Save to Pins A hearty, classic comfort soup featuring smoky ham, creamy split peas, and sweet carrots for a nourishing, flavorful meal. This Easy American favorite is perfect for chilly evenings, providing 320 calories and 22g of protein per serving in a naturally gluten-free dish.
Save to Pins This traditional soup relies on a slow simmer to break down the split peas until they reach a naturally creamy consistency. Whether you use a smoked ham hock for deep flavor or diced ham for convenience, it is a soul-warming dish that tastes even better as leftovers.
Ingredients
- Meats: 1 lb (450 g) smoked ham hock or diced cooked ham
- Legumes: 1 lb (450 g) dried green split peas, rinsed and sorted
- Vegetables: 2 medium carrots, peeled and diced; 2 celery stalks, diced; 1 large onion, diced; 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Liquids: 8 cups (2 liters) low-sodium chicken broth or water
- Herbs & Seasonings: 2 bay leaves; 1 tsp dried thyme; 1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper; Salt, to taste
Instructions
- 1. Sauté Aromatics
- In a large soup pot or Dutch oven, heat a splash of oil over medium heat. Add onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté for 5-7 minutes until softened.
- 2. Add Garlic
- Add garlic and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly.
- 3. Combine Base
- Stir in split peas, ham hock (or diced ham), bay leaves, thyme, and black pepper.
- 4. Add Liquid
- Pour in chicken broth or water, stirring to combine.
- 5. Simmer
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 1 to 1 1/2 hours, stirring occasionally, until peas are tender and soup has thickened.
- 6. Process Meat
- Remove the ham hock (if used). Shred any meat from the bone, discarding fat and bone, and return the meat to the soup.
- 7. Season
- Taste and adjust salt and pepper as needed. Remove bay leaves before serving.
- 8. Serve
- Serve hot with crusty bread or crackers.
Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung
For a smoother texture, use an immersion blender to partially puree the soup after removing the ham hock and bay leaves. Be sure to stir occasionally during the long simmer to prevent the peas from sticking to the bottom of your Dutch oven.
Varianten und Anpassungen
Substitute smoked turkey leg for a lighter version of this soup. For extra heartiness, you can add diced potatoes during the cooking process. Adding chopped fresh parsley just before serving provides a burst of brightness to the savory broth.
Serviervorschläge
Serve this soup piping hot in deep bowls alongside crusty bread or crackers. For a sophisticated touch, pair it with a dry Riesling or a light-bodied red wine to complement the smoky ham and sweet carrots.
Save to Pins Enjoy this classic comfort meal that brings together simple ingredients for maximum flavor. With a total time of 1 hour and 50 minutes, it is a rewarding project that yields six generous servings.
Questions & Answers
- → How long should I simmer the split peas?
Simmer the split peas for 1 to 1 1/2 hours until tender and the soup thickens to a creamy consistency.
- → Can I substitute smoked ham with another meat?
Yes, smoked turkey leg is a lighter alternative that maintains a smoky flavor suitable for this soup.
- → How can I make the soup smoother?
Use an immersion blender to partially puree the soup, achieving a creamier texture while keeping some chunks.
- → What herbs enhance the flavor of this soup?
Bay leaves and dried thyme add aromatic depth and complement the savory ingredients beautifully.
- → Are there any suggested accompaniments?
Serve the soup hot with crusty bread or crackers to balance the creamy texture and add crunch.
- → Can I add other vegetables for variety?
Diced potatoes add heartiness, and fresh parsley can be added before serving for brightness and color.
