Creamy Split Pea Soup with Savory Ham and Aromatic Spices
Description of this Recipe
This Creamy Split Pea Soup is a hearty and comforting dish, brimming with the rich, savory flavors of ham and aromatic spices. Perfectly balanced with tender split peas, this soup offers a creamy texture and a depth of flavor that warms you from the inside out. Ideal for a cozy night in or a nourishing lunch, it’s a simple yet satisfying meal that’s sure to please.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This split pea soup is more than just a meal; it’s an experience. The combination of savory ham, tender split peas, and a medley of aromatic spices creates a symphony of flavors that is both comforting and exciting. It’s incredibly easy to make, requiring minimal hands-on time, and can be easily adapted to your personal preferences. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a beginner, this recipe is foolproof. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to use leftover ham, making it a budget-friendly and sustainable choice. This soup is also packed with nutrients, making it a healthy and delicious option for the whole family.
Introduction
Split pea soup is a classic comfort food, often associated with chilly evenings and cozy kitchens. This version elevates the traditional recipe by incorporating a medley of aromatic spices and savory ham, creating a depth of flavor that is both comforting and complex. The key to a truly exceptional split pea soup lies in the quality of the ingredients and the patience to let the flavors meld together during simmering. The ham provides a rich, smoky base, while the spices add warmth and complexity. The result is a creamy, satisfying soup that is perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 medium onions, finely diced
- 2-3 large carrots, finely diced
- 3-4 celery stalks, finely diced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon dried Italian seasoning
- 1½ teaspoons ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- ⅛ teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1½ cups dried green split peas, rinsed
- 2 small bay leaves (or 1 large)
- 1 meaty ham bone or ham hocks (see note below)
- 8 cups reduced-sodium chicken broth
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh thyme leaves (optional, for garnish)
- Crusty buttered bread, for serving
Prep:
Step 1: Heat Olive Oil and Sauté Vegetables:
In a large, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. The olive oil provides a base for sautéing the vegetables, adding a subtle richness to the soup. Add the diced onions, carrots, celery, salt, and pepper. Sauté for 5-8 minutes, or until the vegetables soften and the onions turn golden brown. This step is crucial for building flavor, as the sautéed vegetables create a foundation for the soup’s overall taste profile. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking. The salt helps to draw out moisture from the vegetables, aiding in the softening process.
Step 2: Add Garlic and Spices:
Stir in the minced garlic, dried Italian seasoning, ground cumin, dried thyme, and red pepper flakes. Cook for another minute, stirring constantly, until fragrant. This will help to bloom the spices and release their full flavor. Blooming the spices in the warm oil enhances their aroma and infuses the soup with a more intense flavor. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as this can impart a bitter taste to the soup. The Italian seasoning adds a classic herbaceous note, while the cumin provides warmth and earthiness. Thyme contributes a subtle, savory flavor, and the red pepper flakes add a touch of heat.
Step 3: Simmer the Soup:
Add the rinsed split peas, ham bone or ham hocks, bay leaves, and chicken broth to the pot. The split peas are the heart of this soup, providing a creamy texture and a subtle sweetness. Rinsing them removes any debris and excess starch, resulting in a cleaner-tasting soup. The ham bone or ham hocks add a deep, savory flavor that permeates the entire dish. Bay leaves contribute a subtle, aromatic note that enhances the overall complexity of the soup. Chicken broth provides a flavorful liquid base, but vegetable broth can be used for a vegetarian option. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Let it simmer, uncovered, for 60-90 minutes, or until the split peas are tender and the soup has thickened. Stir occasionally to prevent the peas from sticking to the bottom of the pot. The long simmering time allows the flavors to meld together, creating a richer, more cohesive soup.
Step 4: Remove Ham Bone and Shred Meat:
Once the peas are tender and the soup has reached your desired consistency, remove the ham bone or ham hocks from the pot. Let it cool slightly, then shred the ham off the bone, discarding any skin, fat, or bones. Returning the shredded ham to the soup adds texture and a burst of savory flavor. Discard the bay leaves, as they have imparted their flavor to the soup.
Step 5: Blend for Creaminess (Optional):
For a creamier consistency, use an immersion blender to blend about 2 cups of the soup until smooth. Alternatively, you can transfer the soup to a regular blender in batches. Be careful when blending hot liquids. Blending a portion of the soup creates a velvety smooth texture while retaining some of the chunky texture from the whole split peas. Stir the pureed soup back into the pot. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to taste. Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning as needed. Salt enhances the flavors, while pepper adds a touch of spice.
COOK Rating:
Easy to Moderate
Serving Suggestions:
Serve hot, garnished with fresh thyme leaves, and a side of crusty buttered bread for dipping. The fresh thyme leaves add a pop of color and a fresh, herbaceous aroma. Crusty buttered bread is perfect for soaking up the creamy soup. This soup also pairs well with a simple green salad or a grilled cheese sandwich. A simple green salad provides a refreshing contrast to the richness of the soup, while a grilled cheese sandwich adds another layer of comfort.
Tips:
- Ham Bone vs. Ham Hocks: A meaty ham bone will add the most flavor to the soup. If you don’t have a ham bone, ham hocks are a great alternative. You can also use leftover cooked ham, but be sure to add it later in the cooking process to prevent it from becoming too salty.
- Rinsing Split Peas: Rinsing the split peas before cooking helps to remove any debris and excess starch, resulting in a cleaner-tasting soup.
- Adjusting Consistency: If the soup is too thick, add more chicken broth or water to reach your desired consistency. If it’s too thin, simmer it for a longer period of time to allow it to thicken.
- Spice Level: Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes to your liking. If you prefer a milder soup, omit them altogether.
- Storage: This soup can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days or in the freezer for up to 2-3 months.
Prep Time:
20 minutes
Cook Time:
1 hour 30 minutes
Total Time:
1 hour 50 minutes
Nutrition Information:
(per serving, approximate):
- Calories: 350
- Protein: 25g
- Sodium: 800mg
Conclusion:
This Creamy Split Pea Soup with Savory Ham and Aromatic Spices is a comforting and flavorful dish that is perfect for any occasion. With its rich, creamy texture, deep savory flavor, and hearty ingredients, this soup is sure to become a family favorite. It’s easy to make, perfect for meal prep, and a delicious way to warm up on a chilly day. The combination of savory ham, aromatic spices, and tender split peas creates a symphony of flavors that is both comforting and exciting. It’s incredibly easy to make, requiring minimal hands-on time, and can be easily adapted to your personal preferences. Enjoy!
Write 5 questions and answers about this recipe.
Q1: Can I make this soup vegetarian?
A: Yes, you can easily make this soup vegetarian by omitting the ham bone or ham hocks and using vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. You may also want to add a tablespoon of smoked paprika to mimic the smoky flavor of the ham.
Q2: How do I store leftover split pea soup?
A: Leftover split pea soup can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. For longer storage, you can freeze it for up to 2-3 months. Thaw the soup in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Q3: Can I use yellow split peas instead of green split peas?
A: Yes, you can use yellow split peas instead of green split peas. The flavor will be slightly different, but the texture will be similar. Yellow split peas tend to have a milder, sweeter flavor compared to green split peas.
Q4: What can I add to the soup to make it even more flavorful?
A: To enhance the flavor of the soup, you can add a splash of apple cider vinegar or lemon juice at the end of cooking. This will brighten the flavors and add a touch of acidity. You can also add a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt for extra creaminess.
Q5: Can I make this soup in a slow cooker?
A: Yes, this soup can be easily adapted for a slow cooker. Simply add all the ingredients to the slow cooker, except for the shredded ham. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, or until the split peas are tender. Stir in the shredded ham during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
Creamy Split Pea Soup with Savory Ham and Aromatic Spices
Ingredients
Method
- Step 1: Heat Olive Oil and Sauté Vegetables:
- In a large, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. The olive oil provides a base for sautéing the vegetables, adding a subtle richness to the soup. Add the diced onions, carrots, celery, salt, and pepper. Sauté for 5-8 minutes, or until the vegetables soften and the onions turn golden brown. This step is crucial for building flavor, as the sautéed vegetables create a foundation for the soup’s overall taste profile. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking. The salt helps to draw out moisture from the vegetables, aiding in the softening process.
- Step 2: Add Garlic and Spices:
- Stir in the minced garlic, dried Italian seasoning, ground cumin, dried thyme, and red pepper flakes. Cook for another minute, stirring constantly, until fragrant. This will help to bloom the spices and release their full flavor. Blooming the spices in the warm oil enhances their aroma and infuses the soup with a more intense flavor. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as this can impart a bitter taste to the soup. The Italian seasoning adds a classic herbaceous note, while the cumin provides warmth and earthiness. Thyme contributes a subtle, savory flavor, and the red pepper flakes add a touch of heat.
- Step 3: Simmer the Soup:
- Add the rinsed split peas, ham bone or ham hocks, bay leaves, and chicken broth to the pot. The split peas are the heart of this soup, providing a creamy texture and a subtle sweetness. Rinsing them removes any debris and excess starch, resulting in a cleaner-tasting soup. The ham bone or ham hocks add a deep, savory flavor that permeates the entire dish. Bay leaves contribute a subtle, aromatic note that enhances the overall complexity of the soup. Chicken broth provides a flavorful liquid base, but vegetable broth can be used for a vegetarian option. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Let it simmer, uncovered, for 60-90 minutes, or until the split peas are tender and the soup has thickened. Stir occasionally to prevent the peas from sticking to the bottom of the pot. The long simmering time allows the flavors to meld together, creating a richer, more cohesive soup.
- Step 4: Remove Ham Bone and Shred Meat:
- Once the peas are tender and the soup has reached your desired consistency, remove the ham bone or ham hocks from the pot. Let it cool slightly, then shred the ham off the bone, discarding any skin, fat, or bones. Returning the shredded ham to the soup adds texture and a burst of savory flavor. Discard the bay leaves, as they have imparted their flavor to the soup.
- Step 5: Blend for Creaminess (Optional):
- For a creamier consistency, use an immersion blender to blend about 2 cups of the soup until smooth. Alternatively, you can transfer the soup to a regular blender in batches. Be careful when blending hot liquids. Blending a portion of the soup creates a velvety smooth texture while retaining some of the chunky texture from the whole split peas. Stir the pureed soup back into the pot. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to taste. Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning as needed. Salt enhances the flavors, while pepper adds a touch of spice.
