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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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!