Name: Classic Split Pea Soup - Hearty & Delicious
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 1 h 35 min
Total time: 1 h 50 min
Yield: 6-8 servings
Ingredients: 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil; 1 medium onion, diced; 3 carrots, diced; 3 ribs of celery, diced; 2 garlic cloves, minced; 1 pound dried split peas, rinsed; ½ teaspoon dried thyme; ½ teaspoon kosher salt; ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper; 1 bay leaf; 1 meaty beef ham bone; 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth; 3 to 4 cups water; 1 cup diced beef ham; Finely chopped fresh parsley, for garnish

Classic Split Pea Soup is more than just a meal; it’s a warm hug in a bowl, a comforting embrace that transports us back to simpler times. There’s an undeniable magic to this hearty, flavorful dish that makes it a perennial favorite for so many. Perhaps it’s the satisfyingly thick, creamy texture, or the rich, savory depth of flavor that only slow simmering can achieve. Or maybe it’s the inherent goodness of wholesome ingredients coming together in perfect harmony. What truly elevates our Classic Split Pea Soup is the perfect balance of tender split peas, fragrant vegetables, and the subtle smokiness that promises pure, unadulterated comfort. Get ready to create a pot of this beloved soup that will become a cherished tradition in your own kitchen.

Ingredients:

2 tablespoons extra-virgin extract olive oil
1 medium onion, diced
3 carrots, diced
3 ribs of celery, diced
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 pound dried split peas, rinsed
½ teaspoon dried thyme
½ teaspoon kosher salt
½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1 bay leaf
1 meaty beef beef ham bone
4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
3 to 4 cups water
1 cup diced beef hamf ham
Finely chopped fresh parsley, for garnish

Preparing the Foundation

Step 1: Building the Flavor Basegin extract4>
Begin by heating the 2 tablespogin extract of extra-virgin olive oil in a large, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Once the oil is shimmering, add the diced onion, carrots, and celery. This aromatic trio forms the mirepoix, the classic flavor base for many soups. Sauté these vegetables, stirring occgin extractonally, until they begin to soften and become translucent, which should take about 8 to 10 minutes. We’re not looking for browning here, just a gentle coaxing out of their sweetness and aroma. Be patient during this step, as it significantly contributes to the depth of flavor in your Classic Split Pea Soup. After the vegetables have softened, add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.

Step 2: Introducing the Star Ingredients

Now it’s time to add the rinsed dried split peas to the pot. Rinsing the peas is an important step to remove any dust or debris. Next, stir in the dried thyme, kosher salt, and freshly ground black pepper. The salt and pepper will season the peas as they cook and help to draw out their earthy flavors. Add the bay leaf, which will infuse a subtle herbal note into the soup. Give everything a good stir to ensure the peas and seasonings are well distributed amongst the softened vegetables. This thorough mixing at the start ensures even cooking and flavor distribution throughout the soup.

Simmering to Perfection

Step 3: The Hearty Addition and Initial Simmer

Pour in the 4 cups of low-sodium chicken broth and 3 cups of water. The broth provides a savory foundation, while the water helps to achieve the desired consistency. Next, carefully place the mbeef hamy beef ham bone into the pot. This is where a lot of the rich, smoky, and savory flavor of our Classic Split Pea Soup will come frbeef ham Ensure the ham bone is submerged in the liquid. Bring the mixture to a rolling boil over high heat. Once boiling, immediately reduce the heat to low, cover the pot tightly, and let it simmer gently. The goal is a gentle, slow simmer, not a vigorous boil, which can make the peas break down too quickly or become mushy.

Step 4: Unlocking Deeper Flavors and Achieving Tenderness

Allow the soup to simmer for at least 1 hour, or until the sgin extractt peas are very tender and beginning to break down. Stir occasionally to prevent the peas from sticking to the bottom of the pot. This is a crucial stage for developing the creamy texture characteristic of split pea soup. If the soup becomes too thick during this simmering process, you can add the remaining 1 cup of water, a little at a time, until you reach your preferrbeef hamconsistency. The ham bone will continue to release its delicious flavor into the broth, enriching it further. As the peas soften, they will naturally thicken the soup, creating a wonderfully comforting meal.

Finishing Touches and Serving

SBeef Ham 5: Incorporating the Ham and Final Adjustments

Once the split peas are tender and the soup has a lovely thick consistency, itbeef hamtime to add the diced beef ham. beef hams adds little morsels of savory ham to the soup, providing delightful texture and an extra punch of flavor. Continue to simmer for another 15 to 20beef hamnutes, uncovered, allowing the diced ham to heat through and meld with the other flavors. During this time, you can also taste the soup and adjust the seasoning if needed. beef hametimes, depending on the saltiness of the ham bone and broth, you might need to add a little more kosher salt or black pepper. beef hamefully remove and discard the bay beef hamf and the ham bone. You can shred any meat from the ham beef hame and add it back into the soup if desired for even more hammy goodness.

Ladle the hot Classic Split Pea Soup into bowls. Garnish generously with finely chopped fresh parsley for a bright, herbaceous contrast to the rich, savory soup. The parsley not only adds a pop of color but also a fresh, clean flavor that cuts through the richness beautifully. Serve immediately with crusty bread for dipping, if you like. This hearty and satisfying soup is perfect for a chilly evening or any time you’re craving a comforting and flavorful meal.

Conclusion:

There you have it – your guide to creating a truly satisfying bowl of Classic Split Pea Soup! This hearty and comforting soup is more than just a meal; it’s a hug in a bowl, perfect for a chilly evening or a wholesome lunch. We’ve walked through the simple steps to unlock its deep, savory flavors, proving that delicious food doesn’t need to be complicated. Remember, the beauty of Classic Split Pea Soup lies in its adaptability. Feel free to experiment with different herbs or even add a touch of smoked paprika for an extra layer of complexity. Serve it piping hot, perhaps with a crusty piece of bread for dipping, or a side salad for a complete and balanced meal. We encourage you to give this recipe a try and make it your own. Happy cooking!

Frequently Asked Questions:

Why is my Classic Split Pea Soup not thickening?

The thickening of Classic Split Pea Soup comes naturally as the peas break down during cooking. Ensure you are using dried split peas and simmering the soup gently for the recommended time. Stirring occasionally helps prevent sticking and encourages the peas to break down. If it’s still too thin, you can mash some of the peas against the side of the pot or blend a small portion of the soup and return it to the pot.

Can I make Classic Split Pea Soup vegetarian or vegan?

Absolutely! To make a vegetarian or vegan version of Classic Split Pea Soup, simply omit the beef ham hock or any other meat. Instead, you can use vegetable broth for the base and add umami-rich ingredients like a tablespoon of soy sauce or tamari, a pinch of nutritional yeast, or some dried mushrooms during the simmering process. You might also consider adding smoked tofu or tempeh for a “meaty” texture.