Mum’s Pea and Ham Soup
Description: This hearty soup, a cherished tradition from my family, is a deliciously comforting dish that brings warmth to chilly autumn and winter evenings. Inspired by my mum’s post-Christmas creations, where she ingeniously repurposed the ham bone, this recipe encapsulates the essence of home-cooked goodness. As summer wanes in Australia, I’ve taken the liberty of freezing batches of this soup, eagerly anticipating the cooler seasons ahead.
Recipe Category: Ham
Keywords: Pork, Meat, European, Winter, Freezer
Nutritional Information (per serving):
- Calories: 583.8
- Fat Content: 2g
- Saturated Fat Content: 0.3g
- Cholesterol Content: 0mg
- Sodium Content: 26.1mg
- Carbohydrate Content: 104.3g
- Fiber Content: 43g
- Sugar Content: 14.9g
- Protein Content: 41.3g
Servings: 6
Cook Time: 8 hours
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 8 hours and 20 minutes
Ingredients:
- 1 ham bone
- 1 large onion
- 1-2 bay leaves
- 2 cups dried split peas
- 2 cups additional ham, chopped (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- White wine vinegar (to taste)
- Chopped parsley (for garnish)
- Freshly baked or warmed bread (for serving)
Instructions:
-
Prepare the Peas: Begin by covering the dried split peas with plenty of water in a large bowl or container. Allow them to soak overnight, ensuring they are fully submerged.
-
Drain the Peas: The next day, drain the soaked peas thoroughly, discarding the soaking water.
-
Assemble the Ingredients: In a 5-liter slow cooker, combine the ham bone, chopped onion, bay leaves, soaked peas, and additional chopped ham (if using).
-
Season: Season the mixture with salt and pepper to your taste preferences, ensuring a well-balanced flavor profile.
-
Add Water: Pour enough water into the slow cooker to cover the ingredients completely, ensuring they are immersed in liquid.
-
Slow Cook: Set the slow cooker to low heat and allow the soup to cook slowly for 6 to 8 hours. You can stir the soup occasionally if desired, although it is not necessary for the cooking process.
-
Adjust Flavor: Towards the end of the cooking time, taste the soup and adjust the seasoning if needed. Add white wine vinegar gradually, adjusting to your personal preference. Start with a small amount and taste before adding more.
-
Serve: Ladle the hot soup into bowls and garnish each serving with a sprinkle of chopped parsley. Serve alongside freshly baked or warmed bread for a comforting meal.
-
Optional Dilution: Depending on the size and consistency of your slow cooker, you may find that the soup is quite thick after cooking. If desired, you can dilute it with additional water or broth to achieve your desired consistency.
Enjoy!
Savor each spoonful of this soul-warming soup, brimming with the rich flavors of ham and peas, accented by aromatic onions and bay leaves. Whether enjoyed as a hearty meal on its own or paired with crusty bread for dipping, Mum’s Pea and Ham Soup is sure to become a beloved staple in your home, perfect for embracing the cozy comforts of the cooler seasons.
