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Classic Ham and Split Pea Soup

Close-up of a hearty bowl of thick pea soup topped with diced ham and carrots.
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Make this hearty, thick, and creamy split pea soup with ham. It is a wholesome comfort food perfect for cold weather dinners.

Ingredients

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  • 1 pound dried split peas, rinsed
  • 1 smoked ham hock or 1 cup diced smoked ham
  • 6 cups chicken broth or water
  • 1 large onion, chopped
  • 2 carrots, diced
  • 2 celery stalks, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • Salt and black pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Rinse the split peas under cold water until the water runs clear. Discard any small stones or discolored peas.
  2. In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery. Cook until the vegetables soften, about 5 to 7 minutes.
  3. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute more until fragrant.
  4. Stir in the rinsed split peas, ham hock (or diced ham), chicken broth, dried thyme, and bay leaf.
  5. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover the pot partially, and simmer for 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the peas are completely tender and have broken down, thickening the soup. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
  6. If using a ham hock, remove it from the pot. Once cool enough to handle, shred the meat from the bone and return the meat to the soup. Discard the bone and bay leaf.
  7. Taste the soup and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. If the soup is too thick, add a little more water or broth until you reach your desired consistency.
  8. Serve hot. This soup is excellent for meal prep.

Notes

  • For a vegetarian option, omit the ham hock and use vegetable broth. Add 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika for a smoky flavor substitute.
  • This soup naturally thickens as it cools. If you reheat leftovers, you may need to add a splash of liquid.
  • If you prefer a smoother texture, use an immersion blender to partially blend a portion of the soup before serving.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://littlekitchendiary.com/easy-pea-soup-comfort-recipe/