Description
Classic pea and ham soup brings hearty comfort straight from traditional kitchens. Simmering tender legumes with smoky ham create a rich, warming bowl that connects you to generations of home cooking.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Protein Ingredients:
- 1 pound ham steak, skin removed, cut into quarters
- 3 slices (4 ounces) thick-cut bacon, left whole
- 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
Base and Vegetable Ingredients:
- 1 large yellow onion, finely chopped
- 2 medium carrots, cut into 1/2-inch pieces
- 1 medium celery rib, cut into 1/4-inch pieces
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
Dry and Seasoning Ingredients:
- 1 pound green split peas (about 2 cups), picked through and rinsed
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 3 sprigs fresh thyme, plus more for serving
- 2 bay leaves
- 3 cups water
- Freshly ground black pepper
- Fresh croutons, for serving (optional)
Instructions
- Melt butter in a large Dutch oven over medium heat, sautéing onions with salt for 4-5 minutes until translucent and softened.
- Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds, releasing aromatic flavors without scorching.
- Pour in water and broth, then add ham steak, bacon, peas, thyme, and bay leaves to the pot.
- Increase heat to high, bringing the mixture to a vigorous boil while stirring frequently to prevent sticking.
- Reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 45 minutes, allowing peas to soften and flavors to meld.
- Transfer ham steak to a cutting board, cover with foil to keep warm.
- Introduce chopped carrots and celery into the soup, continuing to cook covered for 30 minutes until vegetables are tender and peas begin to break down.
- Shred the ham steak using two forks, creating bite-sized pieces.
- Remove and discard bay leaves, thyme sprigs, and bacon slices from the soup.
- Return shredded ham to the pot, stirring to distribute evenly.
- Season with freshly ground pepper and additional salt if needed, tasting to balance flavors.
- Ladle soup into serving bowls and garnish with crispy croutons for added texture.
Notes
- Select meaty ham steak for rich flavor depth, ensuring tender and succulent soup texture.
- Remove excess sodium by using low-sodium broth and rinsing ham before cooking to control salt levels.
- Customize consistency by blending portion of soup for creamy texture or leaving completely chunky for rustic feel.
- Adapt recipe for dietary needs by substituting ham with smoked turkey or plant-based protein for vegetarian version.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
- Method: Boiling
- Cuisine: British
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 260 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 530 mg
- Fat: 9 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
- Trans Fat: 0.1 g
- Carbohydrates: 29 g
- Fiber: 11 g
- Protein: 22 g
- Cholesterol: 45 mg