There’s something truly magical about a steaming bowl of split pea soup, especially when it features the rich flavor of smoky ham hock. It’s comfort food at its best—a delightful combination of hearty peas, tender vegetables, and savory ham that warms both the heart and the soul. Every spoonful offers familiarity and coziness, making it a perfect dish for family gatherings or quiet evenings at home.
The heart of this soup lies in its wholesome ingredients: 2 cups of dried split peas, 2 ham hocks, and 8 cups of chicken broth provide a robust foundation, while onion, carrots, celery, and garlic add layers of flavor. The addition of a bay leaf and thyme enhances the overall aroma and taste profile, resulting in a soup that balances richness with freshness. As the peas cook down, they create a creamy texture that is both satisfying and filling.
Preparing this soup is refreshingly straightforward. You start by combining all your ingredients—split peas, ham hocks, chicken broth, diced onion, carrots, celery, minced garlic, a bay leaf, and thyme—in a large pot. After bringing everything to a boil, the heat is reduced, allowing it to simmer for about 1.5 to 2 hours. You only need to stir occasionally, keeping it simple and manageable. Once the peas have softened, the ham hocks are removed, and the meat is shredded before being returned to the pot. A final seasoning with salt and pepper elevates the taste, and serving it with crunchy croutons creates an inviting finish to your dish.
This split pea soup is the ultimate companion for chilly nights, but it’s also delightful for potlucks or meal prep. Its generous yield makes it easy to share, while its deep flavors make it a favorite among both young and old.
Why You’ll Love This Split Pea Soup Smoky Ham Hock
- Comfort Food: This soup is the essence of comfort, perfect for cold days or when you need a little pick-me-up.
- Simple Ingredients: Using just a handful of wholesome ingredients, this recipe is both straightforward and satisfying.
- Nutritious: Packed with fiber and protein, split peas are nutritious and leave you feeling full and energized.
- Perfect for Leftovers: Great for utilizing leftover holiday ham, making it economical and sustainable.
- Easy to Customize: You can easily adjust the flavors and ingredients, adding your favorite spices or vegetables.
Ham Hock Tips
When selecting ham hocks, look for ones with a good amount of meat and a bit of fat, as this will contribute to the flavor of your soup. Smoky ham hocks are especially desirable for this recipe, as they introduce a deep and savory quality. Make sure the hocks feel firm and not dried out. Fresh hocks will yield the best results, so don’t hesitate to ask your butcher for recommendations if you’re unsure.
Options for Substitutions
- Split Peas: You can use green or yellow split peas, depending on your preference.
- Ham Hock: If unavailable, diced ham or even smoked sausage can work well.
- Chicken Broth: Vegetable broth can be used for a vegetarian version of the soup.
- Carrots: Sweet potatoes can be substituted for a slightly different flavor and added nutrition.
- Thyme: Other herbs like rosemary or parsley can be swapped for a twist on the flavor.
- Croutons: Consider serving with toasted bread if you’re out of croutons for a cozy touch.
Watch Out for These Mistakes
One common pitfall is overcooking the split peas. While they should break down to achieve that delicious creamy texture, cooking them too long can cause them to become mush mushy. It’s best to keep an eye on the soup during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
Seasoning can also be tricky. It’s important to remember that ham hocks are naturally salty, so adding salt too early can overwhelm the soup. Taste as you go and adjust accordingly.
Don’t forget about the bay leaf. Leaving it in for the entire cooking process isn’t necessary; remove it before serving as it does not add any flavor after steeping for a while and can be unpleasant if eaten.
Finally, ensure you’ve shredded the meat properly off the ham hocks. Discard the bones and too much fat to keep your soup light and enjoyable.
What to Serve With Split Pea Soup Smoky Ham Hock?
This lovely soup pairs wonderfully with a variety of side dishes! Consider serving it with a light salad dressed in vinaigrette to add a refreshing contrast. Fresh bread, either whole grain or a crusty baguette, is perfect for dipping. Alternatively, a side of roasted vegetables brings in more nutrients while complementing the soup’s flavors beautifully.
Storage Instructions
Store: In the refrigerator, this soup can be kept fresh for up to 5 days. Make sure to cool it down before transferring it into an airtight container to preserve its quality.
Freeze: If you want to keep it for longer, this soup freezes well for up to 3 months. Be sure to let it cool completely and store it in freezer-safe containers or bags.
Reheat: You can reheat the soup easily on the stovetop over medium heat until warmed through. If using a microwave, transfer to a microwave-safe bowl and heat in intervals, stirring often, to ensure even warming.
Recipe Info
- Preparation Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 1.5 – 2 hours
- Total Time: Approximately 2 – 2.5 hours
- Level of Difficulty: Easy
- Servings: About 6-8
Estimated Nutrition
Estimated nutrition for the whole recipe (without optional ingredients):
Calories: 1200-1400
Protein: 90-100 grams
Fat: 30-40 grams
Carbohydrates: 180-200 grams
Ingredients
- 2 cups dried split peas (rinsed)
- 2 ham hocks
- 8 cups chicken broth
- 1 onion (diced)
- 2 carrots (diced)
- 2 stalks celery (diced)
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 tsp thyme
- Salt and pepper
- Croutons
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Combine Ingredients
In a large pot, combine the split peas, ham hocks, chicken broth, diced onion, diced carrots, diced celery, minced garlic, bay leaf, and thyme. This hearty mix is what will bring your soup to life.
Step 2: Bring to a Boil
Turn the heat to high and bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, be sure to skim off any foam that appears on the surface for a cleaner final dish.
Step 3: Simmer and Stir
Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for 1.5 to 2 hours. Stir occasionally to prevent any sticking, allowing the peas to break down and enrich the broth.
Step 4: Prepare the Ham
Once the peas have softened, carefully remove the ham hocks from the pot. Shred the meat off the bone, discarding both the fat and the bone. Return the shredded meat back to the soup for added flavor.
Step 5: Season the Soup
Remove the bay leaf and season your soup with salt and pepper to taste. This is your opportunity to make it just right according to your personal preference.
Step 6: Serve
Ladle the soup into bowls and top with croutons before serving. This adds a delightful crunch that complements the rich soup perfectly.
In conclusion, this Split Pea Soup Smoky Ham Hock is a comforting, nourishing dish that is sure to become a family favorite. With its simple preparation and hearty flavor, it’s perfect for any occasion. Try it out today and savor the warmth it brings! I invite you to share your experiences, adjustments to the recipe, or ask any questions as you explore this delightful dish. Happy cooking!
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Split Pea Soup with Smoky Ham Hock
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 120 minutes
- Total Time: 135 minutes
- Yield: 6-8 servings 1x
- Category: Soup
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: None
Description
A comforting split pea soup featuring the rich flavor of smoky ham hock, perfect for chilly nights or family gatherings.
Ingredients
- 2 cups dried split peas, rinsed
- 2 ham hocks
- 8 cups chicken broth
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 carrots, diced
- 2 stalks celery, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 tsp thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Croutons for serving
Instructions
- Combine the split peas, ham hocks, chicken broth, diced onion, diced carrots, diced celery, minced garlic, bay leaf, and thyme in a large pot.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, skimming off any foam that appears.
- Reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for 1.5 to 2 hours, stirring occasionally.
- Remove the ham hocks and shred the meat off the bone, discarding the fat and bone. Return the meat to the soup.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste, and remove the bay leaf.
- Serve the soup in bowls, topped with croutons.
Notes
This soup can be made with green or yellow split peas. Leftover holiday ham can be used instead of ham hocks.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 8g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
