Homestyle Pea and Ham Soup: A Nourishing Recipe for Your Family

Hey there, lovely parents and soup aficionados! Are you on the hunt for a heart-warming, nutritious, and oh-so-delicious recipe that’ll have your family asking for seconds? Look no further than the timeless classic: pea and ham soup. Perfect for chilly evenings or a comfy weekend lunch, this soup is not just a treat for your taste buds but also packed with goodness to keep everyone healthy and happy.

Today, we’re excited to share with you a step-by-step guide on how to whip up the most amazing pea and ham soup that’s sure to become a firm family favorite. Whether you’re a seasoned kitchen maestro or a newbie looking to score some serious parent points, this recipe is fuss-free, foolproof, and full of flavor.

Why Pea and Ham Soup is a Must-Try for Your Family

Before we dive into the bubbly pot, let’s talk about why pea and ham soup is such a stellar choice for your next family meal:

• Nutrition-packed: Peas are a great source of vitamins, protein, and fiber, which are perfect for growing kiddos and health-conscious parents alike.
• Customizable: This soup is incredibly versatile. You can adjust the texture to your liking, add in extra veggies, or even swap the ham for a vegetarian alternative.
• Freezer friendly: Make a big batch and freeze portions for those busy nights when time is short but you still want a homemade meal.

Gathering Your Ingredients

Now let’s get shopping! Here’s what you’ll need to start your culinary adventure with pea and ham soup:

• 1 tablespoon of olive oil
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 carrots, peeled and diced
• 2 celery sticks, diced
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 pound of dried split peas, rinsed (no need to soak them!)
• 8 cups of chicken stock or veggie broth for a vegetarian option
• 1 pound of ham, bone in for extra flavor (or a ham hock) – this is optional if you’re going vegetarian
• Bay leaves, thyme, and parsley for that extra punch of flavor
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Have all your items ready? Awesome! Let’s crank up that stove and get cooking.

Lets Start Cooking!

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5 Things Parents Should Know When Preparing Pea and Ham Soup

Before donning your chef’s hat, let’s glide through some soup-er insights to ensure you’re fully prepped for this culinary journey:

1. Split peas don’t need soaking: Unlike other legumes, split peas cook fairly quickly and don’t require pre-soaking, saving you time and effort. Just make sure to give them a good rinse before adding them to the pot.
2. Ham options: Using a ham bone enriches the broth with a deep, smoky flavor and succulent meaty bits. Nonetheless, if you don’t have a ham bone, chopped ham or a ham hock works wonders as well. Vegetarians can skip the meat and perhaps add some smoked paprika for that hint of smokiness.
3. Patience is key: Good soup takes time. Let your pea and ham soup simmer gently. It thickens as it cooks, and the flavors meld beautifully when given time.
4. Freeze for convenience: This soup freezes exceptionally well. Cool it down completely before dividing it into portions. Use freezer-safe containers or bags, label them with the date, and you’ll thank yourself on a day when time isn’t on your side.
5. Texture to your liking: Some love their pea and ham soup smooth and creamy, while others prefer it chunky. Consider blending half the soup for a smooth base with chunky bits, or puree it all for a velvety finish.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

With our smart tips tucked into your apron pocket, let’s embark on the soup-making process:

1. Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Once hot, toss in the chopped onion, sweat it until translucent, about 2-3 minutes.
2. Add the carrots and celery, stirring occasionally, until they begin to soften. Mix in the minced garlic, and let it cook for another minute until fragrant, making sure not to burn the garlic.
3. Time for the peas! Add the rinsed split peas to the pot along with the chicken stock or veggie broth.
4. If you’re including meat, nestle the ham bone or ham hock into the soup. This will coax out the flavors into the broth as everything simmers together.
5. Pop in a couple of bay leaves, some thyme, and a little parsley for that herby goodness. Stir everything up.
6. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low, allowing the soup to simmer. Partially cover the pot, and let it brew for about 1 to 1.5 hours, or until the peas are tender and the soup has thickened to your liking.
7. Once the peas are soft, remove the ham bone (if used). Shred any meat on the bone and add it back to the soup. You can also remove the bay leaves at this point.
8. Season with salt and pepper. Remember, the ham is already salty, so add salt sparingly. Taste and adjust accordingly.
9. If you prefer a smoother soup, use an immersion blender to puree the soup to your desired consistency.
10. Finally, give it a good stir, let it simmer for an additional 10 minutes, and voila! Your homestyle pea and ham soup is ready to nourish and warm your beautiful family.

There you have it, the perfect pea and ham soup that’s simple to make, delicious to eat, and a joy to serve. It’s a soup that speaks of home, love, and the magic that happens when family gathers around the table. Ladle generous scoops into bowls, maybe sprinkle some chopped parsley for garnish, and serve it alongside crusty bread or a fresh salad. Enjoy the smiles, the slurps, and that beautiful feeling of full bellies and happy hearts.

Remember, cooking is not just about feeding the body but also about nurturing the soul with every spoonful. This recipe is more than just soup; it’s an experience to share, a memory to create, and a tradition that might just last lifetimes. So, cook with love, savor each moment, and cheers to a meal that brings everyone together!

Let this homely nectar be a cornerstone for family folklore, where every simmer is a whisper of past tales and every taste a promise of stories yet to unfold. Happy cooking!

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