Creamy Split Pea Soup with Ham Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 tbspolive oil
- 1 ½ cyellow onion
1 medium
- 1 ¼ ccelery
- 1 tspgarlic
1 clove
- 4 cunsalted chicken broth
- 4 cwater
- 1 bagsplit peas
picked over and rinsed
- 2bay leaves
- 1 ½ tspfresh thyme
or 1/2 tsp dried thyme
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper
- 1 ½ lbmeaty ham bone or ham shanks
- 1 ccarrots
- Chopped fresh parsley
Directions
- 1
In a large stockpot or Dutch oven, warm the olive oil over medium heat to prepare the base for the soup.
- 2
Add the chopped yellow onion, celery, and minced garlic to the pot. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are softened and fragrant, about 5-7 minutes.
- 3
Pour in the unsalted chicken broth and water. Stir in the rinsed split peas to the pot, ensuring they are fully submerged.
- 4
Place the meaty ham bone or ham shanks into the pot along with the bay leaves and fresh or dried thyme. This will infuse the soup with deep, savory flavors as it cooks.
- 5
Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and let it simmer gently for about 1.5 to 2 hours, stirring occasionally, until the split peas are soft and beginning to break down.
- 6
About 30 minutes before the soup is done, add the chopped carrots to the pot and continue to simmer until they are tender.
- 7
Carefully take out the ham bone or shanks. Remove any meat from the bone, chop it into bite-sized pieces, and return the meat to the soup. Discard the bone.
- 8
Remove the bay leaves, then season the soup with salt and freshly ground black pepper according to your preference.
- 9
Ladle the split pea soup into bowls and garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired. Serve hot and enjoy!
Creamy Split Pea Soup with Ham Recipe
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About this Recipe
Cozy Comfort in a Bowl: Creamy Split Pea Soup with Ham
There's nothing quite like a steaming bowl of hearty split pea soup to warm you from the inside out. This Creamy Split Pea Soup with Ham recipe elevates a classic comfort food to new heights, delivering rich flavors and a wonderfully satisfying texture that will make it a family favorite. Perfect for a chilly evening or a wholesome lunch, this easy soup recipe is designed for deliciousness.
What makes our split pea soup truly special is the inclusion of a meaty ham bone. As it slowly simmers, the ham bone infuses the entire pot with an incredible depth of savory, smoky flavor that dried split peas eagerly absorb. Combined with aromatic vegetables like onion, celery, and garlic, fresh thyme, and bay leaves, every spoonful is a testament to simple ingredients creating profound taste. The split peas break down beautifully, creating a naturally thick and creamy consistency without the need for any dairy.
This isn't just a tasty meal; it's also a surprisingly healthy soup. Split peas are packed with fiber and protein, making this a filling and nourishing option. While the cook time is a couple of hours, most of it is hands-off simmering, allowing the flavors to meld perfectly. Just a bit of prep and then your kitchen will be filled with an irresistible aroma. Serve this ham soup with a side of crusty bread for dipping, or a simple green salad for a complete and utterly delightful meal.
Tips for the Best Split Pea Soup:
- Rinsing is Key: Always pick over and thoroughly rinse your dried split peas to remove any debris.
- Flavor Building: Don't skip the ham bone! It's the secret to that deep, smoky flavor. If you don't have one, consider smoked hocks or adding some diced ham at the end.
- Adjust Seasoning: Taste and adjust salt and pepper after the ham bone has simmered, as ham can be quite salty.