Smoky Green Split Pea and Hambone Delight
Indulge in the hearty flavors of Smoky Green Split Pea and Hambone Delight, an irresistible soup that brings warmth and comfort to any meal. This recipe, inspired by Uncle Bill, features green split peas simmered to perfection with a rich hambone, fresh vegetables, and aromatic herbs. The combination of tender peas, vibrant carrots, and zesty onions creates a velvety texture that envelops your palate, while the infused smokiness adds an unexpected depth. Perfect for family gatherings or chilly nights, this soup not only warms you up but also fills you up with nutritious goodness. Gather your loved ones and share this delightful dish that is sure to become a staple in your kitchen.
N/A
Servings
157
Calories
12
Ingredients
Ingredients
Water
8 cups (Measure and set aside.)
Ham Bone
1 large (Use a meaty ham bone with some leftover meat.)
Dried Split Green Peas
2 cups (Rinse well in cold water.)
Carrots
2 large (Peel and dice small.)
Onions
2 medium (Chop small.)
Celery Ribs
2 large (Chop small, including leaves.)
Bay Leaf
1 large (Add whole.)
Beef Bouillon Cubes
2 (Add whole.)
Salt
1 teaspoon (Adjust to taste.)
Black Peppercorns
1/4 teaspoon (Crushed.)
Dried Thyme
1 pinch (Add to soup.)
Liquid Hickory Smoke
1/4 teaspoon (optional) (Add for smokiness.)
Instructions
1
Begin by rinsing the dried green split peas thoroughly in cold water to remove any impurities. Drain well and set aside.
2
In a large cooking pot, combine the rinsed split peas with 8 cups of water. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat.
3
Once boiling, remove the pot from heat, cover it with a lid, and allow it to sit for 1 hour to let the peas soften.
4
After the hour has passed, return the pot to the stove and bring it back to a boil over medium heat.
5
Carefully add the ham bone, diced carrots, chopped onions, chopped celery (including leaves), bay leaf, beef bouillon cubes, salt, crushed black peppercorns, and dried thyme.
6
Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let the soup simmer for about 1 to 1.5 hours. Stir occasionally to ensure even cooking.
7
Once the soup is ready, use tongs to remove the ham bone from the pot. Allow it to cool slightly before cutting off any remaining ham. Chop this ham into bite-size pieces and return it to the soup.
8
Discard the ham bone and bay leaf to keep your soup free of tough bits.
9
Taste the soup, adjusting seasonings if necessary. You can add more salt, pepper, or thyme according to your preference.
10
For a creamy texture, you can puree the soup in batches using a food processor or blender, or enjoy it as is for a rustic feel.
11
If the soup appears too thick, feel free to add additional water or broth to reach the desired consistency. For enhanced flavor, consider adding beef or chicken broth and adjust the liquid amounts accordingly.
12
For a distinctive smoky flavor, you may incorporate a few drops of Liquid Hickory Smoke, or substitute with smoked ham hocks instead of the ham bone.
13
If you find the ham bone lacking in meat, feel free to complement it with extra diced ham of your choice, ensuring every spoonful is hearty and fulfilling.
14
Enjoy your Smoky Green Split Pea and Hambone Delight warm, garnished with fresh herbs if desired!
Nutrition Information
2g
Fat
29g
Carbs
7g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Smoky Green Split Pea and Hambone Delight?
It is a hearty, velvety soup featuring green split peas, a rich ham bone, fresh vegetables, and aromatic herbs, inspired by Uncle Bill.
How should I prepare the dried green split peas?
Rinse the peas thoroughly in cold water to remove impurities and drain well before cooking.
What is the initial soaking process for the peas?
Combine rinsed peas with 8 cups of water, bring to a boil, then remove from heat and let sit covered for 1 hour.
How long does the soup need to simmer?
After adding all ingredients, let the soup simmer on low heat for 1 to 1.5 hours.
What vegetables are included in this recipe?
The recipe includes 2 large carrots, 2 medium onions, and 2 large celery ribs including the leaves.
What type of ham bone is best?
A large, meaty ham bone with some leftover meat is ideal for flavor and heartiness.
Can I substitute the ham bone?
Yes, you can substitute smoked ham hocks for the ham bone to achieve a similar smoky flavor.
How do I achieve a creamy texture?
You can puree the soup in batches using a food processor or blender once it is finished cooking.
What should I do if the soup is too thick?
Feel free to add additional water or broth until you reach your desired consistency.
How do I add a distinctive smoky flavor?
Incorporate about 1/4 teaspoon of Liquid Hickory Smoke into the soup.
What happens to the ham bone after simmering?
Remove the bone, cut off any remaining ham to chop and return to the soup, then discard the bone.
Which herbs are used for seasoning?
The recipe calls for one large bay leaf and a pinch of dried thyme.
Are bouillon cubes necessary?
The recipe uses 2 beef bouillon cubes to enhance the savory depth of the broth.
How much salt and pepper should I use?
Use 1 teaspoon of salt and 1/4 teaspoon of crushed black peppercorns, adjusting to your taste.
What do I do with the bay leaf?
Discard the bay leaf before serving to ensure there are no tough bits in the soup.
How many calories are in a serving?
Each serving contains approximately 157 calories.
What is the protein content of this soup?
There are 7 grams of protein per serving.
How many carbohydrates are in a serving?
There are 29 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
What is the fat content?
The soup contains 2 grams of fat per serving.
What if the ham bone doesn't have much meat?
You can complement it by adding extra diced ham of your choice.
How should the carrots and onions be prepared?
Peel and dice the carrots small, and chop the onions small.
Can I use broth instead of water?
Yes, using beef or chicken broth instead of water can further enhance the flavor.
Is this soup suitable for meal prep?
Yes, it is a hearty dish that stores well and can be a staple in your kitchen.
Do I need to stir the soup while it simmers?
Yes, stir occasionally to ensure even cooking and to prevent the peas from sticking.
Can I add more herbs?
Yes, you can adjust the seasoning by adding more salt, pepper, or thyme according to your preference.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 12 main ingredients used to create this soup.
What is the garnish recommendation?
You can garnish the warm soup with fresh herbs if desired.
What makes the texture velvety?
The combination of simmered split peas and vegetables creates a naturally velvety texture.
How many split peas are needed?
The recipe requires 2 cups of dried green split peas.
Is the celery leaves used?
Yes, the recipe specifically suggests chopping the celery ribs including the leaves for extra flavor.