This pea and ham soup is a warm and cozy dish that’s perfect for chilly days. Made with sweet green peas and chunks of flavorful ham, it’s both hearty and delicious!
I love how easy this soup is to whip up. Just throw everything in a pot, let it simmer, and soon you’ll have a yummy bowl of comfort. Don’t forget the bread for dipping! 🍞
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Dried Split Peas: These are the star ingredient. They cook down and create a creamy texture. If you’re short on time, you can use canned peas, but adjust cooking time accordingly.
Ham: I recommend using leftover ham or even a smoked ham hock for more flavor. If you want a lighter version, try turkey ham or leave it out entirely for a vegetarian soup.
Vegetable Stock: This adds depth to the soup. You can use chicken stock for a richer taste or even water if you’re in a pinch. Just remember to adjust salt levels if your stock is salty.
Bay Leaf: This adds a subtle taste to the soup. If you don’t have it, a sprig of thyme or a bit of dried thyme can be a nice substitute.
How Do I Get the Perfect Consistency for My Soup?
The texture of your pea and ham soup can truly make or break it. Here’s how to achieve the right consistency:
- Cook the peas until they are very soft and most of them are breaking apart, about 60-75 minutes on low heat.
- If you like a smooth soup, use a hand blender right in the pot or transfer it to a blender in batches.
- For a chunkier soup, blend only part of it, keeping some peas whole for texture.
A little experimentation may be needed to find your perfect blend. Don’t forget to season to your liking! Enjoy making your soup just the way you like it! 🍲
Pea and Ham Soup
Ingredients:
- 2 cups dried split peas, rinsed
- 1.5 liters (6 cups) water or vegetable stock
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 medium carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 200 grams (7 oz) cooked ham, diced
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or butter
- Optional: handful of fresh or frozen green peas for garnish
- Toasted bread slices, to serve
How Much Time Will You Need?
This comforting pea and ham soup takes about 15 minutes to prepare and approximately 60-75 minutes to cook. The total time is about 1 hour and 30 minutes, giving you plenty of time to relax while it simmers away!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Sauté the Vegetables:
In a large pot, heat the olive oil or butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, minced garlic, diced carrots, and diced celery. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are softened and the onion is translucent.
2. Add Peas and Liquid:
Next, add the rinsed split peas, bay leaf, and water or vegetable stock to the pot. Stir everything together until well combined.
3. Cook the Soup:
Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Let it simmer uncovered for about 60-75 minutes. Stir occasionally, and enjoy the wonderful aroma filling your kitchen! The split peas should become soft and start to break apart.
4. Blend the Soup:
Once the peas are soft, remove the bay leaf. Use a hand blender to puree the soup to your desired consistency. If you want it smooth, blend until everything is creamy. If you prefer some chunkiness, blend only part of it or mash with a potato masher!
5. Add the Ham:
Stir in the diced cooked ham. Let it warm through for an additional 5-10 minutes. If you want, you can also add fresh or frozen green peas at this stage for extra flavor and color.
6. Season to Taste:
Taste the soup and season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to your liking. Remember, the ham may already add some saltiness, so adjust accordingly!
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve the soup hot, garnishing with extra diced ham and a sprinkle of black pepper if desired. Pair it with toasted bread slices for a perfect cozy meal!
Enjoy your comforting bowl of classic pea and ham soup!
Can I Use Frozen Peas Instead of Dried Split Peas?
Yes! While using frozen peas won’t give you the same texture as split peas, you can make a quick pea and ham soup by adding them towards the end of cooking. Simply sauté your vegetables, add the ham and stock, then stir in about 2 cups of frozen peas and simmer until heated through, about 10 minutes.
What Can I Substitute for Ham?
If you’re looking for a vegetarian option, you can leave out the ham entirely or substitute with smoked tofu or tempeh for a similar flavor profile. If you prefer turkey, smoked turkey or turkey bacon can work well too!
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Let the soup cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It can be stored in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. To freeze, allow it to cool, then portion it into freezer bags or containers. It should last for about 3 months in the freezer.
Can I Make This Soup in a Slow Cooker?
Absolutely! Combine all the ingredients (excluding the ham) in a slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. Add the ham during the last 30 minutes to warm it through. Just be sure to blend the soup before serving for a creamy texture!
