Hearty Split Pea and Salt Pork Stew
This Hearty Split Pea and Salt Pork Stew is a comforting and robust dish that warms both the heart and soul. Featuring tender split peas simmered to perfection, paired with savory salt pork that's been crisped to bring out its rich flavors, this stew is packed with nutrients and is perfect for family gatherings or cold winter nights. With hearty potatoes and sweet onions, each spoonful delivers a wholesome experience that's both satisfying and delicious. Enjoy this classic dish that shines with traditional comfort food vibes.
4
Servings
N/A
Calories
7
Ingredients
Ingredients
Dried Split Peas
1 cup (rinsed and sorted)
Water
6 cups (for simmering peas)
Salt Pork
2 lbs (thinly sliced)
Potatoes
4 medium (peeled and diced)
Onions
4 small (peeled and quartered)
Flour
to taste (for thickening)
Water
1 cup (for gravy preparation)
Instructions
1
In a large pot, add the rinsed split peas and 6 cups of water. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer until the peas are almost tender, about 30 minutes.
2
Meanwhile, in a large skillet (also known as a spider), brown the thinly sliced salt pork until crispy. Reserve the drippings in the skillet.
3
Once the split peas are nearly tender, add the browned salt pork, diced potatoes, and quartered onions to the pot. Stir well to combine.
4
In the skillet with the reserved drippings, gradually add flour to absorb all the grease, mixing until it forms a smooth paste.
5
Slowly incorporate 1 cup of water into the flour mixture, continuously stirring until it reaches a gravy-like consistency.
6
Pour the gravy into the pot with the stew mixture. Stir to combine and let it simmer until the vegetables are tender, adjusting liquid with additional water as necessary.
7
Taste and adjust seasoning if desired. Serve hot, garnished with fresh herbs if available.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Hearty Split Pea and Salt Pork Stew?
It is a comforting and robust dish featuring tender split peas simmered with savory, crispy salt pork, potatoes, and onions.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe makes 4 servings.
How long do the split peas need to simmer initially?
The split peas should simmer for about 30 minutes until they are almost tender.
How should the salt pork be prepared?
The salt pork should be thinly sliced and browned in a skillet until it is crispy.
What is a spider in this recipe?
A spider refers to a large skillet used for browning the meat and preparing the gravy.
How are the potatoes prepared for the stew?
The potatoes should be peeled and diced into medium pieces.
How should the onions be cut?
The onions should be peeled and cut into quarters.
What is used to thicken the stew?
A gravy made from reserved salt pork drippings, flour, and water is used as a thickener.
How much water is needed for the initial pea simmer?
You will need 6 cups of water for the initial simmering of the peas.
How much water is used to make the gravy?
1 cup of water is used to incorporate into the flour and drippings mixture.
What should I do with the split peas before cooking?
The dried split peas should be rinsed and sorted before being added to the pot.
When do I add the browned salt pork to the pot?
Add the salt pork to the pot once the split peas are nearly tender, along with the vegetables.
Can I adjust the consistency of the stew?
Yes, you can adjust the liquid by adding additional water as necessary while it simmers.
How do I make the flour paste for the gravy?
Gradually add flour to the reserved pork drippings in the skillet and mix until it forms a smooth paste.
What ingredients are needed for this stew?
You need dried split peas, water, salt pork, potatoes, onions, and flour.
How much salt pork is required?
The recipe calls for 2 lbs of thinly sliced salt pork.
Is this recipe suitable for cold weather?
Yes, it is described as a perfect dish for cold winter nights due to its hearty nature.
Can I garnish the stew?
Yes, you can serve the stew hot garnished with fresh herbs if they are available.
What type of peas are used?
The recipe specifically uses dried split peas.
How many potatoes are used?
The recipe requires 4 medium potatoes.
How many onions are included?
The recipe uses 4 small onions.
What should the consistency of the gravy be?
The flour and water mixture should be stirred until it reaches a smooth, gravy-like consistency.
Do I drain the fat from the salt pork?
No, you should reserve the drippings in the skillet to create the thickening gravy.
How long does the final simmer take?
Simmer until the vegetables (potatoes and onions) are tender.
Is there a specific order for adding ingredients?
Yes, start with peas, then add meat and vegetables, and finally stir in the prepared gravy.
What makes this stew hearty?
The combination of protein-rich peas, savory pork, and filling potatoes makes it a very hearty meal.
Should I season the stew?
Yes, you should taste and adjust the seasoning to your preference before serving.
What is the main flavor profile?
It is savory and rich with traditional comfort food vibes.
Can I use more flour?
The amount of flour is 'to taste' or as needed to absorb the grease and reach your desired thickness.
How do I serve this dish?
Serve it hot in bowls, potentially with fresh herbs on top.