Ham and Split Pea Soup Recipe

Split peas: Dried legumes that provide a creamy texture and earthy flavor when cooked.

Ham bone: Adds a rich, smoky flavor to the soup; can be found at the butcher or meat section.

Onion: Adds a sweet and savory base flavor to the soup.

Carrots: Provide a subtle sweetness and additional nutrients.

Celery: Adds a fresh, slightly peppery flavor and crunch.

Garlic: Enhances the overall flavor with its pungent and aromatic qualities.

Chicken broth: Forms the liquid base of the soup, adding depth and richness.

Thyme: A dried herb that adds a subtle earthy and minty flavor.

Salt: Enhances the flavors of all the ingredients.

Black pepper: Adds a mild heat and depth to the soup.

When preparing this ham and split pea soup, it's essential to ensure that the split peas are thoroughly rinsed before adding them to the pot. This step helps remove any dust or debris that may be present. Additionally, to enhance the flavor, consider sautéing the onion, carrots, celery, and garlic in a bit of olive oil before adding them to the soup. This will caramelize the vegetables slightly, adding a deeper, richer taste to the final dish.

• dried split peas - Substitute with green lentils: Green lentils have a similar texture and cook in a comparable time frame, making them a good alternative.

• ham bone - Substitute with smoked turkey leg: Smoked turkey leg provides a similar smoky flavor and meaty texture.

• chopped onion - Substitute with leeks: Leeks offer a milder, slightly sweeter flavor that complements the soup well.

• chopped carrots - Substitute with parsnips: Parsnips have a sweet, earthy flavor that works well in soups.

• chopped celery - Substitute with fennel: Fennel adds a slightly sweet and aromatic flavor, similar to celery.

• minced garlic - Substitute with shallots: Shallots provide a mild garlic and onion flavor, enhancing the soup's depth.

• chicken broth - Substitute with vegetable broth: Vegetable broth is a great alternative for a vegetarian version of the soup.

• dried thyme - Substitute with dried oregano: Dried oregano offers a robust, earthy flavor that pairs well with the other ingredients.

• salt - Substitute with soy sauce: Soy sauce adds a savory umami flavor and can be used to adjust the saltiness.

• black pepper - Substitute with white pepper: White pepper provides a similar heat and flavor profile but with a slightly different aroma.

• To store your ham and split pea soup, first allow it to cool to room temperature. This prevents condensation and helps maintain the soup's texture and flavor.

• Transfer the cooled soup into airtight containers. For easy portioning, consider using individual serving-sized containers. This makes reheating a breeze and reduces waste.

• Label each container with the date. This helps you keep track of how long the soup has been stored, ensuring you enjoy it at its freshest.

• Place the containers in the refrigerator if you plan to consume the soup within 3-4 days. The flavors will continue to meld, making the soup even more delicious.

• For longer storage, freeze the soup. Ensure there's some space at the top of each container, as the soup will expand when frozen.

• When ready to enjoy, thaw the soup in the refrigerator overnight. This gradual thawing helps maintain the soup's texture and flavor.

• Reheat the soup on the stove over medium heat, stirring occasionally. If the soup has thickened too much, add a splash of chicken broth or water to reach your desired consistency.

• For a quicker option, you can also reheat the soup in the microwave. Use a microwave-safe container, cover it loosely, and heat in 1-2 minute intervals, stirring in between.

• If you notice any changes in smell, color, or texture, it's best to discard the soup. Freshness is key to enjoying the rich, hearty flavors of your ham and split pea soup.

• Enjoy your soup with a slice of crusty bread or a fresh salad for a complete, satisfying meal.

• Stovetop Method:

  1. Pour the leftover Ham and Split Pea Soup into a large pot.
  2. Heat over medium-low, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
  3. Add a splash of chicken broth or water if the soup has thickened too much.
  4. Once the soup is heated through and steaming, serve hot.

• Microwave Method:

  1. Transfer a portion of the soup to a microwave-safe bowl.
  2. Cover with a microwave-safe lid or plastic wrap, leaving a small vent.
  3. Heat on high for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through.
  4. Check the temperature and heat in 1-minute increments if needed until hot.

• Slow Cooker Method:

  1. Pour the leftover Ham and Split Pea Soup into the slow cooker.
  2. Set to low and heat for 1-2 hours, stirring occasionally.
  3. This method is perfect for reheating a large batch while keeping the soup's flavors intact.

• Oven Method:

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Transfer the soup to an oven-safe dish and cover with foil.
  3. Heat for about 20-30 minutes, stirring halfway through.
  4. Ensure the soup is heated evenly and serve hot.

• Double Boiler Method:

  1. Fill the bottom pot of a double boiler with water and bring to a simmer.
  2. Place the soup in the top pot.
  3. Stir occasionally until the soup is heated through.
  4. This gentle method helps maintain the soup's texture and flavor.

• Large pot: A large pot is essential for combining all the ingredients and allowing the soup to simmer and develop its flavors.

• Wooden spoon: A wooden spoon is useful for stirring the soup occasionally to ensure even cooking and prevent sticking.

• Knife: A knife is needed to chop the onion, carrots, and celery into small, even pieces.

• Cutting board: A cutting board provides a safe and stable surface for chopping the vegetables.

• Measuring spoons: Measuring spoons are used to measure out the thyme, salt, and pepper accurately.

• Measuring cup: A measuring cup is useful for measuring the chicken broth to ensure the correct amount is added to the soup.

• Ladle: A ladle is helpful for serving the soup into bowls once it's ready.

• Tongs: Tongs can be used to remove the ham bone from the soup before chopping the remaining meat.

• Garlic press: A garlic press is handy for mincing the garlic cloves quickly and efficiently.

Use pre-chopped vegetables: Save time by using pre-chopped onion, carrots, and celery from the store.

Instant pot method: Cut down cooking time by using an Instant Pot to cook the split peas and ham bone.

Pre-minced garlic: Use pre-minced garlic to avoid the hassle of peeling and chopping.

Batch cooking: Make a large batch and freeze portions for quick meals later.

Quick broth: Use store-bought chicken broth instead of making it from scratch.