Hearty Split Pea Soup with Vegetables and Ham

Hearty Split Pea Soup with Vegetables and Ham

Description: Hearty Split Pea Soup is a nourishing, satisfying, and warm dish that is perfect for cold weather or any time you’re craving a filling meal. With tender split peas, vegetables, and optional ham or smoked bacon, this soup is packed with flavor, texture, and nutritional value. The combination of vegetables and savory ham (or bacon) creates a comforting, hearty meal that can be served as a main course or as a side dish.

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Ingredients:

• 2 cups dried split peas, rinsed
• 1-2 cups diced ham or smoked bacon (optional for flavor)
• 2 medium carrots, peeled and diced
• 2 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 2-3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1-2 bay leaves
• 1 tsp dried thyme (or fresh thyme if available)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 7-8 cups vegetable or chicken broth (or water)
• Olive oil or butter for sautéing

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Instructions:

1. Prepare the Ingredients:
   • Rinse the dried split peas thoroughly under cold water and set aside.
   • Dice the carrots, potatoes, and onion. Mince the garlic.
2. Sauté Vegetables:
   • Heat a large pot over medium heat and add a tablespoon of olive oil or butter.
   • Add the chopped onions and sauté until softened (about 4-5 minutes).
   • Add the minced garlic and sauté for an additional 1 minute, until fragrant.
3. Add Ham (or Bacon):
   • If using ham or smoked bacon, add it to the pot and cook for a few minutes until the meat starts to render its fat and become slightly crispy (optional, depending on your preference).
4. Add the Split Peas and Broth:
   • Add the rinsed split peas, diced carrots, and potatoes to the pot.
   • Pour in the vegetable or chicken broth (or water) and stir to combine. Add bay leaves, thyme, salt, and pepper to taste.
5. Cook the Soup:
   • Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer uncovered for about 45-60 minutes, or until the peas are tender and the vegetables are cooked through. Stir occasionally, and add more water or broth if needed to reach your desired consistency.
6. Finish and Serve:
   • Once the soup has thickened and the peas have softened, remove the bay leaves.
   • Taste and adjust seasoning, adding more salt, pepper, or thyme as needed.
   • For a smoother texture, use an immersion blender to blend part of the soup, or simply mash the vegetables and peas with a spoon.
7. Garnish and Serve:
   • Serve hot, garnished with fresh herbs or croutons if desired.

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Notes:

• Vegetarian Version: You can skip the ham or bacon for a vegetarian version. The soup will still be rich and flavorful, especially with the addition of broth.
• Storage: This soup keeps well in the fridge for 3-4 days and can be frozen for up to 3 months. Just let it cool completely before storing in an airtight container.
• Consistency: The soup thickens as it sits, so if you prefer a thinner soup, add more broth or water during the cooking process.
• For Extra Flavor: You can add a splash of vinegar or a squeeze of lemon juice right before serving for a bit of acidity that balances the richness of the soup.

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Tips:

• Soaking Split Peas: While it’s not necessary to soak split peas, doing so can reduce the cooking time and help with digestibility.
• Blending the Soup: If you prefer a creamier texture, blend some or all of the soup with an immersion blender or in a regular blender. Be cautious with blending hot liquids—allow it to cool slightly before transferring to a blender.
• Ham Choices: If using leftover ham, you can add it toward the end of cooking to avoid it becoming overly dry. Smoked bacon adds a deep smoky flavor that complements the soup perfectly.

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Servings:

• This recipe serves about 6-8 people as a main dish or 10-12 as a side dish.

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Nutritional Info (Approximate per serving):

• Calories: 250-300 kcal
• Protein: 15-20g (depending on the amount of ham)
• Carbohydrates: 30-35g
• Fat: 8-10g
• Fiber: 10-12g
• Sodium: 500-700mg (may vary based on broth used)

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Benefits:

• Rich in Fiber: Split peas are an excellent source of dietary fiber, which helps with digestion and maintaining a healthy gut.
• High in Protein: The combination of split peas and ham (or bacon) provides a good amount of plant-based and animal-based protein.
• Vitamins and Minerals: The vegetables (carrots, potatoes, and onions) provide essential vitamins such as vitamin A, vitamin C, and potassium.
• Heart-Healthy: The fiber content, along with the option to use low-sodium broth and reduce fatty meats, makes this soup heart-healthy when prepared with attention to ingredients.

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Q&A:

1. Can I use dried lentils instead of split peas?
   • Yes, you can use dried lentils instead of split peas. Keep in mind that lentils cook faster, so the cooking time may be reduced to about 30-40 minutes.
2. Can I make this soup in a slow cooker?
   • Absolutely! Simply add all ingredients to the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 4-5 hours, until the split peas are tender.
3. How do I make this soup spicier?
   • Add some chili flakes or a chopped jalapeño during the sautéing step for some heat. You can also use smoked paprika for an extra smoky flavor.
4. Can I make this soup without ham?
   • Yes, you can skip the ham and make a vegetarian version. The soup will still be full of flavor, especially with the thyme, bay leaves, and hearty vegetables.
5. What kind of broth is best?
   • Both vegetable and chicken broth work well, but chicken broth will provide a richer flavor. For a lighter option, use vegetable broth.

Enjoy your delicious and nutritious split pea soup!