Uncle Bill’s Green Split Pea With Hambone Soup is a hearty and comforting dish, perfect for chilly days or whenever you crave a bowl of warm goodness. With its rich flavors and nutritious ingredients, this soup recipe is sure to become a family favorite. Let’s dive into the detailed instructions to create this culinary masterpiece!
Uncle Bill’s Green Split Pea With Hambone Soup 🍲
Prep Time: 1 hour
Cook Time: 3 hours
Total Time: 4 hours
Servings: Varies
Ingredients:
- 8 cups water
- 1 ham bone
- 2 carrots, chopped
- 2 onions, chopped
- 2 celery ribs, chopped
- 1 bay leaf
- 2 beef bouillon cubes
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp black peppercorns
- 1/4 tsp dried thyme
- Additional ham, if needed
- Liquid Hickory Smoke (optional)
- Beef broth or chicken broth (optional)
Instructions:
-
Rinse Peas: Begin by rinsing the green split peas thoroughly in cold water to remove any debris. Drain and set aside.
-
Prepare Cooking Pot: In a large cooking pot, combine the rinsed split peas and 8 cups of water.
-
Soak Peas: Bring the water and peas to a boil, then remove the pot from the heat. Cover it and allow the peas to soak for about 1 hour. This helps soften them and reduce cooking time.
-
Boil Again: After the soaking period, return the pot to the stove and bring the peas back to a boil.
-
Add Ingredients: Once boiling, add the ham bone, chopped carrots, onions, celery, bay leaf, beef bouillon cubes, salt, peppercorns, and dried thyme to the pot.
-
Simmer: Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let the soup simmer for approximately 1 to 1 1/2 hours. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
-
Prepare Ham: While the soup simmers, remove any remaining ham from the bone and cut it into bite-size pieces. Return the ham pieces to the soup.
-
Remove Bone and Bay Leaf: Once the soup has finished simmering, remove the ham bone from the pot. Discard the bone and the bay leaf.
-
Adjust Seasonings: Taste the soup and adjust the seasonings to your preference. You can add more salt, pepper, or other herbs if desired.
-
Optional Pureeing: If you prefer a smoother texture, you can puree the soup in batches using a food processor or blender. However, you can also enjoy it without pureeing for a chunkier consistency.
-
Adjust Consistency: If the soup is too thick for your liking, you can add more water to reach your desired consistency. Alternatively, you can use beef or chicken broth for added flavor.
-
Enhance Flavor: For a smoky flavor, you can add about 1/4 teaspoon of Liquid Hickory Smoke to the soup. This adds depth and complexity to the dish.
-
Serve and Enjoy: Ladle the hot soup into bowls and serve it piping hot. Garnish with fresh herbs or a dollop of sour cream if desired. Serve with crusty bread or crackers for a complete meal.
Tips:
- Smoked ham hocks are an excellent alternative to a ham bone and can impart a rich, smoky flavor to the soup.
- If the ham bone doesn’t provide enough meat, feel free to add additional ham of your choice to enhance the flavor and texture.
- Whole peas can be used instead of split peas, but be aware that they will require a longer cooking time to become tender.
With its savory flavors and wholesome ingredients, Uncle Bill’s Green Split Pea With Hambone Soup is sure to delight your taste buds and warm your soul. Enjoy this comforting dish with loved ones and savor every spoonful of its nourishing goodness!
