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Grandma's split pea soup has been our family's comfort food for generations! I've spent years watching her cook this hearty meal before finally getting it just right. There's something magical when those split peas mix with the smoky ham and fresh veggies to make an incredible dinner. The first time I nailed her exact method, my dad couldn't stop talking about how it brought back childhood memories!
What Makes This Soup Stand Out
This goes way beyond basic pea soup! The magic happens as split peas slowly soften and create this amazingly thick texture without adding any cream. I made this for my sick neighbor last month and she told me it worked better than her medicine. My veggie-avoiding kids always want more of this green goodness!
Ingredients You'll Want
- The Base:
- Premium olive oil
- Yellow onion
- Crunchy celery
- Garden carrots
- Minced garlic cloves
- Flavorful chicken broth
- Regular water
- The Stars:
- Dried split peas
- Ham bone with meat
- Bay leaves
- Aromatic thyme
- Salt and black pepper
- Chopped parsley for topping
The Cooking Process
- Starting Off Right
- Cook those flavorful veggies in olive oil till they're soft and aromatic. The house smells so wonderful right from the start! My kids always pop in asking what's cooking.
- Making The Heart
- Throw in the split peas, pour in the broth, and add that flavorful ham bone. As everything bubbles together, it's like watching food poetry! The way those peas break down into creamy goodness is truly amazing.
- Finishing Touches
- Pull apart that tender ham and mix it back in, then tweak the seasonings until everything tastes just right. This moment when my grandma's old recipe comes alive in my kitchen always makes me smile!
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Tips For Success
Wanna know how to make this soup amazing? Don't rush the veggie sautéing part, they really need time to get tasty. Keep checking the liquid while it cooks and add more if it gets too thick. My top trick? Save your holiday ham bone in the freezer, it'll make your soup taste incredible!
How To Enjoy It
You'll need some crusty bread for dipping into this soup! I serve it in big deep bowls with fresh parsley sprinkled on top. When friends come for lunch, I cook a huge pot because everyone wants leftovers. Sometimes I'll throw together some grilled cheese sandwiches too, they're so good on cold evenings!
Storing For Later
This soup actually tastes better the day after you cook it! It thickens up in the fridge and all the flavors blend together beautifully. I usually cook a giant batch on Sundays so we can eat it through the week. Just pour in a bit more broth when you warm it up to get it just how you like it.
Try Different Versions
Feel free to change things up! I sometimes toss in some diced potatoes to make it extra filling. For my veggie friends, I leave out the ham and add some smoked paprika to get that smoky taste. Once I tried adding fresh dill at the end and it was so good! That's the fun part of cooking, finding your own special twist.
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The Meaningful Connection
In our home, this soup connects us to our family roots! There's something truly special about cooking the same food that's fed our family for generations. My kids help chop veggies and watch as simple ingredients turn into something amazing.
The best thing isn't just how good it tastes but seeing everyone smile after their first spoonful! Whether you're cooking for someone who needs cheering up or just want something warm and filling, this always hits the spot. And when guests discover our treasured family dish? That's what makes time in the kitchen worth it!
Frequently Asked Questions
- → How can I make the soup thicker?
Leave the lid off for the last half hour to let it reduce. It will also thicken when it cools. Add water if it's too thick when reheating.
- → Is there a way to skip ham?
You can skip the ham, but it brings a lot of flavor. Use veggie broth and smoked paprika instead for a vegetarian twist.
- → Do split peas need soaking first?
You don’t need to soak them! Just rinse well and check for debris. They cook faster than most other dried beans.
- → What’s the best way to store leftovers?
Refrigerate up to 5 days. The soup may thicken when stored, so stir in water before reheating to the right consistency.
- → Can this soup go in the freezer?
Yes, it freezes perfectly for three months. Cool everything before freezing, and leave some space for it to expand in its container.
Conclusion
Wholesome ham and peas in a tasty, warming soup. Easy to make and flexible with cooking methods, perfect for anyone craving comfort food.