Ultimate Split Pea Soup Recipe
Savor the comfort of homemade Split Pea Soup, a classic dish that warms the soul with its hearty flavors. This recipe brings together the richness of bacon and ham, the sweetness of carrots and leeks, and the earthiness of split peas in a beautifully thick and creamy soup. Perfect for any season!
Recipe Video
Recipe Ingredients
- 1 pound Split Peas
- ½ pound Bacon, chopped
- 1 large Onion, chopped
- 2 tablespoons Garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon Fresh Thyme, to taste (or ½ of dry thyme)
- 6 cups Chicken or Vegetable Stock
- 2 Carrots, cut into wheels
- 2 Celery Stalks, chopped
- 1 Leek white and light green parts, chopped
- 1/3 pound about Ham, cubed
- 1 Smoked Pork Hock
- Salt and Pepper, to taste
- Garlic Croutons for serving
Recipe Instructions
- If time allows, soak the split peas in water overnight, or boil for 5 minutes and let sit in the hot water for 30 minutes. This helps them cook more tenderly. Drain the split peas before using.
- In a large soup pot, begin by cooking the bacon at low heat (not to burn the lean part before the fat has time to render).
- Add the chopped onion to the bacon and cook until translucent and slightly golden. Add the garlic and when you can smell it, add the stock to avoid burning it!
- Add the reserved peas, carrots, celery, and pork hock into the pot. Season with salt and pepper.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer. The soup will start to thicken as the split peas cook and break down.
- After about an hour and a half, check the soup's consistency and mix well to break the peas and release the starch for a thinker soup. Add the ham and adjust the seasoning as needed. If the soup is too thick, you can add more stock to reach your desired consistency.
- Just before serving, remove the pork hock. Optionally, you can shred some of its meat and add it back to the soup. Adjust the seasoning if necessary.
- Serve the soup hot, garnished with garlic croutons for added texture and flavor. For a visual appeal, you can add a few carrot wheels on top of each serving.
- This Split Pea Soup recipe is a testament to the joy of cooking and the richness of simple ingredients coming together to create a fulfilling meal. Its thick, creamy texture and robust flavors make it a comforting choice for any day.
