Split Pea Soup
This split pea soup recipe is a comforting and hearty dish made with green split peas, ham, and a medley of vegetables. Simple to prepare, it involves sautéing onions, carrots, celery, and garlic before simmering them with split peas, a ham hock (or ham bone), and flavorful seasonings. The result is a thick, nutritious soup with tender split peas and savory ham. Perfect for a satisfying meal, this soup can be customized to your taste and is best enjoyed hot, optionally garnished with fresh herbs or a dollop of sour cream.
**Ingredients**
- 1 pound (about 2 cups) dried green split peas, rinsed and sorted
- 1 large ham hock or ham bone with meat
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, peeled and chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 6 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (optional)
- Water (as needed for desired consistency)
**Instructions**
1. Rinse the split peas under cold water and remove any debris. Set aside.
2. In a large soup pot, heat olive oil over medium heat (if using). Add chopped onions, carrots, celery, and garlic. Sauté for 5-7 minutes or until the vegetables are softened.
3. Add the split peas, ham hock or ham bone, bay leaf, dried thyme, and chicken or vegetable broth to the pot. Stir to combine.
4. Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and simmer for about 1 to 1.5 hours, or until the peas are soft and the soup has thickened. Stir occasionally.
5. Once the peas are soft, remove the ham bone or ham hock. If there's meat on the bone, shred it and return the meat to the soup. Discard the bay leaf.
6. Season the soup with salt and pepper to taste. Adjust the seasoning as needed.
7. Serve the split pea soup hot. You can garnish with fresh chopped parsley or a dollop of sour cream if desired.
8. If you prefer a smoother consistency, you can use an immersion blender to partially blend the soup, or transfer a portion to a blender and blend until smooth before returning it to the pot.
Enjoy your warm and comforting bowl of split pea soup!