Hearty Split Pea and Ham Delight
This Hearty Split Pea and Ham Delight combines the tender earthiness of dried split peas with the savory flavor of ham to create a comforting and satisfying soup. Inspired by a variety of traditional recipes, I’ve tailored this one to incorporate my favorite ingredients, making it a treasured family dish. My husband can’t get enough of it, and my dad eagerly waits for his birthday every year, specifically requesting a batch. This soup is perfect for cozy dinners and makes fantastic leftovers, freezing well for future indulgence. Packed with nutrients, it's a fulfilling meal that warms the soul.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
13
Ingredients
Ingredients
dried split peas
1 lb (rinsed)
water
8 cups (boiling)
large onion
1 (chopped)
celery
1 cup (chopped)
medium carrots
3 (cut into 1/2 inch slices)
ham
1-2 lb (chopped)
ham bone
1 (for flavor)
chicken bouillon cubes
2 (crushed)
bay leaves
2 (whole)
pepper
1/2 teaspoon (ground)
salt
1/2 teaspoon (to taste)
garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon (dry)
dried oregano leaves
1/2 teaspoon (dry)
Instructions
1
Begin by rinsing the dried split peas under cold running water until the water runs clear to remove any impurities.
2
In a large pot, bring 8 cups of water and the rinsed split peas to a rolling boil.
3
Once boiling, allow the peas to boil uncovered for 2 minutes, then remove from heat and cover the pot. Let the peas stand for 1 hour to soak and soften.
4
After soaking, stir in the chopped onion, celery, bay leaves, chicken bouillon cubes, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and dried oregano. Mix all the ingredients well to ensure even distribution.
5
Add the ham bone to the pot, which will enrich the soup with its flavor.
6
Bring the mixture back to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for about 1.5 hours. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
7
After 1.5 hours, carefully remove the ham bone and bay leaves from the soup.
8
Next, stir in the chopped ham and sliced carrots, ensuring they are well mixed into the soup.
9
Bring it back to a boil, then reduce the heat, cover, and let it simmer for an additional 30 minutes, or until the carrots are tender and the soup reaches your desired consistency. Remember to stir occasionally.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Hearty Split Pea and Ham Delight?
It is a comforting soup that combines the tender earthiness of dried split peas with the savory flavor of ham and various vegetables.
How many ingredients are required for this recipe?
This recipe requires 13 ingredients in total.
Do I need to soak the split peas before cooking?
Yes, the recipe involves bringing the peas to a boil for 2 minutes and then letting them stand, covered, for 1 hour to soak and soften.
Should I rinse the dried split peas?
Yes, you should rinse them under cold running water until the water runs clear to remove any impurities.
What type of peas are used in this soup?
The recipe calls for 1 lb of dried split peas.
How much water is needed for the soup base?
You will need 8 cups of water.
Can this soup be frozen?
Yes, this soup freezes very well for future indulgence.
Is this split pea soup nutritious?
Yes, it is described as being packed with nutrients and is a fulfilling meal.
What meat is included in the recipe?
The recipe uses 1-2 lbs of chopped ham and one ham bone for extra flavor.
What is the purpose of the ham bone?
The ham bone is added to the pot to enrich the soup with deep, savory flavor during the simmering process.
How long does the soup simmer initially?
The soup should simmer for about 1.5 hours after the initial soaking period.
When do I add the carrots to the soup?
Carrots are added after the first 1.5 hours of simmering, once the ham bone and bay leaves have been removed.
How long do the carrots need to cook?
The carrots should simmer for an additional 30 minutes, or until they are tender.
What vegetables are used in this soup?
The recipe includes a large chopped onion, one cup of chopped celery, and three medium carrots.
What seasonings are used to flavor the soup?
Seasonings include bay leaves, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and dried oregano leaves.
Does the recipe use bouillon?
Yes, it uses 2 crushed chicken bouillon cubes for added depth of flavor.
Are the bay leaves left in the soup when serving?
No, you should carefully remove the bay leaves after the initial 1.5-hour simmer.
How should the carrots be sliced?
The carrots should be cut into 1/2 inch slices.
What is the total simmering time for this recipe?
The total simmering time is approximately 2 hours.
Do I cover the pot during the initial 2-minute boil?
No, you should allow the peas to boil uncovered for the first 2 minutes.
Is the pot covered while the peas soak for an hour?
Yes, you should remove the pot from heat and cover it while the peas soak.
What should I do with the ham bone once the soup is done?
The ham bone should be removed from the pot after the first 1.5 hours of simmering.
How much ham should I use?
You can use between 1 and 2 pounds of chopped ham depending on your preference.
Is this an easy recipe to follow?
Yes, it is tagged as an easy recipe and is suitable for family meals.
How do I know when the soup is finished?
The soup is ready when the carrots are tender and the soup reaches your desired consistency.
Should I stir the soup while it simmers?
Yes, you should stir occasionally to prevent the ingredients from sticking to the bottom of the pot.
How much salt is in the recipe?
The recipe calls for 1/2 teaspoon of salt, or you can add it to taste.
What kind of oregano is used?
The recipe uses 1/2 teaspoon of dried oregano leaves.
Does this recipe use fresh or powdered garlic?
It uses 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder.
What makes this soup a family favorite?
It is a treasured dish specifically requested for birthdays and loved for its warming, soul-satisfying qualities.