Hearty Split Pea and Ham Soup
This deliciously hearty split pea soup is the perfect comfort food, especially on chilly days. Utilizing a leftover ham bone and some diced ham, this recipe transforms simple ingredients into a robust, flavorful dish that warms the soul. The medley of onions, garlic, carrots, and potatoes creates a delightful foundation, while the split peas provide a creamy texture. This satisfying soup is not only rich in taste but also loaded with nutrients, making it a great option for a nourishing meal. Enjoy it with a crusty piece of bread for a complete dining experience!
6
Servings
N/A
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
Chopped yellow onion
1 cup (finely chopped)
Garlic cloves
2 (minced)
Olive oil
1/8 cup
Dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon
Kosher salt
1 1/2 teaspoons
Fresh ground black pepper
1 teaspoon
Medium diced carrots
2 cups (about 3 to 4 carrots)
Medium diced red boiling potato
1 cup (unpeeled, about 3 small potatoes)
Dried split green peas
1 lb
Chicken stock or water
8 cups
Instructions
1
In a 4-quart stockpot, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
2
Sauté the chopped onions and minced garlic along with the dried oregano, kosher salt, and ground black pepper until the onions are translucent, about 10 to 15 minutes.
3
Add the diced carrots, unpeeled potato, half of the split peas, and the chicken stock or water to the pot.
4
Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to simmer uncovered for 40 minutes, skimming off any foam that forms on the surface while cooking.
5
After 40 minutes, stir in the remaining split peas, and continue to simmer for another 40 minutes, or until all the peas are soft and the soup has thickened. Stir frequently to prevent the solids from burning on the bottom.
6
Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper as needed.
7
Serve the soup hot, garnished with fresh herbs if desired.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Hearty Split Pea and Ham Soup?
It is a robust and flavorful comfort food made with split peas, leftover ham bone, diced ham, and vegetables, perfect for chilly days.
Is this recipe considered healthy?
Yes, the recipe is categorized as Low Cholesterol and is described as being loaded with nutrients and nourishing.
How long does it take to sauté the onions and garlic?
The onions and garlic should be saut ed for approximately 10 to 15 minutes until the onions are translucent.
Do I need to peel the potatoes for this soup?
No, the recipe calls for unpeeled medium diced red boiling potatoes.
What type of potatoes are best for this recipe?
The recipe specifically recommends using red boiling potatoes.
Can I use water instead of chicken stock?
Yes, you can use either 8 cups of chicken stock or 8 cups of water as the liquid base.
Why are the split peas added in two separate stages?
Adding half the peas initially and the rest later helps the soup reach a thickened, creamy consistency while ensuring some peas are soft.
What is the total simmering time for the soup?
The total simmering time is 80 minutes, divided into two 40-minute intervals.
Should I cover the pot while the soup is simmering?
No, the instructions state to simmer the mixture uncovered.
What can I serve with Hearty Split Pea and Ham Soup?
It is recommended to serve this soup with a crusty piece of bread for a complete dining experience.
Can this soup be made vegetarian?
Yes, the recipe includes a vegetarian option tag; you can omit the ham and use water or vegetable stock.
How many servings does this recipe make?
This recipe is designed to yield 6 servings.
What vegetables are included in this soup?
The soup includes chopped yellow onion, minced garlic, diced carrots, and diced red boiling potatoes.
How do I prevent the soup from burning?
You should stir the soup frequently, especially during the second simmering phase, to prevent solids from burning on the bottom.
What should I do about the foam that forms while cooking?
You should skim off any foam that forms on the surface of the liquid while the soup is simmering.
What herbs and spices are used for seasoning?
The recipe uses dried oregano, kosher salt, and fresh ground black pepper.
What size stockpot is needed for this recipe?
A 4-quart stockpot is recommended for this soup.
How much olive oil is used for sautéing?
The recipe calls for 1/8 cup of olive oil.
How many carrots do I need?
You will need 2 cups of medium diced carrots, which is approximately 3 to 4 carrots.
What kind of split peas should I use?
The recipe specifies 1 lb of dried split green peas.
When do I adjust the salt and pepper?
You should taste the soup and adjust the seasoning after the final simmering process is complete.
Can I garnish the soup?
Yes, the soup can be garnished with fresh herbs if desired before serving.
How much garlic is required?
The recipe requires 2 minced garlic cloves.
Is the texture of the soup creamy or thin?
The split peas provide a creamy texture as the soup thickens during the cooking process.
Is this an easy recipe for beginners?
Yes, the recipe is tagged as an easy recipe and uses simple preparation steps.
How many potatoes are used?
The recipe uses 1 cup of diced potato, which is about 3 small red boiling potatoes.
What type of onion is best?
The recipe recommends using a yellow onion, finely chopped.
How much liquid is needed in total?
A total of 8 cups of chicken stock or water is required.
What heat setting should I use for sautéing?
The olive oil and vegetables should be heated over medium heat.
Does this soup store well?
While storage isn't specified, its hearty and thickened nature typically makes it a great candidate for leftovers.