Ham and pea soup

• Prep Time: 15 minutes

• Cook Time: 1½ to 2 hours (or slow cooker instructions below)

• Total Time: ~2 hours

• Difficulty: Easy

• Servings: 6–8

 Ingredients

Main Ingredients:

• 2 tbsp olive oil or butter

• 1 medium onion, chopped

• 2 medium carrots, diced

• 2 celery stalks, diced

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 lb (450g) dried green split peas, rinsed and sorted

• 6 cups low-sodium chicken broth (or water + bouillon)

• 2 cups diced ham (or 1 meaty ham bone)

• 1 bay leaf

• 1 tsp dried thyme

• Salt and pepper to taste

• Optional: pinch of crushed red pepper flakes for heat

• Optional garnish: chopped parsley or croutons

 Instructions

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics

1. In a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed soup pot, heat olive oil over medium heat.

2. Add the onion, carrots, and celery. Cook until softened, about 5–7 minutes.

3. Stir in the garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.

Step 2: Add Peas, Broth, and Ham

1. Add the split peas, ham, chicken broth, bay leaf, thyme, and optional red pepper flakes.

2. Stir to combine and bring to a gentle boil over medium-high heat.

Step 3: Simmer Low and Slow

1. Reduce heat to low, cover partially, and simmer for 1½ to 2 hours, stirring occasionally.

2. The peas should break down and thicken the soup naturally.

3. If using a ham bone, remove it once the meat is falling off, shred the meat, and stir it back into the soup. Discard the bone and any excess fat.

4. Add more broth or water if the soup becomes too thick for your liking.

Step 4: Season and Serve

1. Taste and season with salt and pepper as needed (note: ham is salty, so season cautiously).

2. Remove bay leaf before serving.

3. Ladle into bowls and garnish with parsley, croutons, or a dollop of sour cream for extra richness.

 Storage & Freezing

• Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 5 days.

• Freezer: Freeze in individual portions for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat on the stove or microwave with a splash of broth.

 Slow Cooker Instructions

1. Add all ingredients to a 6-quart slow cooker.

2. Cook on LOW for 8 hours or HIGH for 4–5 hours, until peas are fully broken down.

3. Remove ham bone (if using), shred meat, and stir back in before serving.

 Nutrition Info (Per Serving – Approx. 1¼ cups)

• Calories: 290

• Protein: 22g

• Fat: 8g

• Carbs: 34g

• Fiber: 11g

• Sodium: 620mg

Nutrition may vary depending on ham and broth used.