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Ultimate Slow Cooked Pea and Ham Soup Guide for Busy Parents
Welcome, busy parents, to your new go-to guide for whipping up a heartwarming bowl of pea and ham soup! It’s nutritious, it’s delicious, and best of all, it’s a breeze to make with your trusty slow cooker. ? Let’s dive into a recipe that will have your family asking for seconds (and maybe even thirds)!
Why Slow Cooked Pea and Ham Soup is a Win for Parents?
Before we get to the ingredients and steps, let’s talk about why this slow cooked pea and ham soup is the superhero of family meals:
- Health Benefits: Packed with protein and fiber, peas are a fantastic way to get some greens into your child’s diet. The ham adds a savory component that’s sure to please.
- Time Saver: With a slow cooker, you can simply set it and forget it. Spend time with your kids or tackle that to-do list while the soup does its magic.
- Leftover Love: This soup is the meal that keeps on giving. It tastes even better the next day and freezes well for future quick dinners.
What You’ll Need – Ingredients List
Gather up these simple ingredients, and you’re halfway to a glorious pot of pea and ham soup:
- 1 pound dried split peas
- 1 large ham bone or 2 cups diced ham
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, peeled and diced
- 2 stalks celery, diced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 6 cups chicken broth or water
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt and pepper to taste
Note: Feel free to add more veggies like potatoes or leeks to make your soup even heartier!
Stress-Free Steps to a Yummy Soup
Now, let’s get cooking! Just follow these simple steps:
- Rinse your dried split peas unter cold water and sort through to remove any debris.
- Place the ham bone in the bottom of the slow cooker. If using diced ham, you’ll add this a bit later.
- Add the chopped onion, carrots, celery, and garlic on top of the bone.
- Pour in the dried split peas.
- Add in the chicken broth or water, ensuring that the ingredients are well covered.
- Season with dried thyme, bay leaf, and a little salt and pepper. Remember that the ham will add saltiness, so go easy with the salt.
- Cover and cook on low for 8 hours or on high for 4 hours, until the peas are soft and the ham falls off the bone easily.
There you have it—the beginning stages of a soup that will not only fill your home with the most amazing aromas but also fill your family’s tummies with wholesome goodness. Stay tuned for the finishing touches that will make this slow cooked pea and ham soup your new favorite family tradition!
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Five Things Parents Should Know When Preparing Slow Cooked Pea and Ham Soup
1. Planning Makes Perfect
When preparing to make this sumptuous soup, planning ahead can take the pressure off. Take stock of your pantry and make sure you have all the necessary ingredients on hand. Prepping veggies the night before can save you precious minutes come cooking day.
2. Opt for Quality Ingredients
Choosing a good ham bone, smoked or unsmoked depending on your preference, can add an amazing depth of flavor to your soup. Similarly, when it comes to the split peas and veggies, the fresher, the better for both taste and nutritional value. Organic and locally sourced? Even better!
3. Slow Cooking = Deep Flavors
The low and slow method allows for flavors to develop and meld beautifully. It also tenderizes the ham, which is particularly helpful if you’re using a meatier bone. It’s worth giving your soup the full cooking time for maximum delight.
4. Texture is Key
The beauty of this soup lies in its texture. The slow cooker will soften the peas, which thickens the broth, but if you like it smoother you can always blend part of the soup for a creamier consistency. Always remember to remove the bay leaf before blending!
5. Adjust Seasonings at the End
Ham can be quite salty, so it’s a good idea to go light on the salt in the beginning and adjust your seasoning towards the end of cooking. This way, you can ensure the soup isn’t too salty for the little ones’ palates and adjust according to everyone’s tastes.
Bringing It All Together – The Finishing Touches
Once the cooking time is up, here’s how to add those finishing touches that take your soup from simply good to absolutely great:
- If you’ve used a ham bone, remove it from the slow cooker. Once it’s cool enough to handle, pull off any meat, shred it, and stir it back into the soup.
- If you opted for diced ham, now’s the time to add it to the pot so it can warm up and release its savory flavor without overcooking.
- For a thicker consistency, take a potato masher and gently mash some of the peas right in the pot. For a smoother soup, use an immersion blender, blending to your desired texture.
- Taste your soup and season with additional salt and pepper if needed.
- Garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or thyme to add a pop of color and freshness before serving.
Your pea and ham soup is now ready to be ladled into bowls and enjoyed! This meal is not only filling and energizing but also provides a taste of home-cooked love. Pair it with crusty bread or a green salad, and voila, dinner is served. The simplicity and satisfaction of this slow cooked pea and ham soup might just make it a staple in your mealtime lineup. Bon appétit!
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