simple split pea soup

Name: Simple Split Pea Soup
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 5 h
Yield: 10
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cup(s) finely diced ham (i cut up a frozen ham steak); 1 1/2 cup(s) finely diced carrots; 1 1/2 cup(s) finely diced celery; 1/2 - finely diced onion; 2 cup(s) dried split peas, rinsed; 32 ounce(s) low sodium chicken broth; 3 cup(s) water; 1 - bay leaf; 1 teaspoon(s) parsley, dried; 1/2 teaspoon(s) basil, dried; 1/4 teaspoon(s) marjoram, dried; 1/4 teaspoon(s) freshly ground black pepper; 1/4 teaspoon(s) rosemary, dried; 1-2 slice(s) (optional) raw, thick-cut uncured applewood smoked bacon, cut up into small bits; 2 - (optional) bones from a ham steak; 1 - (optional) whole small jalapeno, do not cut.

29 Pinches 1 Photo

Margaret G

Cleveland, OH

Updated on Sep 11, 2014

I love a good, thick, smooth, hammy split pea soup! What a familiar, comfy flavor! But I almost never have a ham hock lying around. I do, however, buy ham steaks regularly, to portion out, freeze, and use in various recipes. I also save the little bones from the ham steaks. In this soup, two of those bones plus the addition of one slice of premium bacon impart a rich, savory flavor, without needing a ham hock or ham bone. Even if you don't have any bones or bacon and only have diced ham, just add a little extra ham. Toss in a whole jalapeno to add dimension and smokiness, too.

Rate

prep time 15 Min

cook time 5 Hr

method Slow Cooker Crock Pot

yield 10 serving(s)

Ingredients

2 cups finely diced ham (i cut up a frozen ham steak)
1 1/2 cups finely diced carrots
1 1/2 cups finely diced celery
1/2 - finely diced onion
2 cups dried split peas, rinsed
32 ounces low sodium chicken broth
3 cups water
1 - bay leaf
1 teaspoon parsley, dried
1/2 teaspoon basil, dried
1/4 teaspoon marjoram, dried
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1/4 teaspoon rosemary, dried
1-2 slice (optional) raw, thick-cut uncured applewood smoked bacon, cut up into small bits
2 - (optional) bones from a ham steak
1 - (optional) whole small jalapeno, do not cut.

How To Make simple split pea soup

Step 1

1. Combine all ingredients in crockpot, cook on low 6 hours or high 3 hours OR In a large pot, bring to boil on stovetop, reduce heat and simmer 2-3 hours or until desired consistency, stirring occasionally. **REMOVE BONE AND BAY LEAF BEFORE BLENDING AND/OR SERVING**

Step 2

Tip 1: Freeze your ham and dice it while frozen for small, uniform bits. (I buy ham steaks and divide into 4 oz portions to use in various recipes) Tip 2: Let your nose, eyes, and taste buds feel your way to the soup's done-ness. Cooking times will vary. Use the crock pot for more freedom to roam while this cooks.
Step 3

If you like a creamier, smoother soup, use an immersion blender or blend some or all of the soup (in small batches) in a blender. I blend about 1/3 of mine. Remove bone and bay leaf before blending!
Last Step: Don't forget to share! Post a picture of your finished recipe here and on your favorite social network. Don't forget to tag Just A Pinch and include #justapinchrecipes!

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