Split Pea & Ham Soup

Pea and Ham Soup Recipe

Split Pea and Ham Soup Recipe for 4 People

Ingredients:

- 1 cup dried green split peas, rinsed and picked through

- 1 tablespoon olive oil

- 1 large onion, diced

- 2 cloves garlic, minced

- 2 medium carrots, diced

- 2 celery stalks, diced

- 1 medium potato, peeled and diced

- 2 cups cooked ham, diced

- 6 cups chicken or vegetable broth

- 2 bay leaves

- 1 teaspoon dried thyme

- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

- Optional: Chopped fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions:

1. In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté until it becomes translucent.

2. Stir in the minced garlic, diced carrots, celery, and potato. Cook the vegetables for a few minutes until they begin to soften.

3. Add the rinsed split peas, diced ham, chicken or vegetable broth, bay leaves, and dried thyme to the pot. Stir everything together to combine.

4. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and let the soup simmer for about 45 minutes to 1 hour, or until the split peas are tender and the flavours have melded together.

5. Once the soup has reached the desired consistency, season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Remove the bay leaves.

6. Ladle the Split Pea and Ham Soup into bowls, and if desired, garnish with chopped fresh parsley for a burst of colour and freshness.

7. Serve the soup piping hot, allowing its heartwarming flavours to envelop you in a comforting embrace.

Equipment Needed:

- Large pot or Dutch oven

- Cutting board and knife for dicing vegetables and ham

Commonly Made Mistakes and Points of Care:

1. Rinsing Split Peas: Rinse the split peas thoroughly under cold running water and pick through them to remove any debris or impurities.

2. Sautéing Vegetables: Sauté the onions until they become translucent before adding the garlic and other vegetables. This ensures that the vegetables cook evenly and contribute to the overall flavour of the soup.

3. Simmering Time: Allow the soup to simmer for a sufficient amount of time to fully cook the split peas and develop the flavours. Taste the soup occasionally to adjust seasoning as needed.

4. Consistency of Soup: If the soup becomes too thick during cooking, you can add more broth or water to reach the desired consistency.

5. Salt and Pepper: Be mindful of the salt content, especially if using store-bought broth or ham, as they may already be salty. Adjust the seasoning accordingly to prevent the soup from becoming overly salty.