Warm your soul with a bowl of comforting Split Pea Soup with Country Ham, a classic American dish that’s not only delicious but also incredibly easy to make! Imagine the rich, smoky flavor of country ham mingling with tender split peas and fresh vegetables, creating a hearty soup that’s perfect for chilly evenings or any time you crave a satisfying meal. In just 1 hour and 30 minutes, you can transform simple ingredients into a dish that will have your family asking for seconds. Ready to discover the secrets to this delectable recipe? Let’s dive in!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 1 hrs 15 mins
Total Time: 1 hrs 30 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 1 cup split peas
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 1 country ham hock
- 4 cups chicken broth
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Begin by rinsing the split peas under cold running water. Remove any debris or stones, then set them aside to drain.
- In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat a tablespoon of oil over medium heat. Once hot, add the chopped onion and sauté for about 5 minutes, or until the onion is translucent and fragrant.
- Add the chopped carrots and celery to the pot. Stir well and continue to cook for another 5-7 minutes, allowing the vegetables to soften.
- Next, add the rinsed split peas to the pot, stirring to combine with the sautéed vegetables.
- Place the country ham hock into the pot, followed by the chicken broth. Stir to ensure that the peas and vegetables are evenly distributed.
- Bring the mixture to a boil over high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and cover the pot with a lid. Allow the soup to simmer gently for about 1 hour, stirring occasionally.
- After 1 hour, check the peas for doneness. They should be tender and starting to break apart. If they are still firm, continue to simmer for an additional 10-15 minutes.
- Once the peas are cooked through, carefully remove the ham hock from the pot. Allow it to cool slightly before shredding the meat from the bone. Discard the bone and any excess fat.
- Add the shredded ham back into the soup, stirring to combine. Season the soup with salt and pepper to taste, adjusting according to your preference.
- For a creamier texture, you can use an immersion blender to puree part of the soup, or you can leave it chunky, depending on your preference.
- Serve the split pea soup hot, garnished with fresh herbs if desired. Enjoy your hearty meal!
Tips
- Rinse Your Peas: Always rinse your split peas thoroughly before cooking to remove any dirt or debris. This simple step ensures a cleaner, tastier soup.
- Sauté for Flavor: Don’t skip the sautéing step! Cooking the onions, carrots, and celery until they’re soft and fragrant enhances the overall flavor of the soup.
- Simmer Gently: Once your soup is boiling, reduce the heat and let it simmer gently. This slow cooking process allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
- Check for Doneness: Keep an eye on your split peas as they cook. They should be tender and starting to break apart. If they’re still firm, give them a bit more time.
- Ham Hock Magic: The country ham hock adds a wonderful depth of flavor. Make sure to shred the meat back into the soup for that extra savory kick!
- Texture Preference: If you prefer a creamier soup, use an immersion blender to puree part of the mixture. For a chunkier texture, simply stir and serve as is.
- Season to Taste: Don’t forget to taste your soup before serving! Adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper to suit your palate.
- Garnish for Freshness: A sprinkle of fresh herbs like parsley or thyme can elevate the presentation and add a burst of freshness to your soup.Enjoy crafting this delightful recipe and savor every spoonful of your homemade Split Pea Soup with Country Ham!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 241kcal
Carbohydrates: g
Protein: g
Fat: 7g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 25mg
