Mrs. Schreiner’s Split-Pea Soup Recipe
Description: This split-pea soup recipe, cherished by Mrs. Schreiner’s family, promises a comforting and flavorful meal. Adapted from Gourmet Magazine in 1995, it offers a delightful twist by substituting water with canned chicken broth and enhancing the ham flavor. With its hearty ingredients and simple steps, this soup is perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner, ready in under 4 hours!
Ingredients:
- 8 slices bacon
- 1/2 large onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, peeled and diced
- 2 cans (approximately 4 cups) chicken broth (or water)
- 1 smoked ham hock
- 2 1/2 teaspoons salt
- 1 bay leaf
Instructions:
| Step | Description |
|---|---|
| 1 | In a large heavy kettle or stock pot, cook bacon over moderate heat, stirring occasionally, until crisp. Transfer the cooked bacon to paper towels to drain, leaving about 1/4 cup of bacon fat in the kettle. |
| 2 | Pour off excess bacon fat, leaving approximately 1/4 cup in the kettle. Add chopped onions and diced carrots to the kettle. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables have softened. |
| 3 | Add the chicken broth (or water), smoked ham hock, salt, and bay leaf to the kettle. Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat. Allow the soup to simmer uncovered for 2 hours, stirring occasionally. If the soup becomes too thick during cooking, add 1 to 2 cups of additional water or broth as needed. |
| 4 | Once the soup has simmered for 2 hours, remove the kettle from the heat. Using a slotted spoon, transfer the ham hock to a cutting board. Discard any excess fat and bones, then chop the meat into bite-sized pieces. |
| 5 | Return the chopped ham to the kettle and simmer the soup for an additional few minutes, stirring occasionally, until the meat is heated through. |
| 6 | Discard the bay leaf from the soup before serving. |
| 7 | Just before serving, crumble the cooked bacon and sprinkle it over the soup as a delicious garnish. |
| 8 | Serve the split-pea soup hot, and enjoy the comforting flavors of Mrs. Schreiner’s recipe! |
Nutritional Information (per serving):
- Calories: 306.3
- Fat: 10.9g
- Saturated Fat: 3.5g
- Cholesterol: 15.4mg
- Sodium: 504.7mg
- Carbohydrates: 36.5g
- Fiber: 15g
- Sugar: 5.5g
- Protein: 16.8g
Yield: 8 cups of delicious split-pea soup.
Tips:
- For a richer flavor, consider using homemade chicken broth instead of canned.
- Customize the soup to your taste by adding additional seasonings such as black pepper, thyme, or garlic.
- This soup can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for longer-term storage. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave before serving.
- Serve with crusty bread or a side salad for a complete meal. Enjoy the warm, comforting goodness of this timeless split-pea soup recipe! 🥣🍲🥓
