Name: Hearty Beef Split Pea Soup- Cozy Comfort Food
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 1 h 45 min
Total time: 2 h 5 min
Yield: 6-8 servings
Ingredients: 1 lb. dry split peas (approximately 2 cups); 1 beef ham bone; 2 cups cooked beef ham, cut into bite-sized pieces; 2 cups yellow onions, finely diced; 1 ½ tablespoons onion powder; 1 tablespoon unsalted butter; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 tablespoon garlic, minced; 2 bay leaves; 2 sprigs fresh thyme; 8 cups water; 2 cups carrots, peeled and diced; 2 medium russet potatoes, peeled and diced

Split Pea Soup is more than just a meal; it’s a warm embrace on a chilly evening, a nostalgic journey back to childhood kitchens, and a surprisingly satisfying way to nourish your body. There’s a reason this humble yet hearty soup holds such a special place in so many hearts. Its deeply comforting flavors, achieved through the slow simmer of humble split peas and savory additions, create a rich tapestry of taste that is both simple and profound. What truly sets this Split Pea Soup apart is its ability to transform everyday ingredients into something truly magical. It’s that velvety texture, the subtle sweetness from vegetables, and the savory depth that make it utterly irresistible. Whether you’re seeking a robust lunch or a comforting starter, this recipe promises a bowl full of pure, unadulterated comfort that will leave you feeling deeply content and satisfied.

Ingredients:

1 lb. dry split peas (approximately 2 cups)
1 beef beef ham bone (see notes for substitution options)
2 cups cooked beef hamf ham, cut into bite-sized pieces
2 cups yellow onions, finely diced
1 ½ tablespoons onion powder
1 tablespoon unsalted butter
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon garlic, minced
2 bay leaves
2 sprigs fresh thyme
8 cups water
2 cups carrots, peeled and diced
2 medium russet potatoes, peeled and diced

Preparing the Base

Sautéing Aromatics

Begin extract by preparing your flavor base. In a large, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven, melt the 1 tablespoon of butter and 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Once the butter has melted and the oil is shimmering, add the 2 cups of finely diced yellow onions. Sauté the onions, stirring occasionally, until they become softened and translucent, which should take about 5-7 minutes. Avoid browning them at this stage; the goal is to gently sweeten them. Once the onions are soft, add the 1 tablespoon of minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as this can impart a bitter flavor.

Building the Soup

Simmering the SplitBeef Hamas and Ham Bone

Now it’s time to add the star ingredients for our split pea soup. Add the 1 lb. of dry split peas to the pot. Rinse the split peas thoroughly under cold running water before adding them to ensure any dust or debris is removed. Next, beef hamce the beef ham bone into the pot. This bone will lend a rich, savorybeef hampth and a subtle ham flavor to the soup as it simmers. Pour in the 8 cups of water and add the 2 bay leaves and 2 sprigs of fresh thyme. Bring the mixture to a boil over high heat, then immediately reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer gently. This initial sibeef hamring period, with the ham bone, is crucial for developing the soup’s foundational flavor. We want everything to meld together beautifully.

Deepening thBeef Hamlavor

Adding More Ham and Seasonings

After about 45 minutes to an hour of simmering, the split peasgin extractll begin to soften and break down. At thibeef hamoint, you’ll want to remove the ham bone from the pot. Once it’s cool enough to handle, carefully scrape off any remaining bits of meat and fat from the bone and chop them into bite-sized pieces. Abeef hamthese reserved 2 cups of cooked beef ham back inbeef hamthe soup. This ensures generous pieces of ham throughout the finished dish. Stir in the 1 ½ tablespoons of onion powder. The onion powder will amplify the onion flavor and add another layer of savory depth to the soup. Continue to simmer, uncovered or partially covered, for another 30 minutes to allow the flavors to further meld and the soup to thicken slightly. You’ll notice the split peas becoming very tender.

Adding the Vegetables

Sibeef hamring Until Tender

With the split peas and ham well incorporated and the flavors deepening, it’s time to add the vegetables. Add the 2 cups of diced carrots and the 2 cups of diced russet potatoes to the pot. Stir them in well, ensuring they are submerged in the liquid. Increase the heat slightly to bring the soup back to a gentle simmer. Cover the pot and continue to cook for another 20-30 minutes, or until the carrots and potatoes are fork-tender. It’s important not to overcook the vegetables, as they can become mushy. They should be tender but still hold their shape. As the vegetables cook, the soup will continue to thicken.

Finishing Touches

Adjusting Consistency and Serving

Once the vegetables are tender, it’s time for the final steps before serving your delicious split pea soup. Carefully remove and discard the bay leaves and thyme sprigs. The bay leaves are no longer needed and can impart an unpleasant bitterness if left in too long. Taste the soup and season with salt and frbeef hamly ground blbeef ham pepper as needed. Remember that the ham bone and cooked ham will already contribute some saltiness, so season cautiously at first. If the soup is too thick for your liking, you can add a little more water or broth, a quarter cup at a time, until you reach your desired consistency. If it’s too thin, continue to simmer uncovered for a bit longer to allow it to reduce and thicken. Ladle the hot split pea soup into bowls and serve immediately. Enjoy this hearty and comforting classic!

Conclusion:

And there you have it – your guide to crafting the perfect pot of hearty and flavorful Split Pea Soup! We’ve walked through each step, from selecting the best peas to achieving that wonderfully comforting texture. This classic dish is incredibly versatile and truly shines when served piping hot, ideally with a side of crusty bread for dipping. For a complete meal, consider pairing it with a simple green salad or a gourmet grilled cheese sandwich. Don’t be afraid to experiment with this recipe; consider adding smoked beef ham hock for an extra layer of depth, or perhaps some diced carrots and celery for added sweetness and texture. Even a pinch of smoked paprika can elevate the smoky notes beautifully. We encourage you to get in the kitchen and create your own delicious version of Split Pea Soup. It’s a recipe that’s as rewarding to make as it is to eat, perfect for chilly evenings or whenever you crave a taste of home.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Why is my Split Pea Soup not thickening?

If your Split Pea Soup isn’t thickening to your desired consistency, it might be due to the type of peas used or insufficient cooking time. Dried split peas release starches as they cook, which is what thickens the soup. Ensure you are using dried split peas and have simmered them long enough. You can also help thicken it by mashing some of the peas against the side of the pot with a spoon or immersion blender. If it’s still too thin, you can create a slurry of a tablespoon of cornstarch mixed with a little water and stir it into the simmering soup until thickened.

Can I make Split Pea Soup vegetarian or vegan?

Absolutely! For a vegetarian or vegan version of Split Pea Soup, simply omitbeef hame ham bone or any meat products. You can build flavor by sautéing a mirepoix of onions, carrots, and celery generously in olive oil or vegan butter. Vegetable broth is an excellent substitute for cbeef hamken or ham broth. Consider adding smoked paprika, nutritional yeast for a cheesy, umami flavor, or even a dash of liquid smoke to impart a smoky essence without meat.