I posted this traditional recipe a few years ago. With St. Patrick’s Day coming this week and Easter just down the road, I thought I’d post again. Split pea with smoky ham is always a good meal this time of year. AND I’ve offered vegan/vegetarian options that are just as delicious. Get your guinness, some good bread and big spoons and dig in!
SPLIT PEA WITH SMOKY HAM
Makes 8 servings. Vegan and Vegetarian options below recipe
INGREDIENTS
- 1 lb. dried green split peas, rinsed
- 2 T extra virgin olive oil
- 1-1/2 C onion, chopped
- 1 C organic celery, chopped
- 4 T minced fresh garlic
- 1 C organic carrots, diced
- 1 C organic yukon gold potatoes, diced (no need to peel)
- 4 bay leaves
- 1 T dry thyme
- 2 Qrts of organic chicken broth (or ham stock)
- 1 tsp cracked black pepper (you can add more)
- 5-6 cups diced smoked ham
- 1 tsp Kosher salt
- Cracked black pepper
Rinse split peas and set aside. In a large stock pot, warm olive oil on medium high heat and add in onions and celery. Cook for 7-8 minutes and then lower heat to medium and add in garlic, carrots, potatoes, bay leave and thyme. Cook 5-6 minutes longer, stirring ingredients constantly so they don’t burn. Add in stock, bring to a boil and add in split peas. Let boil for a few minutes, then reduce to a simmer. Add ham and cover. Cook for one hour, checking in to stir about every 10 minutes or so. IMPORTANT: Do not add salt until peas have fully cooked.
When peas are soft, check for consistency. If too thick you can add more stock or water. If too thin, I often take a cup or two out and blend, then pour back into soup. Serve with a garnish or herbs, maybe some sour cream AND a big salad and crusty bread!
COOK’S NOTE’S:
- By eliminating the ham and substituting Vegetable Stock for the Chicken Stock, you have a beautiful vegan or vegetarian split pea soup! You may need to add a little more of the vegetables and adjust seasoning with a little more salt and thyme to add more flavor.
- This is a really good freezer friendly soup so if you make extra, FREEZE IT for a rainy day when you need a spoon full of comfort.