Pea soup with ham is a classic comfort food, perfect for a chilly evening or a hearty lunch. This recipe will guide you through creating a flavorful and satisfying soup, from selecting the right ingredients to perfecting the creamy texture. Whether you're a seasoned chef or a kitchen novice, this guide will empower you to make a truly delicious pea soup with ham.
What Kind of Ham Should I Use for Pea Soup?
The type of ham you choose significantly impacts the flavor of your pea soup. While you can use leftover cooked ham, for the richest flavor, consider using a bone-in ham hock. The bone adds depth and richness to the broth, resulting in a more complex and savory soup. A smoked ham hock will impart a smoky flavor profile, while an unsmoked ham hock will offer a cleaner taste. You can also use a ham bone from a roasted ham, but be aware that the flavor will be less intense.
Can I Make Pea Soup with Ham in a Slow Cooker?
Absolutely! A slow cooker is a fantastic tool for making pea soup with ham. The long, slow cooking process allows the flavors to meld beautifully, resulting in a deeply flavorful soup. Simply add all the ingredients to your slow cooker, set it on low, and let it simmer for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. This method is particularly convenient if you're short on time.
What Are the Best Types of Peas to Use?
While frozen peas are convenient, fresh or dried peas offer a superior flavor and texture. Fresh peas are ideal if in season, yielding a vibrant green color and a sweet, fresh taste. Dried peas require pre-soaking but provide a hearty texture and a deep, earthy flavor. If using dried peas, be sure to follow the package directions for soaking and cooking time. Frozen peas work well in a pinch, but keep in mind they might not contribute as much flavor to the broth.
How Do I Make Pea Soup Creamy Without Cream?
Achieving a creamy texture without cream is entirely possible! Simply purée a portion of the soup using an immersion blender or a regular blender. This will create a creamy base, while leaving some peas whole for texture. Alternatively, you can add a tablespoon or two of butter or olive oil at the end of cooking to add richness and body to your soup.
How Long Does Pea Soup with Ham Last in the Refrigerator?
Properly stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator, pea soup with ham should last for 3-4 days. Make sure the soup is completely cooled before refrigerating to prevent bacterial growth.
Step-by-Step Recipe for Pea Soup with Ham:
Ingredients:
- 1 lb bone-in ham hock (or leftover ham)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 1 cup dried green peas (or 2 cups fresh or frozen)
- 8 cups water or chicken broth
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions:
- If using dried peas: Rinse and soak the peas overnight in cold water. Drain before using.
- Sauté vegetables: Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add onion, carrots, and celery and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes.
- Add ham and liquids: Add the ham hock (or ham), peas, water (or broth), thyme, and bay leaf to the pot. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer until the peas are tender, about 45 minutes to 1 hour for dried peas, or 20-30 minutes for fresh or frozen peas.
- Remove ham and purée: Remove the ham hock from the pot and let it cool slightly. Shred the meat and set aside. Use an immersion blender or regular blender to partially purée the soup to your desired creaminess.
- Stir in ham and seasonings: Stir in the shredded ham, salt, and pepper. Simmer for another 5 minutes to allow the flavors to blend.
- Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley, if desired.
This recipe provides a flexible base. Feel free to experiment with different herbs and spices to customize the flavor to your liking! Enjoy your delicious homemade pea soup with ham.
