Split Pea and Ham Soup: A Hearty and Nourishing Winter Comfort
There’s nothing quite like a warm, hearty bowl of split pea and ham soup to comfort you on a cold winter day. This classic British dish is not only delicious but also packed with nutrients and goodness. If you’re looking to whip up a soul-warming soup that will leave you feeling satisfied and content, look no further than this simple and easy-to-follow recipe.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup dried split peas
– 1 large onion, chopped
– 2 medium carrots, diced
– 2 celery stalks, chopped
– 2 cloves of garlic, minced
– 1 bay leaf
– 1 sprig of thyme
– 1.5 litres vegetable or chicken stock
– 200g cooked ham, diced
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions:
Preparing the Ingredients:
1. Start by rinsing the split peas under cold running water and draining them.
2. In a large cooking pot, heat some oil over medium heat.
3. Add the chopped onion, carrots, celery, and garlic. Sauté for about 5 minutes or until the vegetables are softened.
Cooking the Soup:
4. Add the drained split peas, bay leaf, thyme sprig, and stock to the pot.
5. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for about 1 hour, stirring occasionally until the peas are soft and mushy.
6. Once the split peas are cooked, remove the bay leaf and thyme sprig.
7. Using an immersion blender, blend the soup until smooth and creamy. If you prefer a chunkier consistency, you can leave some of the peas intact.
8. Add the diced ham to the soup and simmer for an additional 10 minutes.
9. Season the soup with salt and pepper to taste, adjusting the seasoning as needed.
Serving and Enjoying:
10. Ladle the hot split pea and ham soup into bowls.
11. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and freshness.
12. Serve the soup hot, alongside some crusty bread or a side salad for a complete and satisfying meal.
Tips and Variations:
– For added depth of flavor, you can use a ham hock instead of diced ham. Simply add the ham hock to the soup at the beginning of the cooking process and remove it before blending the soup.
– Feel free to customize the vegetables in this soup according to your preferences. Add in some leeks, potatoes, or parsnips for additional texture and taste.
– If you’re vegetarian, you can omit the ham and use vegetable stock instead for a delicious vegetarian version of this soup.
Final Thoughts:
Split pea and ham soup is a timeless classic that never fails to bring warmth and comfort to the table. This recipe is straightforward and versatile, making it a perfect choice for a cozy night in or a family gathering. With its rich flavors and hearty ingredients, this soup is sure to become a favorite in your recipe arsenal. Give it a try and let the delicious aroma of this nourishing soup fill your kitchen with joy and satisfaction.