garlic and allow it to release its aromatic essence for about 30 seconds, stirring continuously to prevent burning.
- Introduce split peas, ham hock, bay leaf, and chicken broth into the pot. Gently mix all ingredients to ensure even distribution.
- Secure the pot with a lid and bring contents to a gentle boil. Reduce heat to medium-low, allowing the mixture to simmer for 60 minutes. Periodically stir and rotate the ham hock to promote uniform cooking.
- Evaluate the pea consistency after one hour. If peas have not completely disintegrated, continue simmering for an additional 10 minutes.
- Extract the ham hock from the soup. Add diced potatoes and cook for roughly 12 minutes until they reach a soft, easily pierced texture.
- While potatoes are cooking, carefully separate meat from the cooled ham hock, shredding it into small, bite-sized pieces.
- Return shredded ham to the pot, stirring to integrate. Season with salt and pepper according to personal preference. Serve piping hot, accompanied by crackers or rustic bread.
Notes
- Swap ham for a vegetarian-friendly protein like smoked tofu or tempeh to create a delicious plant-based version of the soup.
- Reduce sodium by using low-sodium chicken broth and limiting added salt during seasoning.
- For a thicker consistency, mash some of the cooked potatoes directly in the pot to create a creamier texture without adding cream.
- Freeze leftovers in airtight containers for up to 3 months, ensuring a quick and convenient meal for busy days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Lunch, Snacks
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 6 g
- Saturated Fat: 1 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 36 g
- Fiber: 12 g
- Protein: 13 g
- Cholesterol: 15 mg