A Fabulous Split Pea Soup
This is one of the most comforting and hearty soups out there. During the Holidays, especially at Christmas, I usually cook up my amazing Baked Ham and this year was no exception. So that’s my excuse for adding lots of ham in my soup. Plus it really makes this Split Pea Soup recipe extra incredibly delicious. Did you know split peas have amazing nutritional benefits? They’re low in fat, high in soluble fiber, high in protein, and are a good source of several vitamins and minerals, including potassium, iron and magnesium. This is one great way to get your family to eat healthy, and without them even knowing it.
Split Pea Soup Highlights
DELICIOUS AND HEARTY. Once sip of this soup and you will understand what I mean about delicious. It’s also incredibly hearty, you will always leave the table full. Pair it with some fresh homemade bread to round out this meal. ONE POT. This soup is made all in one pot, making cleanup a breeze! PERFECT FOR LEFTOVERS. This is the absolute perfect recipe when you have leftover cooked ham. You could just make split pea soup without the meat, but the added ham really brings immense flavors together. EASY TO MAKE. Although this is a really easy recipe, it does take a bit of time as all ingredients need a low, slow and longer cook time to enhance the flavors. Patience makes this dish fantastic. MAKE AHEAD. This soup is great to enjoy throughout the week, and freezer friendly too!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Split peas – Lots of dried split peas, either green or yellow are used. They need to soak in water to soften up. Olive oil – I use olive oil to sauté the onion, celery, carrots and garlic. Garlic – I love adding some fresh garlic to this soup for some extra flavor. Mirepoix – The soup trifecta consisting of onion, celery and carrots which are a must in most soups. Chicken broth or stock – I like to use both chicken broth and water for the stock as the broth will provide some additional flavoring. I usually tend to go with a low sodium broth so that I can adjust the sodium in my soup to my taste. You can use store bought or homemade. Spices and herbs – I use dried thyme and also some salt and pepper to taste. Ham – Use either a meaty ham bone or ham shanks to slowly cook and create the soup stock. My ham, however, didn’t have a bone, but I still add it while cooking the soup because it still adds lots of flavor.
How To Make Split Pea Soup
Is Split Pea Soup Healthy?
This soup is hearty, filling, so flavorful, and yes, healthy! In addition to the vegetables and chicken broth, split peas are high in protein and fiber, making them very nutritional.
Can You Soak Split Peas For Too Long?
It is possible to soak beans for too long before cooking. Beans should soak for 8 to 10 hours overnight. If they are soaked for longer than 12 hours, they can lose their familiar flavor and become overly mushy.
What Goes Best With Split Pea Soup?
The best accompaniment to a hearty bowl of split pea soup is good bread and cheese, like a tangy blue cheese or goat cheese, or something strong-tasting which offsets and compliments the richness of the pea soup.
Expert Tips
Leftovers
Split pea soup can be kept refrigerated for about 1 week, or frozen for up to 3 months. To freeze, cool the soup completely, then transfer to freezer containers or bags. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator, or gently warm the frozen soup in a saucepan over low heat on the stove top.
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title: “Split Pea Soup” ShowToc: true date: “2024-11-04” author: “Mary Bosworth”
I realize that I’m making quite a claim when I say that this is the best split pea soup ever, but it really is. Just read through the comments, people are in love. There is no doubt in my mind that it could win awards. The recipe comes from a super old cookbook that my mom has. The steps are simple, and so are the ingredients! This one even landed a coveted spot in The Cozy Cookbook, so you know it’s good!
How to Make it
See recipe card below this post for ingredient quantities and full instructions, including the Crock Pot and Instant Pot cooking methods. Add a meaty ham bone to a 4.5 quart Dutch oven or soup pot along with the rinsed split peas, onions, butter, olive oil, onion powder, garlic, bay leaves, thyme, and water.
Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer. Cover partially and simmer for 2.5 hours or until desired thickness is obtained. (Higher altitudes will require longer cooking time.) Add the potatoes and carrots about 40 minutes prior to serving.
Remove from heat once the potatoes and carrots are fork tender. Discard the bay leaves and thyme stems. Remove the ham bone and cut/shred 2 cups of ham from it and add it back to the soup. Serve!
Do You Need to Soak Split Peas
Soaking split peas may decrease the cooking time slightly, but since they’re already halved and pretty thin, it’s not necessary. I don’t soak them for this recipe.
Using a Ham Bone
Using a meaty, uncleaned ham bone is what gives this soup it’s amazingly rich and savory flavor.
If your ham bone is small, or you are using a ham bone substitute: Be prepared to add up to 4 chicken bouillon cubes to the broth to add more flavor if needed. If your bone doesn’t have much meat: You can also add a diced ham steak at the beginning of cooking. 1 (8oz.) steak = about 1 ¼ cups diced ham.
Ham Bone Substitutes
Bone-in Picnic Shoulder or smoked ham shank Using a ham hock is the next best option. Chopped salted pork and/or chopped smoked bacon can also be substituted.
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Storage
Store in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 3 months. This soup does freeze and reheat very well, just ensure that the potatoes and carrots are cooked until just fork tender so that they don’t become too soft.
4.5 quart Dutch oven – the perfect size for this recipe. 6 quart Crock Pot – This one is programmable and will automatically switch to warm when the cooking time is up. Instant Pot Soup Ladle (This is the one pictured in this recipe.) 16 oz. storage containers I use these to store/freeze my soups. They have 8 oz. sizes as well. They’re stackable, leak proof, and dishwasher/microwave safe.
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