As the cold winter wind sweeps through the narrow streets of an idyllic countryside town, I find myself drawn to the warmth emanating from a cozy, family-run eatery. There, amidst the chatter of locals and the aroma of home-cooked meals, I discover a soul-satisfying treasure – Split Pea and Ham Soup.
This humble yet delightful creation is a testament to the art of turning simple ingredients into a symphony of flavours. The earthy aroma of split peas, mingling with the smoky richness of ham, wafts through the air, inviting me to experience the heartwarming embrace of this hearty comfort food.
Sitting at a rustic wooden table, a steaming bowl of Split Pea and Ham Soup is placed before me. As I take the first spoonful, the creamy texture of the soup delights my senses. Each mouthful offers a harmonious blend of tender split peas, hearty chunks of ham, and an orchestra of vegetables that adds depth to the broth.
The magic of this dish lies in its ability to transport me to a simpler time, where food was not just sustenance but a means of creating cherished memories. The flavours resonate with tradition, and with each spoonful, I am reminded of the love and care that goes into the crafting of such heartwarming meals.
So, let us embrace the spirit of homely comforts and delve into the art of preparing Split Pea and Ham Soup, a dish that nourishes both body and soul.
Split Pea and Ham Soup Recipe for 4 People
Ingredients:
- 1 cup dried green split peas, rinsed and picked through
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 large onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 medium carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 1 medium potato, peeled and diced
- 2 cups cooked ham, diced
- 6 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Optional: Chopped fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions:
1. In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté until it becomes translucent.
2. Stir in the minced garlic, diced carrots, celery, and potato. Cook the vegetables for a few minutes until they begin to soften.
3. Add the rinsed split peas, diced ham, chicken or vegetable broth, bay leaves, and dried thyme to the pot. Stir everything together to combine.
4. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and let the soup simmer for about 45 minutes to 1 hour, or until the split peas are tender and the flavours have melded together.
5. Once the soup has reached the desired consistency, season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Remove the bay leaves.
6. Ladle the Split Pea and Ham Soup into bowls, and if desired, garnish with chopped fresh parsley for a burst of colour and freshness.
7. Serve the soup piping hot, allowing its heartwarming flavours to envelop you in a comforting embrace.
Equipment Needed:
- Large pot or Dutch oven
- Cutting board and knife for dicing vegetables and ham
Commonly Made Mistakes and Points of Care:
1. Rinsing Split Peas: Rinse the split peas thoroughly under cold running water and pick through them to remove any debris or impurities.
2. Sautéing Vegetables: Sauté the onions until they become translucent before adding the garlic and other vegetables. This ensures that the vegetables cook evenly and contribute to the overall flavour of the soup.
3. Simmering Time: Allow the soup to simmer for a sufficient amount of time to fully cook the split peas and develop the flavours. Taste the soup occasionally to adjust seasoning as needed.
4. Consistency of Soup: If the soup becomes too thick during cooking, you can add more broth or water to reach the desired consistency.
5. Salt and Pepper: Be mindful of the salt content, especially if using store-bought broth or ham, as they may already be salty. Adjust the seasoning accordingly to prevent the soup from becoming overly salty.
Embrace the nostalgic warmth of Split Pea and Ham Soup, a dish that harkens back to the heartwarming comforts of homemade meals. Delight in each spoonful as it transports you to a place of cherished memories and culinary contentment. Bon appétit!