Split Pea Soup - Smoky ham, creamy peas
Smoky Ham and Creamy Split Pea Soup is a comforting and hearty dish, perfect for cold days. It features split peas that have been simmered to a creamy consistency along with chunks of smoky ham, aromatic vegetables such as onions, carrots, and celery, and is seasoned with herbs like thyme and bay leaves. This rustic soup often simmers for a couple of hours, allowing all the flavors to blend beautifully. Garnish with a sprig of fresh parsley or croutons for added texture before serving. It's a nutritious meal that can be enjoyed on its own or with a slice of crusty bread. Description by ChatGPT.
Hello, dear food enthusiasts! Today, I'm thrilled to share with you a comforting classic that's perfect for utilizing those holiday leftovers—Hearty Homestyle Split Pea Soup with Ham. This recipe is incredibly easy and forgiving, making it nearly impossible to mess up. If you have a leftover ham bone and a craving for something cozy, this soup is your answer. Let's dive into the details and get that pot simmering!
Ingredients:
- 1 leftover ham bone (or ham hocks)
- 1 cup leftover ham, diced
- 1 (16-ounce) bag of split peas
- 4 slices of bacon, chopped
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 large onion, diced
- 2 carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 2 small potatoes, diced small
- 8 cups chicken stock
- Ground black pepper, to taste
- Salt, if needed (taste before adding, as the ham may contribute enough saltiness)
- Optional garnish: crispy bacon pieces (reserved from earlier)
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Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 50 minutes
Equipment: Dutch oven or large pot, slotted spoon, chopping board, kitchen knife
Servings: 6-8 servings
Instructions:
1. Heat a Dutch oven or large pot over medium heat and add the olive oil. Add the chopped bacon and cook until crispy, about 5 minutes.
2. Using a slotted spoon, transfer the bacon to a paper towel-lined plate, leaving the fat in the pot. Reserve the bacon pieces for garnish.
3. If utilizing a ham bone, add it to the pot, and cook for a few minutes on each side to render out some fat and add flavor. Remove the ham bone and set aside.
4. To the same pot with the bacon fat, add the diced onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté until the vegetables start softening, about 5-7 minutes.
5. Sprinkle with ground black pepper and stir well. Avoid adding salt at this stage since the ham and bacon will contribute to the soup's saltiness.
6. Introduce the diced potatoes to the pot, stirring to combine with the vegetables. This addition helps to thicken the soup and add a satisfying texture.
7. Pour in the chicken stock (8 cups in total), and stir well, making sure to deglaze the pot by scraping up any tasty bits stuck to the bottom.
8. Add the split peas and ham bone back into the pot. If using diced ham instead of a bone, now is the time to add that in.
9. Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for about 1 hour and 30 minutes, or until the split peas are soft and the soup has thickened to your liking.
10. If needed, adjust the seasoning with salt and additional pepper after tasting. Remove the ham bone, and if there's any meat left on it, dice it and return it to the soup.
11. Serve the soup hot, garnished with the reserved crispy bacon pieces. Enjoy the delightful warmth and the rich flavors of this hearty homestyle soup!
Cooking Tips:
- If the soup is too thick for your preference, add some water or additional chicken stock to thin it to your desired consistency.
- Don't forget to taste and adjust the seasoning before serving since the saltiness can vary depending on the ham.
This delicious recipe was crafted by the talented Smo'King BBQ Tips & Recipes and can be found on their YouTube channel at https://www.youtube.com/@SmokingBBQ.
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