Introduction
Pea and ham soup. This hearty soup will warm your table. Made in your crockpot, this soup is for all of the folks who want a great tasting meal, with little effort. The sweet peas add to the savory, richness of the dish, and the ham is nice and tender for a filling, satisfying dish.
Ingredients Required
To make pea and ham soup you will need split peas ham hock or diced ham onions carrots celery Those vegetables are the tasty trilogy I often use as a base. Garlic and bay leaves, a little thyme and to make things extra rich whether the soup is made with chicken or vegetable broth. Season further to taste with salt and pepper.
Preparation Steps
Start with washing the split peas under cold water. This is to get rid of impurities and to give it a clean flavor. Cut the onions, carrots, and celery into pieces about the same size so that they will cook at the same rate in the slow cooker.
Assembling the Soup
Place rinsed split peas at the bottom of the slow cooker. Place the ham hock or diced ham on top, next add the chopped vegetables. The layering marries the flavors as they cook. Toss in the minced garlic and the bay leaves with a pinch of thyme.
Add the chicken or vegetable broth, so that everything is submerged. This liquid will help the peas release any toughness they may have had, and give the soup its savory essence.
Cooking Process
Turn the setting to low, and let the soup cook for about 8-10 hours. But if time is of the essence, go high 4-5 hours. The peas cook down to a nubby puree you don’t have to use any cream at all to come up with something lush.
While the soup simmers the ham softens and flavors the entire dish. The vegetables wilt and sweeten, adding depth to the broth.
Final Touches
Remove the ham hock from the slow cooker after it has cooked. Remove the meat from the bone and shred, return the meat to the soup, discarding any excess fat or bone. Mix in the shredded ham to the thick, creamy broth.
Taste the soup and add more salt and pepper if necessary. If you want a smoother texture, you can use an immersion blender to partially blend the soup so it’s smooth but still has some chunks for texture.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the pea and ham soup hot, sprinkled with fresh parsley or chives for contrast and crunch. Serve it with some crusty bread or rolls to dunk in the thick, savory broth.
If you prefer something lighter, alongside the soup could be a simple green salad. This and the soup here go together fantastically and make for one hell of a dish.
Nutritional Insights
This is a wholesome option; high in protein and fiber. The split peas give the soup nutrients and a plant protein, and the ham provides a little more protein and flavor. The veggies provide vitamins and minerals, and this soup actually is tasty and good for you.
For a less-salty soup, opt for low-sodium broth and adjust the added salt as needed. This rendition of this dish is full of flavor and conducive to a heart-healthy diet!
Storage and Reheating
Soup will keep in the refrigerator in an airtight container for three days. If you want to store it for a long time, freeze portions in it can last for several months.
To reheat, warm soup on stove or in microwave, stirring occasionally to distribute heat. If the soup is too thick, add a little water or broth.
Conclusion
Pea and ham soup is a deliciously warming soup that is so simple to make in a slow cooker. Its luscious flavor and velvety texture are ideal for family treats or weekend get togethers. This classic soup can be eaten by anyone using these simple instructions.
Whether shared midweek in front of the tally, or lapelled into bowls and passed around at a family celebration, pea and ham soup is a warming dish with plenty of soul. Hearty with a nice balance of savory flavors, it is celebrated as a favorite in many of our kitchens, creating warmth and comfort with each bite.
