Ah, pea and ham soup! There’s just something about this hearty bowl of goodness that wraps you up in warmth like a cozy blanket on a chilly day. I remember the first time I made it; the smell of simmering ham and fresh peas filled my kitchen, and I swear it felt like a hug from the inside out. This soup is the ultimate comfort food, perfect for those days when you just want to curl up and enjoy something deliciously filling. Trust me, once you try this recipe, you’ll be making it again and again, especially when the weather turns cold! The combination of tender peas and savory ham creates a flavor that’s not just hearty but also incredibly satisfying. So, grab your pot, and let’s dive into making the best pea and ham soup you’ve ever tasted!
Ingredients List
Here’s everything you’ll need to whip up this delightful pea and ham soup. I promise these simple ingredients come together to create something truly special!
- 1 cup dried green peas (make sure to rinse them well under cold water)
- 1 onion, chopped (I love using a sweet onion for added flavor)
- 2 carrots, diced (they add a lovely sweetness and color)
- 2 stalks celery, diced (for that extra crunch and aroma)
- 4 cups chicken broth (homemade is amazing, but store-bought works just fine)
- 1 cup cooked ham, diced (the star of the show! Use leftover ham for a quick win)
- 1 bay leaf (it adds a subtle depth of flavor, trust me on this one)
- Salt and pepper to taste (don’t be shy with seasoning; it makes all the difference!)
How to Prepare Pea and Ham Soup
Now that we’ve gathered all our ingredients, let’s get into the fun part—making this delicious pea and ham soup! I promise it’s easier than it looks, and I’m here to guide you every step of the way. Ready? Let’s do this!
Step-by-Step Instructions
- First things first, rinse those dried green peas under cold water. This helps remove any dust or impurities. Just give them a good swirl and let them drain.
- Next, grab a large pot and heat it over medium heat. Add a splash of olive oil or a pat of butter, then toss in the chopped onion, diced carrots, and celery. Sauté these beauties until they’re soft and fragrant, about 5–7 minutes. This is where the magic starts!
- Now, it’s time to add the rinsed peas to the pot along with the chicken broth, diced ham, and bay leaf. Stir everything together and bring this lovely mixture to a boil. You’ll love the way it smells!
- Once it’s boiling, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer gently for about 1 hour. This allows the flavors to meld together beautifully. Just keep an eye on it and give it a stir every now and then so nothing sticks to the bottom.
- After an hour, remove the bay leaf (don’t forget this step!). If you prefer a smoother texture, you can blend the soup with an immersion blender right in the pot, or carefully transfer it to a blender in batches. Just be cautious—hot soup can splatter! I usually like it a bit chunky, but you do you!
- Finally, season with salt and pepper to taste. Don’t be afraid to taste as you go; it’s the best part! Serve this comforting soup hot, and watch your loved ones dive in with smiles on their faces.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- It’s a one-pot wonder, making cleanup a breeze!
- Ready in just about 1 hour and 15 minutes, perfect for a weeknight dinner.
- The combination of sweet peas and savory ham creates a heartwarming flavor that’s utterly comforting.
- It’s filling and nutritious, packed with protein and fiber to keep you satisfied.
- This soup is incredibly versatile; you can easily adapt it to suit your taste or dietary needs.
- It stores well and even tastes better the next day, so it’s great for meal prep!
- Perfect for chilly days when you need something cozy to warm you up from the inside out.
Tips for Success
Making the perfect pea and ham soup is all about the little details! Here are some of my favorite tips to ensure your soup turns out just right:
- Soak the peas: If you have time, soaking the dried green peas for a few hours or overnight can help them cook faster and become even creamier. Just remember to rinse them well afterward!
- Use good broth: A flavorful chicken broth can really elevate your soup. If you have homemade broth, that’s even better! But don’t stress—store-bought works just fine, too.
- Adjust the seasoning: Always taste your soup before serving! Every ham is different, so you might need to adjust the salt and pepper. Just keep adding a little at a time until it’s perfect for your palate.
- Experiment with texture: If you like a chunkier soup, blend just half of it and leave the rest as is. This gives you that lovely balance between smooth and hearty.
- Add herbs: Fresh herbs like thyme or parsley can add a lovely brightness to your soup. Sprinkle some on top just before serving for a pop of color and flavor!
- Don’t rush the simmer: Letting the soup simmer gently for a full hour allows the flavors to deepen and meld together. It’s worth the wait, trust me!
- Store leftovers wisely: If you have leftovers, let the soup cool completely before storing it in an airtight container. It’ll keep in the fridge for up to 3 days, but don’t be surprised if it disappears quickly!
Variations
One of the best things about pea and ham soup is how adaptable it is! You can easily tweak the recipe to suit your taste or even the season, so let’s dive into some fun variations you might want to try!
- Herb-Infused: Swap out the bay leaf for fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary. Just toss them in while the soup simmers for a fragrant twist. You could also sprinkle some fresh herbs like parsley or dill right before serving for a burst of color and flavor!
- Veggie-Packed: Add in extra veggies like potatoes, leeks, or spinach! Just chop them up and toss them in with the other ingredients. They’ll add even more texture and nutrition to your soup.
- Spicy Kick: If you like a little heat, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes or a diced jalapeño when you sauté the vegetables. This will give your soup a delightful kick that’ll warm you up even more!
- Smoky Flavor: For a deeper flavor, try adding a smoked ham hock instead of regular diced ham. It’ll impart a wonderful smoky taste that pairs beautifully with the sweetness of the peas.
- Creamy Delight: For a creamier version, stir in a splash of heavy cream or half-and-half just before serving. It adds a luxurious touch that makes the soup feel extra special!
- Vegan Version: Omit the ham and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth, then add in some diced mushrooms for umami flavor. You could also toss in some nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor without the dairy!
Feel free to mix and match these ideas based on what you have on hand or what flavors you love. The possibilities are endless, and you’ll never get bored with this classic soup!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Let’s talk about what to do with those delicious leftovers because trust me, you’ll want to enjoy this pea and ham soup more than once! Proper storage and reheating are key to keeping that flavor intact.
First off, once your soup has cooled down completely, transfer any leftovers into an airtight container. This will help keep it fresh and prevent any odors from mingling in your fridge. It can stay good in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, but I bet it won’t last that long!
If you want to keep it longer, this soup freezes beautifully! Just make sure to leave a little space at the top of the container or bag, since liquids expand when frozen. You can freeze it for up to 2 months without losing any of that comforting goodness. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply thaw it in the fridge overnight.
Now, when it comes to reheating, you have a couple of options! The best way is to gently warm it on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally. This way, you can keep an eye on the texture and avoid burning it. If you’re in a hurry, you can also microwave it, but be sure to do it in short intervals, stirring in between to heat evenly. Just be careful—hot soup can splatter! You might want to cover it with a microwave-safe lid to avoid any mess.
And don’t forget to taste it again before serving! You might want to add a pinch more salt or pepper after reheating, as flavors can mellow out a bit in the fridge. Enjoy your comforting bowl of pea and ham soup again and again!
Nutritional Information
Alright, let’s chat about the nutritional goodness packed into this delicious pea and ham soup! While I’m not a nutritionist, I like to keep an eye on what I’m serving up. Here’s an estimated breakdown for one serving (about 1 cup) of this comforting soup:
- Calories: 220
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Sugar: 3g
- Fiber: 8g
- Protein: 15g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Cholesterol: 20mg
Keep in mind that these values are estimates and can vary based on the specific ingredients you use—like the type of ham or broth. It’s always good to adjust based on your dietary needs and preferences. But no matter the numbers, one thing’s for sure: this soup is hearty, satisfying, and packed with flavor that will warm your heart!
FAQ Section
Can I use frozen peas instead of dried peas?
Absolutely! If you’re short on time, frozen peas are a fantastic substitute. Just toss them in during the last 10-15 minutes of cooking instead of adding them at the beginning. This keeps them vibrant and tender!
How can I make this soup thicker?
If you prefer a thicker pea and ham soup, you can blend a portion of it after simmering to create a creamier texture. Alternatively, you can mash some of the peas against the side of the pot with a fork to help thicken it up without losing that rustic charm!
Can I add other vegetables to the soup?
Definitely! This soup is super versatile. Feel free to add diced potatoes, leeks, or even some leafy greens like spinach or kale. Just remember to adjust the cooking time slightly for any additional veggies you add.
Is pea and ham soup gluten-free?
Yes, this pea and ham soup is naturally gluten-free, as long as you use a gluten-free chicken broth. Always double-check labels for any pre-packaged ingredients to ensure they’re safe for your dietary needs.
How long does the soup last in the fridge?
Your delicious pea and ham soup will last in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just be sure to store it in an airtight container! If you want to keep it longer, it freezes beautifully for up to 2 months.
Pea and Ham Soup: 7 Comforting Reasons to Love It
- Temps Total: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Rendement: 4 servings 1x
- Alimentation: Sans Gluten
Description
A hearty pea and ham soup that warms you up.
Ingrédients
- 1 cup dried green peas
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, diced
- 2 stalks celery, diced
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup cooked ham, diced
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Rinse the dried peas under cold water.
- In a large pot, sauté onion, carrots, and celery until soft.
- Add the peas, chicken broth, ham, and bay leaf.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 1 hour.
- Remove the bay leaf and blend the soup for a smoother texture if desired.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve hot.
Notes
- For a vegetarian option, omit the ham.
- Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- This soup freezes well.
- Temps De Préparation: 15 minutes
- Temps De Cuisson: 1 hour
- Catégorie: Soup
- Méthode: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
La Nutrition
- Taille D'Une Portion: 1 cup
- Calories: 220
- Sucre: 3g
- De Sodium: 800mg
- La graisse: 5g
- Graisses Saturées: 1g
- Les Graisses Insaturées: 4g
- Les Gras Trans: 0g
- Les hydrates de carbone: 30g
- La fibre: 8g
- La protéine: 15g
- Le taux de cholestérol: 20mg
Mots-clés: pea and ham soup
