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Hearty pea soup: 1 secret to amazing flavor

pea soup

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This is a recipe for a classic, hearty Split Pea Soup with Ham, perfect for a comforting meal. We use simple ingredients to build deep, smoky flavor.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound dried split peas, rinsed
  • 8 cups chicken or vegetable broth
  • 1 pound smoked ham hock or leftover ham bone
  • 1 large yellow onion, chopped
  • 2 carrots, diced
  • 2 celery stalks, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 bay leaf
  • Salt and black pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Rinse the split peas under cold water until the water runs clear.
  2. In a large pot or Dutch oven, combine the rinsed split peas, broth, ham hock (if using), onion, carrots, celery, garlic, thyme, and bay leaf.
  3. Bring the mixture to a boil over high heat.
  4. Reduce the heat to low, cover partially, and simmer for 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the peas are very tender and have broken down, thickening the soup. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
  5. If using a ham hock, remove it once cooked. Shred the meat from the bone and return the meat to the pot. Discard the bone and bay leaf.
  6. If using pre-cooked ham pieces, add them during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
  7. Taste the soup and season with salt and pepper as needed. Remember the ham adds saltiness.
  8. Simmer for another 10 minutes uncovered to reach your desired consistency.

Notes

  • For a thicker soup, mash some of the peas against the side of the pot.
  • If you prefer a vegan version, omit the ham and use vegetable broth, adding smoked paprika for a smoky note.
  • If the soup becomes too thick during simmering, add more broth or water until you reach the right consistency.

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