Authentic German Split Pea Soup with Smoky Ham
Savor the rich, hearty flavors of this Authentic German Split Pea Soup, a timeless classic that combines tender split peas with the smokiness of ham hocks and a medley of aromatic vegetables. This comforting dish is perfect for chilly days and is sure to warm your heart and soul. Serve it with crusty bread for a satisfying meal that brings a taste of Germany right to your kitchen. Enjoy the balance of herbs, smoky bacon, and savory goodness that makes this soup a beloved family favorite.
6
Servings
218
Calories
14
Ingredients
Ingredients
Extra virgin olive oil
2 tablespoons (none)
Bacon
2 slices (finely chopped)
Large onion
1 (finely chopped)
Celery rib
1 (finely chopped)
Large carrot
1 (peeled and finely chopped)
Small celery root
1 (peeled and finely chopped)
Kosher salt
to taste (none)
Flour
2 tablespoons (none)
Flat leaf parsley
10 sprigs (whole)
Fresh thyme
8 sprigs (whole)
Bay leaves
2 (whole)
Split peas
1 lb (rinsed and drained)
Smoked ham hocks
2 large (about 2 lbs) (none)
Fresh ground black pepper
to taste (none)
Instructions
1
In a large 6-qt pot, heat the extra virgin olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the finely chopped bacon and cook until crispy, about 6 minutes. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the bacon to a paper towel-lined plate to drain, and set aside.
2
In the same pot, add the finely chopped onion, celery, carrot, and celery root. Season with kosher salt, stirring occasionally until the vegetables are softened, about 10 minutes. Sprinkle the flour over the vegetables, stirring to incorporate, and cook for an additional 3 minutes.
3
Using kitchen twine, tie together the parsley, thyme, and bay leaves. Add the tied herbs, rinsed split peas, smoked ham hocks, and 7 cups of water to the pot. Bring the mixture to a rolling boil over high heat.
4
Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for about 1 hour, or until the split peas are very tender. Remove the pot from heat, discard the tied herbs, and carefully transfer the ham hocks to a plate. Let the hocks cool slightly, then pull the meat off the bones, discarding the fat, skin, and bones.
5
Stir the chopped ham back into the soup. Season to taste with additional kosher salt and fresh ground black pepper. Ladle the soup into bowls, and top with the reserved crispy bacon before serving.
Nutrition Information
8g
Fat
25g
Carbs
16g
Protein
7g
Fiber
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Authentic German Split Pea Soup?
It is a traditional, hearty soup featuring tender split peas, smoked ham hocks, and a blend of aromatic root vegetables like celery root and carrots.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe makes approximately 6 servings.
How is the smoky flavor achieved in this soup?
The smokiness comes from two primary sources: finely chopped bacon that is cooked until crispy and the addition of two large smoked ham hocks.
Do I need to soak the split peas before cooking?
No, this recipe only requires rinsing and draining the split peas before adding them to the pot to simmer for about an hour.
Is this German Split Pea Soup gluten-free?
No, this recipe uses 2 tablespoons of flour as a thickener, so it is not gluten-free unless a substitute is used.
What are the nutritional facts per serving?
Each serving contains 218 calories, 8g of fat, 25g of carbohydrates, and 16g of protein.
What is celery root and do I have to use it?
Celery root, or celeriac, is a traditional German ingredient that adds an earthy flavor. If you cannot find it, you can substitute it with extra celery stalks.
How much protein is in this soup?
There are approximately 16 grams of protein in each serving of this soup.
Why are the herbs tied together with kitchen twine?
Tying the parsley, thyme, and bay leaves together makes it easy to remove and discard them once the simmering process is complete.
How long does the soup need to simmer?
The soup should simmer for about 1 hour over low heat until the split peas are very tender.
What do I do with the ham hocks once the soup is cooked?
Transfer the hocks to a plate, let them cool, pull the meat off the bones (discarding fat and skin), and stir the chopped meat back into the soup.
How much fat is in a single serving?
Each serving of this soup contains 8 grams of fat.
Can I make this soup vegetarian?
To make it vegetarian, omit the bacon and ham hocks and use a smoky spice like smoked paprika to mimic the traditional flavor.
What is the carbohydrate content per serving?
There are 25 grams of carbohydrates in each serving.
Is this soup a good source of fiber?
Yes, it is high in fiber, providing 7 grams per serving.
What size pot should I use for this recipe?
A large 6-quart pot is recommended to accommodate the ingredients and liquid.
What is the best way to garnish the soup?
Ladle the soup into bowls and top it with the reserved crispy bacon pieces for added texture and flavor.
What type of oil is used to sauté the vegetables?
The recipe calls for 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil.
When should I add salt and pepper?
Season the vegetables with kosher salt during sautéing, and add more salt and fresh ground black pepper to taste once the soup is finished.
How many split peas are used in the recipe?
The recipe requires 1 lb of dried split peas, which should be rinsed and drained.
How much water is added to the pot?
You should add 7 cups of water to the pea and ham mixture.
Can I use dried herbs instead of fresh?
While fresh parsley and thyme are recommended for authenticity, you can use dried herbs; however, you will need to reduce the quantity as dried herbs are more concentrated.
Which vegetables form the base of the soup?
The vegetable base consists of a large onion, a celery rib, a large carrot, and a small celery root.
How long does it take to cook the bacon?
The bacon should be cooked over medium-high heat for about 6 minutes until it becomes crispy.
How much ham is used in the soup?
The recipe uses 2 large smoked ham hocks, totaling approximately 2 lbs.
What type of salt is recommended for this dish?
The recipe specifies using kosher salt for seasoning.
Is this soup suitable for cold weather?
Yes, it is described as a comforting and hearty dish perfect for warming up on chilly days.
Do I need to peel the vegetables?
Yes, the carrots and the celery root should be peeled before being finely chopped.
What consistency should the split peas have when done?
The split peas should be simmered until they are very tender and beginning to break down into the soup.
What is a recommended side dish for this soup?
This soup is best served with crusty bread for a complete and satisfying meal.