Pea and Ham Soup: The Secret to a Flavour-Packed Dish 🌱🥕🧅
Before we dive into the cooking process, let’s talk about the ingredients. The key to a mouth-watering Split Pea and Ham Soup lies in the quality of the ingredients you use. A rich, smoky ham hock or bacon bones form the backbone of this recipe, providing depth and a tantalising aroma. Green split peas are essential—they break down beautifully during cooking, creating a creamy, hearty texture without the need for cream. 🥓🔥
Fresh vegetables like carrots, onions, celery, potatoes, and parsnips add a wonderful balance of flavours and textures, making every spoonful a delight. These veggies not only contribute to the soup’s taste but also pack in a lot of nutrients, ensuring that your meal is as healthy as it is tasty. 🌿💧
Tips and Tricks: The Best Ingredients for the Best Pea and Ham Soup
When it comes to making soup, always opt for fresh, high-quality ingredients. Fresh veggies will impart a better flavour and texture, while a good quality ham hock or bacon bones will provide that essential depth and smokiness.
Pea and Ham Soup: Cooking Up Comfort 🥄🍲
Now that we’ve gathered our ingredients, it’s time to get cooking! Here’s the magic of this soup: it’s all about simplicity and letting the ingredients shine.
Simmer to Perfection ⏲️
Start by placing your bacon bones or ham hock into a large pot or slow cooker. This will infuse your soup with an irresistible smoky flavour. Add the diced vegetables—carrots, onions, celery, parsnips, and potatoes—along with the green split peas. Cover everything with water and bring it to a gentle simmer.
If you’re using a slow cooker, set it on low and let it cook for about 6 hours, or on high for about 4 hours. If you’re using a pot, simmer gently on the stove for around 2 hours. The slow cooking process is key, as it allows all the flavours to meld together beautifully.
Shred and Add the Meat 🐷✂️
Once the cooking time is up, carefully remove the bones or ham hock from the pot. Shred the meat and return it to the soup. This ensures every bite is packed with tender, flavourful meat.
For an extra boost of nutrients and a pop of colour, you can toss in a bag of frozen spinach towards the end. Let it heat until it’s well incorporated. Finally, season your soup with salt and pepper to taste. Adjust the seasoning according to your preference, and voila! Your soup is ready to be enjoyed.
Serving Suggestions: Make It a Meal! 🍽️
Your Split Pea and Ham Soup is now ready to serve! Ladle it into bowls and enjoy it hot. Here are a few serving suggestions to elevate your meal:
- Crusty Bread 🥖: Serve with a side of crusty bread or a warm bread roll to soak up all the delicious broth.
- Side Salad 🥗: Pair with a fresh garden salad for a balanced meal.
- Cheese Toasties 🧀🍞: For an indulgent treat, serve with a cheese toastie on the side.
Pairing Perfection: What to Drink 🍷🍺
To complement the hearty flavours of the soup, consider pairing it with:
- A Crisp White Wine 🍷: Something like a Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio works well.
- A Light Beer 🍺: A pale ale or lager is a great choice to balance the soup’s richness.
- A Hot Cup of Tea 🍵: For a non-alcoholic option, a warm cup of herbal tea can be very soothing.
Wrapping It Up: Enjoy Every Bite! 😋🥣
This Split Pea and Ham Soup is the ultimate comfort food—perfect for chilly days or whenever you’re in need of a cozy, flavourful meal. It’s packed with nutrients, bursting with flavour, and so easy to make. Give it a try and let me know what you think!
And if you’re looking for more delicious recipes, be sure to check out Easy Recipe Gang for a plethora of mouth-watering options. From hearty mains to delightful desserts, there’s something for everyone.
Don’t forget to take a picture and share with me on instagram @steph_cooks_stuff.
Happy cooking! 🙌🍽️✨
Pea and ham soup
- Total Time: 135
- Yield: 8 1x
Description
🥓🍲 Hey there foodies! I’ve got a delicious and hearty recipe for you today: Split Pea and Bacon Soup! 🥣😋 This comforting soup is packed with flavors and is super easy to make. Let’s get cooking!
Ingredients
Instructions
First, grab a large pot or slow cooker and add your bacon bones or ham hock. These will give your soup a rich and smoky flavor. 🥓🔥 Then, toss in the green split peas, diced carrot, onion, celery, and potato. These veggies will add a nice balance of flavors and textures. 🥕🧅🥔
Next, pour enough water into the pot to cover all the ingredients. This will help create a flavorful broth. Bring the pot to a simmer and let it cook for 2 hours or slow cook in low for 6 hrs or high for 4 hrs.⏲️🍲
After the time is up, carefully remove the bones or hock from the pot and shred all the delicious meat. Then, add the shredded meat back into the soup. 🐷✂️ To add some extra nutrients and vibrant color, toss in a bag of frozen spinach and let it heat until melted. 🍃💚
Finally, season your soup with salt and pepper to taste. Adjust the seasoning according to your preference. Serve it hot, and get ready to enjoy a bowl of pure comfort! 😍🥣
This Split Pea and ham Soup is the ultimate comfort food. It’s perfect for chilly days or whenever you’re in need of a cozy and flavorful meal. Give it a try and let me know what you think! Happy cooking! 🙌🍽️
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 120
- Category: Recipes
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: Australian
Frequently Asked Questions
Absolutely! To make a vegetarian version of this soup, simply omit the bacon bones or ham hock and use vegetable broth instead of water. You can enhance the smoky flavour by adding a teaspoon of smoked paprika. Additionally, you can increase the quantity of vegetables or add legumes like lentils for extra protein and heartiness. 🌱🍲
Leftover Split Pea and Ham Soup can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, simply pour the desired amount into a pot and warm over medium heat until heated through. If the soup has thickened too much, add a splash of water or broth to reach your desired consistency. This soup also freezes well—store it in a freezer-safe container for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. 🥶🔥
Yes, you can easily swap out the ham hock or bacon bones for other types of meat. Smoked turkey legs or wings are a great alternative, especially if you’re looking to reduce fat content. Alternatively, you can use leftover roast ham or even smoked sausage for a different flavour profile. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time as needed to ensure the meat is tender and the flavours meld together. 🦃🍖