Canning Split Pea Soup
Ingredients
- 1 lb split peas
dry, 16 oz package
- 2 quarts water or broth
- 1 1/2 cups carrots
sliced, about 3 medium
- 1 cup onion
chopped, about 1 medium
- 1 cup cooked ham
diced, optional
- 1 bay leaf
- 1/4 tsp allspice
- Salt and pepper to taste
Directions
- 1
Place split peas in a heavy bottomed stock pot with two quarts of either water or broth. Bring to a boil, then turn to low and simmer gently for 1 hour until the peas are completely cooked.
- 2
(Optional) For a smooth soup, puree in a blender or with an immersion blender.
- 3
Peel and slice the carrots, and peel and dice the onions. Measure out 1 1/2 cups sliced carrots and 1 cup diced onion. Add to the pot.
- 4
Add the spices, either those listed in the recipe or dry spices of your choosing.
- 5
At this point, you're 30 minutes away from canning, so prepare your pressure canner and pre-heat it for hot pack canning. (Follow manufacturers instructions.)
- 6
Simmer the soup for an additional 30 minutes until the vegetables are fully cooked. (Add boiling water as nessisary to keep the mixture from getting too thick.)
- 7
Adjust spices and add salt to taste. Remove the bay leaf at this point, if used.
- 8
Ladle the split pea soup into prepared canning jars, either pints or quarts, leaving 1 inch headspace.
- 9
Seal with 2 part canning lids to finger tight.
- 10
Load the jars into the canner and close the lid. Turn the stove up to high and vent steam for 10 minutes.
- 11
Seal the canner and bring it up to pressure. When at pressure (see notes below), start timer and process the jars for 75 minutes for pints and 90 minutes for quarts.
- 12
When the processing time is complete, turn off the heat and allow the canner to come to room temperature naturally.
- 13
When cool, remove the jars from the canner and check seals. Store any unsealed jars in the refrigerator for immediate use.
Canning Split Pea Soup
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About this Recipe
Imagine a chilly evening and a comforting, hearty meal appearing almost instantly. This home-canned split pea soup recipe offers just that: a nourishing, ready-to-heat dinner in a jar, perfect for busy weeknights or unexpected cravings.
The beauty of canning your own split pea soup lies in its sheer convenience and the deep, developed flavors waiting within each jar. Combining wholesome split peas with aromatic vegetables like carrots and onion, along with the savory richness of optional ham and a hint of warm allspice, creates a satisfying experience far beyond anything store-bought.
You can expect a bowl of deeply comforting, robust soup, rich with the earthy flavor of split peas. The addition of tender carrots and sweet onion provides a gentle sweetness that balances the savory notes from the ham, if you choose to include it. A touch of bay leaf and allspice infuses the soup with a warm, subtly spiced aroma, making each spoonful a truly satisfying experience. This hearty soup promises to warm you from the inside out, offering a simple yet profoundly satisfying meal.
Customization & Variations
This versatile split pea soup can easily be tailored to your preferences. To make it a delicious vegetarian meal, simply omit the diced cooked ham entirely. For a slightly different aromatic profile, you could experiment with a pinch of thyme alongside the bay leaf. Adjust the salt and pepper to your taste once reheating.
This home-canned split pea soup is a complete, satisfying meal on its own, ideal for a quick lunch or a no-fuss dinner. Serve it with a slice of crusty bread or a simple green salad to complete your cozy culinary experience.