How To Make Pea Soup With Ham

Easy and Delicious: How To Make Pea Soup With Ham

There’s nothing more comforting on a chilly day than a warm bowl of pea soup with ham. This classic dish is not only incredibly tasty but also packed with nutrients. Plus, it’s a great way to use up leftover ham from your holiday feast.

Gather Your Ingredients

Before we dive into the recipe, let’s make sure we have everything we need:

• 2 cups of dried split peas
• 1 onion, diced
• 2 carrots, peeled and chopped
• 2 celery stalks, sliced
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 2 cups of cooked ham, diced
• 6 cups of vegetable or chicken broth
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 teaspoon of dried thyme
• Salt and pepper to taste

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Start by rinsing the split peas under cold water, then set them aside.
2. In a large pot, heat some olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion, carrots, celery, and minced garlic. Sauté until the vegetables are tender and fragrant.
3. Add the diced ham to the pot and cook for a few more minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
4. Now, it’s time to add the rinsed split peas to the pot. Stir everything together, making sure the peas are well coated with the other ingredients.
5. Pour in the vegetable or chicken broth until the ingredients are fully submerged. Add the bay leaf and dried thyme. Bring the mixture to a boil.
6. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and let the soup simmer uncovered for about 1 hour, or until the split peas are tender. Remember to stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
7. When the soup has reached the desired consistency, remove the bay leaf and season with salt and pepper to taste.
8. For a smooth and creamy soup, use an immersion blender to puree the soup until smooth. If you prefer a chunkier texture, simply mash some of the peas with a fork.
9. Serve the pea soup with ham hot, garnished with a sprinkle of fresh parsley, and enjoy!

Tips and Variations

Here are some tips and variations to help you personalize your pea soup with ham:

• If you want to add extra depth of flavor, sauté the diced ham before adding it to the pot.
• For a heartier soup, you can also add potatoes or extra vegetables like peas, corn, or spinach.
• Feeling adventurous? Add a dash of hot sauce or a pinch of red pepper flakes to give your soup a spicy kick.
• Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for later use.

In conclusion, pea soup with ham is a comforting and nutritious dish that is easy to make, especially if you have some leftover ham on hand. With simple ingredients and a straightforward cooking process, you’ll have a delicious soup ready to be enjoyed in no time. So why not give it a try and warm up your soul with a bowl of this classic favorite?