Classic comfort food soup (Print Version)
# Ingredients:
→ Main Ingredients
01 -
1 package (16 ounces) dried green split peas
02 -
1 meaty ham bone
03 -
1 large onion, chopped
04 -
1 cup chopped carrot
05 -
1 cup chopped celery
→ Seasonings
06 -
1 teaspoon salt
07 -
1/2 teaspoon pepper
08 -
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
09 -
1 bay leaf
# Instructions:
01 -
Sort through the dried split peas to remove any debris or discolored peas. Rinse them thoroughly with cold water. Place the peas in a Dutch oven and add enough water to cover by 2 inches. Bring to a boil and let boil for 2 minutes. Remove from heat, cover, and let stand for 1-4 hours until the peas have softened. Drain and rinse, discarding the soaking liquid.
02 -
Return the softened peas to the Dutch oven. Add 2-1/2 quarts of fresh water, the ham bone, chopped onion, salt, pepper, dried thyme, and bay leaf. Bring the mixture to a boil.
03 -
Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and allow the soup to simmer for 1-1/2 hours, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
04 -
Remove the ham bone from the soup. When it's cool enough to handle, remove the meat from the bone, discard the bone, and dice the meat into bite-sized pieces. Return the diced ham to the soup.
05 -
Add the chopped carrots and celery to the soup. Continue to simmer, uncovered this time, for another 45-60 minutes or until the soup reaches your desired thickness and the vegetables are tender. Remove and discard the bay leaf before serving.
# Notes:
01 -
This hearty soup tastes even better the next day after flavors have had time to meld.
02 -
If you don't have a ham bone, you can substitute ham hocks or diced ham, though the flavor won't be quite as rich.
03 -
The soup will thicken considerably as it cools. You may need to add a little water when reheating leftovers.