Comforting Split Pea Soup Recipe!

Split Pea Soup

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Introduction

Split pea soup is a warm, hearty dish that brings comfort on cold days. Packed with flavors and nutrients, it’s a perfect meal for families or gatherings. Its thick texture and smoky taste from ham make it satisfying and delightful.

Why Make This Recipe

Making split pea soup at home is rewarding and delicious. You control the ingredients and can adjust the flavors to your liking. This soup is budget-friendly, and the ingredients are simple and widely available. Plus, it’s a great way to use leftover ham. Once you try this recipe, it will become a go-to favorite!

How to Make Split Pea Soup

Making split pea soup is easy and straightforward. Follow these simple steps to create this delightful dish.

Ingredients:

• 1 pound dried split peas
• 1/4 cup salted butter
• 1 medium white onion (diced)
• 3 medium celery ribs (sliced)
• 3 medium carrots (sliced)
• 4 cups water
• 6 cups chicken broth
• 2 ham hocks
• 2 teaspoons dried thyme
• 1/2 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper (or to taste)

Directions:

1. Place 1 pound of dried split peas in a colander. Rinse them thoroughly under cold running water. Pick out any debris or discolored peas, and then drain well.
2. Melt 1/4 cup of salted butter in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add 1 diced medium white onion, 3 sliced medium celery ribs, and 3 sliced medium carrots. Cook for 5 to 7 minutes until the onions are soft and translucent.
3. Stir in the rinsed split peas, 4 cups of water, and 6 cups of chicken broth. Bring to a boil. Add 2 ham hocks and 2 teaspoons of dried thyme.
4. Reduce heat to medium-low. Cover and simmer for 90 minutes or until peas are tender and the ham easily comes off the bone.
5. Remove the ham hocks from the pot. Shred the ham, discarding the bones, and chop into bite-sized pieces.
6. For a chunky soup, leave it as is and stir the shredded ham back into the pot. For a partially pureed soup, use an immersion blender to blend a portion while leaving some chunks. For a smooth soup, transfer the soup to a blender and puree until smooth, or blend directly in the pot.
7. Stir the chopped ham back into the soup. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and black pepper if needed. Serve hot.

How to Serve Split Pea Soup

Serve split pea soup warm, garnished with fresh parsley or croutons for added texture. It pairs nicely with crusty bread or a simple salad, making for a lovely meal.

How to Store Split Pea Soup

Allow the soup to cool before storing. Keep it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. If you want to store it longer, you can freeze it for up to 3 months. Just thaw in the fridge before reheating.

Tips to Make Split Pea Soup

• Rinse the peas well to remove any grit.
• For extra flavor, add garlic or spices to the vegetable mix.
• Use low-sodium broth if you want to control the salt level.

Variation

You can add different vegetables like potatoes or greens to the soup. If you want a vegetarian version, simply skip the ham and use vegetable broth.

FAQs

1. Can I make split pea soup in a slow cooker?
Yes! Just add all ingredients and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.

2. Is split pea soup healthy?
Absolutely! It’s high in protein, fiber, and low in fat, making it a nutritious choice.

3. Can I use frozen peas instead of dried?
You can, but the texture and cooking time will differ. Fresh or frozen peas will not need as much cooking time as dried peas.

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