Introducing a hearty and wholesome delight straight from the comforting kitchens of Penzey’s Spices – the “Savory Split Pea Soup”! This recipe is an absolute gem, perfect for those cozy evenings or chilly days when you crave something warm and nourishing. Bursting with flavor and packed with nutritious goodness, it’s a true culinary masterpiece that will delight your taste buds and warm your soul with every spoonful. π₯£β¨
Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Cooking Time: 9 hours
Total Time: 9 hours 20 minutes
Ingredients:
- 1 ham hock (or 2 cups diced ham)
- 2 onions, diced
- 2 potatoes, diced
- 1 carrot, diced
- 3 cups dried split peas
- 1 savory leaf
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 8 cups water (or ham stock for extra flavor)
Instructions:
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Prep the Ingredients: Start by preparing all your ingredients. Dice the onions, potatoes, and carrots to your desired size. If using a ham hock, rinse it under cold water to remove any excess salt.
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Combine in the Crockpot: In a 4 or 5-quart crockpot, add the dried split peas, diced ham or ham hock, onions, potatoes, carrots, savory leaf, dried thyme, salt, and black pepper. Pour in the water or ham stock for added richness and depth of flavor. Give everything a gentle stir to combine, ensuring all the ingredients are evenly distributed.
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Cook Low and Slow: Cover the crockpot with its lid and set it to cook on low heat for 10 to 12 hours, allowing all the flavors to meld together beautifully. Alternatively, if you’re short on time, you can opt for the high-heat setting and cook the soup for 4 to 5 hours, although the low and slow method is recommended for optimal flavor development.
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Check for Doneness: After the cooking time is up, give the soup a gentle stir and check the peas for tenderness. They should be soft and creamy, melding seamlessly with the other ingredients. If the peas are still slightly firm, allow the soup to cook for an additional 30 minutes to an hour until they reach the desired consistency.
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Serve and Enjoy: Once the soup is ready, ladle it into bowls and serve piping hot, garnished with a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or a dollop of sour cream if desired. Pair it with crusty bread or a simple green salad for a complete and satisfying meal that’s sure to warm you from the inside out.
Nutritional Information:
- Calories: 478.1
- Total Fat: 3.8g
- Saturated Fat: 1.1g
- Cholesterol: 24.3mg
- Sodium: 1124.9mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 80.2g
- Dietary Fiber: 23.9g
- Sugars: 8.4g
- Protein: 32.9g
Tips and Tricks:
- For an extra depth of flavor, consider adding a splash of apple cider vinegar or a squeeze of fresh lemon juice just before serving.
- Feel free to customize the soup with your favorite herbs and spices. A pinch of smoked paprika or a dash of Worcestershire sauce can add a delightful smoky undertone.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for longer-term storage. Simply reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave before serving.
This “Savory Split Pea Soup” is a true crowd-pleaser, perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or meal prepping for the week ahead. With its rich flavor, hearty texture, and wholesome ingredients, it’s sure to become a staple in your recipe repertoire. So go ahead, grab your crockpot and get ready to simmer up a batch of this comforting classic that’s as easy to make as it is delicious to eat! π²π
