Hearty Beef Split Pea Soup- Easy Comfort Food Recipe

Split Pea Soup Recipe – Ah, the humble split pea soup. It’s a dish that conjures feelings of warmth, comfort, and cozy evenings, a true classic that has graced dinner tables for generations. What is it about this hearty, savory concoction that makes it so universally beloved? Perhaps it’s the deeply satisfying blend of tender peas, smoky beef ham, and aromatic vegetables, simmered to perfection until every spoonful is a testament to simple, honest cooking. This particular Split Pea Soup Recipe takes those familiar flavors and elevates them with a few thoughtful touches, transforming an everyday meal into something truly special. We’re going to dive into creating a version that’s incredibly flavorful, surprisingly easy to make, and guaranteed to become a new favorite in your culinary repertoire. Get ready to experience split pea soup like never before!

Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 cups finely diced onion (about 2 medium onions)
• 1 cup finely diced carrot (about 2 to 3 large carrots)
• 1 cup finely diced celery (about 3 to 4 stalks)
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
• 1 tablespoon minced garlic (approximately 4 cloves)
• 1 tablespoon dried Italian seasoning
• 1-1/2 teaspoons ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/8 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to your spice preference)
• 1-1/2 cups green split peas, rinsed thoroughly
• 2 small bay leaves (or 1 large bay leaf)
• 1 meaty beef beef ham bone beef ham2 ham hocks (see note 3 for alternatives, you canbeef hamd more ham if you desire for extra flavor)
• 8 cups reduced-sodium chicken broth
• Fresh thyme leaves for garnish (optional)

Preparing the Base

This split pea soup recipe is a hearty and flavorful classic, perfect for a comforting meal. We’ll start by building a rich flavor foundation, so don’t rush this initial step!

Step 1: Sautéing the Aromatics

Begin extract by heating the 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Once the oil is shimmering, add the 2 cups of finely diced onion. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the onions become translucent and start to soften, which usually takes about 5-7 minutes. It’s important to cook them gently to avoid browning them too much, as this can impart a bitter flavor to the soup. Next, add the 1 cup of finely diced carrot and 1 cup of finely diced celery to the pot. Continue to cook for another 5-7 minutes, stirring regularly, until these vegetablesgin extractso begin to soften. This mirepoix (onion, carrot, and celery mixture) is crucial for developing depth of flavor in our soup. Season generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper at this stage. This helps draw out moisture from the vgin extracttables and begins to season the entire dish.

Step 2: Infusing with Garlic and Spices

Now, it’s time to add the aromatic powerhouses. Stir in the 1 tablespoon of minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute more, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as burnt garlic can ruin the entire dish; it should be just lightly fragrant. Immediately after, add the dried Italian seasoning, 1-1/2 teaspoons of ground cumin, 1 teaspoon of dried thyme, and the 1/8 teaspoon of red pepper flakes. Stir everything together and cook for another minute. Toasting the spices briefly in the hot oil helps to release their essential oils, intensifying their flavor and aroma. You’ll notice a wonderful fragrance filling your kitchen at this point!

Building the Soup

With our flavorful base ready, we can now add the key ingredients that will transform this into a satisfying split pea soup.

Step 3: Adding the Peas and Liquid

It’s essential to rinse your 1-1/2 cups of green split peas thoroughly under cold running water before adding them to the pot. This removes any dust or debris and also helps them cook more evenly. Add the rinsed split peas to the pot with the sautéed vegetables and spices. Now, pour in the 8 cups of reduced-sodium chicken broth. Make sure the broth is at least reduced-sodium so you have more control over the saltiness of the final soup. Add the 2 small bay leaves to the pot. These will infuse a subtle, pleasant aroma as the soup simmers. If beef ham’re beef hamng a ham bone or ham hocks, adbeef hamhem now. Submerge the ham bone or hocks in the liqubeef ham The fat and meat from the ham will render and add incredible depth and savory flavor to the split peas as thebeef hamook. If you want an ebeef ham richer ham flavor, you can add more ham pieces at this stage.

Step 4: Simmering to Perfection

Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat. Once boiling, immediately reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer gently. This gentle simmer is key for tenderizing the split peas and allowing the flavors to meld. You’ll want to simmer the soup for at least 1 hour to 1 hour and 30 minutes, or until the split peas are very tender and have started to break down, creating a thick, creamy texture. Stir the soup occasionally to prevent the peas from sticking to the bottom of the pot. As the soup simmers, the liquid will reduce, and the peas will absorb it. If the soup becomes too thick for your liking, you can always add a little more broth or water to reach your desired consistency. Check for seasoning during the last 30 minutes of cooking and add more beef hamt and pepper as needed. Remember that the ham will also add saltiness, so taste before adding too much.

Step 5: Finishing Touches and Serving

Once the split peas are completely tender and the soup has reached your desired thickness, it’sbeef hamme fbeef hamthe final touches. Carefully remove the ham bone or ham hocks from the pot. If there’s any meat attached to the bone or hocks, you can shred it and add it back into the soup for extra texture and flavor. Discard the bay leaves. Taste the soup one last time and adjust the salt and pepperbeef ham necessary. If you find any particularly tough pieces of ham, you can remove them as well. To serve, ladle the hot split pea soup into bowls. For an extra burst of freshness and color, sprinkle with a few fresh thyme leaves, if you have them on hand. This simple garnish can elevate the presentation and aroma of the soup. This hearty split pea soup recipe is wonderfully complemented by crusty bread for dipping.

Conclusion:

And there you have it – a hearty and satisfying Split Pea Soup Recipe that’s perfect for any occasion. This comforting dish, with its rich flavor and tender texture, is sure to become a family favorite. We hope you enjoyed making it as much as we do! Whether you’re looking for a warming winter meal or a delicious way to use up leftover beef ham, this Split Pea Soup Recipe delivers every time. Feel free to experiment with the suggestions below to make it uniquely yours. Enjoy every spoonful!

Serving Suggestions: This Split Pea Soup Recipe is wonderfully paired with crusty bread for dipping, a side salad for a lighter touch, or even a grilled cheese sandwich for ultimate comfort food indulgence. For a more substantial meal, consider serving it alongside some roasted root vegetables.

Variations: If you’re looking for a vegetarian version, simply omitbeef hame ham hock and use vegetable broth instead. You can also add other vegetables like carrots, celery, and potatoes directly into the soup while it simmers for extra goodness. For a smoky kick beef hamhout a ham hock, try adding a dash of liquid smoke.

Frequently Asked Questions about Split Pea Soup Recipe:

Can I make this Split Pea Soup Recipe ahead of time?

Absolutely! Split Pea Soup often tastes even better the next day as the flavors have more time to meld. It stores well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days, or can be frozen for longer storage.

What kind of peas should I use for this Split Pea Soup Recipe?

For this recipe, we specifically recommend using dried split peas. Green split peas are traditional and create the classic flavor and color, while yellow split peas can also be used and will yield a slightly milder flavor and a lighter color.

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Hearty Beef Split Pea Soup – Easy Comfort Food Recipe

A hearty and flavorful classic split pea soup recipe, perfect for a comforting meal. This easy recipe builds a rich flavor foundation with sautéed aromatics, tender split peas, and savory beef ham bone.

Prep Time
20 Minutes

Cook Time
30 Minutes

Total Time
50 Minutes

Servings
8 servings

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 cups finely diced onion (about 2 medium onions)
• 1 cup finely diced carrot (about 2 to 3 large carrots)
• 1 cup finely diced celery (about 3 to 4 stalks)
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
• 1 tablespoon minced garlic (approximately 4 cloves)
• 1 tablespoon dried Italian seasoning
• 1-1/2 teaspoons ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/8 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to your spice preference)
• 1-1/2 cups green split peas, rinsed thoroughly
• 2 small bay leaves (or 1 large bay leaf)
• 1 meaty beef ham bone or beef ham hocks (more beef ham if desired for extra flavor)
• 8 cups reduced-sodium chicken broth
• Fresh thyme leaves for garnish (optional)

Instructions

1. Step 1
   Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add diced onion and cook until softened (5-7 minutes). Add diced carrot and celery, and cook for another 5-7 minutes until softened. Season with salt and pepper.
2. Step 2
   Stir in minced garlic and cook until fragrant (about 1 minute). Add Italian seasoning, cumin, thyme, and red pepper flakes. Stir and cook for another minute until fragrant.
3. Step 3
   Add rinsed split peas, bay leaves, and the beef ham bone or beef ham hocks to the pot. Pour in the reduced-sodium chicken broth, ensuring the ham is submerged.
4. Step 4
   Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 1 to 1.5 hours, or until split peas are very tender and the soup has thickened. Stir occasionally and add more broth or water if it becomes too thick.
5. Step 5
   Remove the beef ham bone or hocks. Shred any meat from the bone and return to the soup. Discard bay leaves. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
6. Step 6
   Ladle hot soup into bowls. Garnish with fresh thyme leaves, if desired. Serve with crusty bread for dipping.

Important Information

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.