Split Pea Soup: A Comforting Classic

Split Pea Soup: A Comforting Classic

Split pea soup is a hearty, flavorful, and easy-to-make dish that is perfect for a cold winter day. It is made with dried split peas, which are simmered with vegetables and a ham bone until they are soft and creamy. The ham bone adds a delicious smoky flavor to the soup, and the vegetables provide a variety of nutrients.

Split pea soup is a great way to use up leftover ham from a holiday meal. It is also a budget-friendly meal that can be easily made in large batches. If you are looking for a comforting and delicious soup to warm you up on a cold day, split pea soup is the perfect choice.

Ingredients

• 1 pound dried split peas, rinsed and sorted
• 1 ham bone, with meat
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 carrots, chopped
• 2 celery stalks, chopped
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 bay leaf
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley leaves

Instructions

1. In a large pot or Dutch oven, combine the split peas, ham bone, onion, carrots, celery, thyme, bay leaf, salt, and pepper. Cover with water and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 1 hour, or until the peas are soft and creamy.
2. Remove the ham bone from the pot and set aside. Let the ham bone cool slightly, then remove the meat from the bone. Discard the bone.
3. Add the ham meat back to the pot of soup. Stir in the parsley and serve immediately.

Tips

• If you don't have a ham bone, you can use 1 pound of smoked ham hocks instead.
• You can also add other vegetables to the soup, such as potatoes, corn, or green beans.
• Split pea soup is a great make-ahead meal. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or in the freezer for up to 2 months.

Nutrition

Split pea soup is a nutritious meal that is packed with protein, fiber, and vitamins. One serving of split pea soup contains approximately:

• 200 calories
• 15 grams of protein
• 10 grams of fiber
• 25% of the daily value for iron
• 20% of the daily value for potassium
• 15% of the daily value for vitamin C

Split pea soup is a delicious and nutritious meal that is perfect for a cold winter day. It is easy to make and can be easily customized to your liking. So next time you are looking for a comforting and healthy meal, give split pea soup a try!