Prepare to embark on a culinary journey that will warm your soul and tantalize your taste buds with the ultimate comfort food: Blue Ribbon Split Pea Soup! 🥣✨ If you've ever craved a hearty, creamy soup that feels like a warm hug on a chilly day, this recipe is your golden ticket. Imagine a rich, velvety soup packed with tender split peas, savory ham, and a medley of vegetables that transforms simple ingredients into a restaurant-worthy masterpiece right in your own kitchen.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 1 hrs 30 mins
Total Time: 1 hrs 45 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 1 pound split peas, rinsed
- 1 ham bone
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 6 cups water
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Begin by rinsing the split peas under cold running water to remove any dirt or impurities. Set them aside to drain.
- In a large pot or Dutch oven, add the ham bone and 6 cups of water. Bring the water to a boil over medium-high heat.
- Once the water is boiling, add the rinsed split peas to the pot. Stir to combine.
- Reduce the heat to low and add the chopped onion, diced carrots, and diced celery to the pot. Stir well to incorporate all the ingredients.
- Season the mixture with salt and pepper to taste. Remember that the ham bone will contribute some saltiness, so it’s best to start with a small amount and adjust later.
- Cover the pot and let the soup simmer on low heat for about 1 hour and 30 minutes, stirring occasionally. This will allow the peas to break down and create a creamy texture.
- After the cooking time, remove the ham bone from the pot. Allow it to cool slightly, then shred any remaining meat from the bone and return the meat to the soup.
- Using an immersion blender, carefully blend the soup to your desired consistency. You can blend it completely for a smooth soup or leave some chunks for texture.
- Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper as needed.
- Serve the Blue Ribbon Split Pea Soup hot, garnished with fresh herbs if desired. Enjoy with crusty bread for a hearty meal!
Tips
- Rinse Those Peas: Always thoroughly rinse split peas to remove any debris and ensure a clean, pure flavor.
- Ham Bone Magic: The ham bone is the secret weapon that infuses deep, rich flavor into the soup. If you don't have a ham bone, a ham hock or even diced ham works wonderfully.
- Low and Slow is the Way to Go: Simmer the soup on low heat to allow the peas to break down naturally and create that signature creamy texture.
- Blending Brilliance: Use an immersion blender for easy, mess-free blending. Control the consistency by how much you blend - from slightly chunky to silky smooth.
- Seasoning Tip: Start with a conservative amount of salt, as the ham bone will contribute natural saltiness. You can always add more later.
- Make-Ahead Marvel: This soup actually tastes even better the next day, as the flavors continue to develop. It freezes beautifully for up to 3 months!
- Garnish Game: Enhance your soup with fresh herbs like parsley or chives, a drizzle of cream, or crispy croutons for extra texture.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 230kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 15g
Fat: 5g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Cholesterol: 20mg
