Description
Hearty split pea soup simmers with smoky ham and garden-fresh vegetables, creating a comforting meal that warms from within. Creamy, rich textures and deep flavor welcome you to savor each spoonful of this classic comfort dish.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 1 lb (450g) dried split peas, rinsed and sorted
- 6 cups (1.5L) chicken or vegetable broth
- 12 cups (240-480ml) water
- 1 ham bone, ham hock, or 1 cup diced cooked ham (optional for smoky flavor)
Vegetables and Aromatics:
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 bay leaf
Seasonings and Oils:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional, for added depth)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Warm the chosen fat in a spacious cooking vessel over moderate temperature, creating a golden base for the soup’s aromatics.
- Introduce diced onions, carrots, and celery, gently coaxing them to soften and release their natural sweetness, stirring occasionally to prevent browning.
- Incorporate minced garlic, fragrant thyme, and smoky paprika, allowing the herbs and spices to bloom and intensify their flavors, releasing an enticing aroma throughout the kitchen.
- Tumble in the split peas, carefully stirring to coat them with the seasoned vegetable mixture, ensuring each legume is embraced by the spice blend.
- Pour in the broth and water, creating a harmonious liquid base that will transform the ingredients into a silky, comforting soup.
- Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, then reduce heat and cover, allowing the peas to gradually break down and meld with the surrounding ingredients.
- Periodically stir and skim any foam that rises to the surface, maintaining the soup’s clarity and smooth texture.
- Continue cooking until the split peas become completely tender and begin to disintegrate, creating a naturally creamy consistency.
- If using ham or bacon, fold in the smoky protein during the final moments of cooking to infuse additional depth of flavor.
- Season with salt and pepper, tasting and adjusting the seasoning to achieve a perfectly balanced profile.
- Let the soup rest briefly before serving, allowing the flavors to fully develop and settle.
- Ladle into warm bowls and garnish with fresh herbs or a dollop of cream for an elegant finishing touch.
Notes
- Swap out ham for smoky tempeh or liquid smoke to create a vegetarian version that still packs incredible depth of flavor.
- Use low-sodium broth or water to control salt levels, especially if adding ham or salty ingredients later in cooking.
- Blend a portion of the soup for a creamier texture while keeping some chunks for hearty, rustic appeal and varied mouthfeel.
- Freeze leftover soup in individual portions for quick, nutritious meals that reheat beautifully without losing quality or taste.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 10g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 5mg