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My grandma's split pea soup has kept our family warm for ages! I watched her cook this comforting dish for years before I got it just right. There's something magical when those split peas mix with smoky ham and crisp veggies to make an incredible hearty dish. The first time I nailed her exact method, my father said it instantly transported him to his younger days!
What Makes This Soup Exceptional
This goes way beyond regular pea soup! The magic happens as split peas slowly soften, making a naturally thick texture without adding any dairy. When I brought this to my sick neighbor last week, she told me it worked better than any meds. My little ones, who typically run from anything green, always want more!
Ingredients List
- The Stars:
- Dried split peas
- A meaty ham bone
- Fresh bay leaves
- Fragrant thyme
- Sea salt and pepper
- Fresh parsley for garnish
- The Base:
- Good quality olive oil
- Fresh yellow onion
- Crisp celery stalks
- Sweet carrots
- Fresh garlic cloves
- Rich chicken broth
- Plain water
Cooking Instructions
- The Final Touch
- Pull that tender ham off the bone and mix it back into the soup, then tweak the seasonings until it's just right. I cherish this moment when my grandma's dish comes alive in my own kitchen!
- Creating The Base
- Throw in the split peas, broth, and that golden ham bone. As everything bubbles together, it's like leading a tasty orchestra! Seeing those peas break down into that velvety texture is real kitchen wonder.
- Building Our Foundation
- Start by cooking those flavorful veggies in olive oil until they're soft and aromatic. The house instantly fills with amazing smells! My children always come running to ask what's cooking.
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Tips For Success
Wanna know my tricks for amazing split pea soup? Always take time to cook those veggies at the beginning to build flavor. Watch your liquid as it simmers, adding more when needed. And here's my top suggestion: hang onto that holiday ham bone, it makes soup taste incredible!
How To Enjoy It
You'll need some crusty bread for dipping with this soup! I serve it in big bowls topped with fresh parsley. For get-togethers I make extra because everyone wants to take some home. Sometimes I'll whip up grilled cheese on the side, it's perfect for cold winter nights!
Storing Leftovers
This soup tastes even better the next day! It thickens in the fridge and all the flavors really come together nicely. I usually cook a huge pot on Sunday and we eat it throughout the week. Just pour in a bit more broth when warming it up to get it just right.
Try These Variations
Feel free to put your own spin on this! I sometimes toss in diced potatoes for extra heartiness. When cooking for my vegetarian pals, I leave out the ham and add smoked paprika for that smoky taste. Once I threw in fresh dill at the end and it was totally amazing! That's what makes cooking fun, finding what works best for you.
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The Family Connection
This soup has grown into something bigger than just food in our home, it's how we stay connected to our roots! There's something truly special about cooking the same dish that's fed our family for generations. My kids are learning to cook now, helping chop veggies and watching simple ingredients turn into something wonderful.
The greatest joy isn't just how tasty it is, but seeing everyone smile with their first bite! Whether you're making it for someone who needs cheering up or just want something warm and filling, this always hits the spot. And seeing folks discover the wonder of our family dish? That's what makes time in the kitchen so worthwhile!
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Why hasn’t my soup thickened?
Let it simmer without the lid towards the end. It also thickens further while cooling. If it’s too dense, add a splash of water to fix it.
- → What if I don’t want to use ham?
You can skip the ham, but it adds a lot of flavor. For a meat-free version, substitute vegetable stock and smoked paprika for a smoky kick.
- → Should I soak the split peas first?
No need. Just rinse and sort them. Split peas cook faster than most legumes and don’t require soaking.
- → How should I store any leftovers?
Pop them into the fridge for up to 5 days. The soup thickens in the fridge, so thin it out with extra water when you heat it up again.
- → Is it okay to freeze it?
Sure thing! Let it cool completely, then freeze for up to 3 months. Just leave some space in the container for expansion.
Conclusion
Warm pea soup loaded with ham and veggies. Easy to make with options for different cooking methods. Nutritious and delicious every time.