Hearty Ham & Split Pea Winter Soup
Embrace the comforting warmth of winter with this Hearty Ham & Split Pea Soup. Perfect for the chilly months when fresh produce is scarce, this recipe cleverly utilizes pantry staples to create a rich, flavorful broth. With tender chunks of ham, creamy split peas, and fresh vegetables, each spoonful is a nourishing embrace that warms you from the inside out. This delicious and satisfying soup makes a wonderful meal for family gatherings or cozy nights in, channeling the spirit of Southern cooking from the Loveless Cafe in Nashville, TN.
N/A
Servings
238
Calories
15
Ingredients
Ingredients
Ham, bone-in
2 1/2 lbs (Cut into large pieces)
Bay leaves
4 (Whole)
Split peas
1 lb (Picked over and rinsed)
Red potatoes
3 (Diced into 1/2 inch cubes)
Dried thyme
1 teaspoon (Dried herb)
Olive oil
2 tablespoons (For sautéing)
Medium onions
2 cups (Diced)
Carrots
2 medium (Diced)
Garlic
2 teaspoons (Chopped)
Celery ribs
2 (Diced)
Butter
1 tablespoon (For sautéing)
Sugar
2 teaspoons (Granulated)
Salt
to taste (Adjust as needed)
Black pepper
to taste (Freshly ground)
Balsamic vinegar
to taste (Splash for seasoning)
Instructions
1
In a large stockpot, combine the ham bone, bay leaves, and 3 quarts of water. Bring to a boil and then reduce the heat to a low simmer. Let it cook for approximately 2 1/2 hours or until the ham is tender.
2
Once the ham is cooked, carefully remove it from the stockpot and let it cool slightly. Shred the meat into bite-sized pieces, discarding the bone and any excess fat, and return the shredded ham to the pot.
3
Add the rinsed split peas, diced red potatoes, and dried thyme to the stockpot. Cook everything together until the split peas and potatoes are tender, about 20 minutes.
4
Meanwhile, in a large sauté pan over medium-high heat, warm the olive oil. Add the diced onions, carrots, garlic, and celery. Sauté the vegetables until they are caramelized, stirring occasionally for about 12 to 15 minutes.
5
Once the vegetables have turned golden brown, stir in the butter and sugar. Combine them with the soup in the stockpot.
6
Allow the soup to simmer for an additional 10 minutes, or until the potatoes are fully tender. Season with salt and black pepper to taste, and finish with a splash of balsamic vinegar for a touch of acidity.
Nutrition Information
9
Fat
26
Carbs
11
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main protein used in the Hearty Ham & Split Pea Winter Soup?
The main protein used is a 2 1/2 lb bone-in ham, which is cut into large pieces.
How many calories are in a serving of this split pea soup?
There are 238 calories per serving.
What is the total fat content of the recipe?
The soup contains 9 grams of fat per serving.
How much protein does this soup provide?
Each serving of this soup provides 11 grams of protein.
How many carbohydrates are in the Hearty Ham & Split Pea Winter Soup?
There are 26 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
What type of peas are required for this recipe?
The recipe requires 1 lb of split peas, which should be picked over and rinsed before cooking.
How long should the ham bone simmer initially?
The ham bone and bay leaves should simmer in water for approximately 2 1/2 hours until the ham is tender.
What kind of potatoes are used in this soup?
The recipe calls for 3 red potatoes, diced into 1/2 inch cubes.
How many bay leaves are used to season the broth?
Four whole bay leaves are used to season the broth during the initial simmering stage.
What vegetables are sautéed for the base of the soup?
The vegetable base includes diced onions, carrots, chopped garlic, and diced celery ribs.
How long should the vegetables be sautéed?
The vegetables should be sautéed in olive oil for about 12 to 15 minutes until they are caramelized.
Why is sugar added to the sautéed vegetables?
Two teaspoons of granulated sugar are added along with butter to help caramelize the vegetables and enhance the flavor.
What is the purpose of adding balsamic vinegar at the end?
A splash of balsamic vinegar is added at the end to provide a touch of acidity and balance the rich flavors.
How much water is needed to make the stock?
The recipe requires 3 quarts of water to combine with the ham bone and bay leaves.
What should I do with the ham after it is tender?
Remove the ham from the pot, shred it into bite-sized pieces, discard the bone and excess fat, and return the meat to the pot.
How long do the split peas and potatoes take to cook?
They should cook in the stockpot for about 20 minutes or until tender.
What dried herb is used for seasoning?
The recipe uses 1 teaspoon of dried thyme.
What type of oil is used for sautéing?
Two tablespoons of olive oil are used for sautéing the vegetable base.
How much butter is used in the recipe?
One tablespoon of butter is stirred into the vegetables once they have turned golden brown.
Is this recipe associated with a specific restaurant?
Yes, the recipe channels the spirit of Southern cooking from the Loveless Cafe in Nashville, TN.
How much garlic is included?
The recipe uses 2 teaspoons of chopped garlic.
How many carrots are needed?
The recipe calls for 2 medium diced carrots.
What is the final simmering time after combining all ingredients?
The soup should simmer for an additional 10 minutes once the vegetables are added to the stockpot.
What are the tags associated with this recipe?
The tags include soup, ham, split peas, winter recipe, comfort food, loveless cafe, and hearty.
Can I adjust the salt and pepper?
Yes, the recipe suggests seasoning with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
How many celery ribs are used?
Two celery ribs are diced and added to the vegetable sauté.
What amount of onions is required?
The recipe requires 2 cups of diced medium onions.
Does this recipe use fresh or dried thyme?
It specifically calls for 1 teaspoon of dried thyme.
Is this a good recipe for pantry staples?
Yes, the description notes that the recipe cleverly utilizes pantry staples for a rich broth when fresh produce is scarce.
How many total ingredients are listed for this recipe?
There are 15 distinct ingredients listed in the recipe instructions.