Description
Split Pea Soup is the ultimate comfort food, perfect for chilly days and family gatherings. This hearty dish combines creamy split peas, fresh vegetables, and savory ham in a flavorful broth that warms both body and soul. The rich texture and satisfying taste make it a favorite for leftovers, ensuring everyone will look forward to enjoying it again. With its nutritious ingredients, including fiber-rich peas and protein-packed ham, this recipe not only delights the taste buds but also promotes a healthy lifestyle.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cups finely diced onion
- 1 cup finely diced carrot
- 1 cup finely diced celery
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
- 1–1/2 teaspoons ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/8 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1–1/2 cups green split peas (rinsed)
- 2 small bay leaves
- 1 meaty ham bone (or ham hocks)
- 8 cups reduced-sodium chicken broth
Instructions
- In a large heavy-bottomed pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Sauté onion, carrot, celery, salt, and pepper until softened (about 5 to 8 minutes).
- Stir in minced garlic, Italian seasoning, ground cumin, dried thyme, and red pepper flakes. Cook for an additional minute before adding rinsed split peas.
- Add the ham bone, bay leaves, and chicken broth; bring to a boil. Reduce heat to maintain a gentle simmer for about 60 to 90 minutes or until peas are tender. Stir occasionally.
- Remove the ham bone; shred any meat and return it to the soup along with the bay leaves. For creaminess, blend part of the soup if desired.
- Serve hot with optional fresh herbs or crusty buttered bread.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 90 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 230
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 12g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 20mg