Cozy Up with Comfort: My Neighbor's Savory Split Pea Soup with Ham (Perfect for Leftovers!)

Looking for a hearty and satisfying way to use up that leftover holiday ham? Look no further! This delicious split pea soup recipe is a true gem, gifted to me by a neighbor whose culinary talents I deeply admire. It's surprisingly simple to make and delivers a depth of savory flavor that will warm you from the inside out.

This soup is the perfect way to transform your holiday centerpiece into another comforting meal. The saltiness of the ham beautifully complements the earthy sweetness of the split peas, creating a truly harmonious and satisfying dish.

Get ready for a bowlful of pure comfort! Here's how to make this wonderful Split Pea Soup with Ham:

My Neighbor's Savory Split Pea Soup with Ham

Yields: Approximately 6-8 servings Prep time: 15 minutes Cook time: 1 hour

Ingredients:

• 1 Ham Bone or two ham shanks

  • The leftover holiday ham with bone-in

• 16 oz green split peas, rinsed and picked over

  • I used 3 of the 10oz packages of frozen organic peas

• 2 carrots, peeled & sliced

• 1 large onion, chopped

• ¼ Teaspoon Allspice

  • Adjust to taste; I used slightly more

• 1 large Bay Leaf

  • Adjust to taste; I used 4 small to medium sized

• 7 cups water (You can also use chicken broth if you want the extra flavor)

• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Dutch Oven to the Rescue: Trim the ham to fit into the Dutch oven. No need to remove everything at this stage just enough to close the lid. Keep the bone and all the trimmings in the pot.

2. Add Broth and Peas: Pour in the water or chicken/vegetable broth. Add the peas and bring to a boil over medium heat. Skim of the foam.

3. Flavor it Up: Add the sliced carrots, chopped onions, Allspice, and bay leaf(s) to the pot.

4. Simmer to Perfection: Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and simmer gently for about an hour, or until the split peas are tender and the ham is falling off the bone. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.

5. Season and Adjust: Once the soup has reached your desired consistency, remove the bay leaf(s) and ham bone. Cut any remaining meat off the bone, chop to desired size and add the meat back into the pot, discarding the bone. Season generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. You may need to add more broth if the soup becomes too thick.

6. Serve and Enjoy: Ladle the hot soup into bowls. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley, if desired. This soup is even better the next day!

Tips and Variations:

• Vegetarian Option: Omit the ham for a delicious vegetarian split pea soup. You can add smoked paprika for a smoky flavor.

• Smoked Ham Hock: For an even deeper smoky flavor, you can use a smoked ham hock instead of diced ham. Add it with the broth and peas and remove the meat from the bone before serving. Shred the meat and return it to the soup.

• Blend for Smoothness: If you prefer a smoother soup, you can use an immersion blender to partially or fully blend the soup after it has finished simmering.

• Add Vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables like potatoes or leeks to the soup.

This simple yet incredibly flavorful split pea soup with ham is a testament to the idea that sometimes the best recipes are shared with love and a little bit of neighborly culinary magic. Enjoy every savory spoonful!