Split Pea and Ham Soup
Homemade Split Pea and Ham Soup is a classic, comforting soup, perfect for the cold winter weather. Thick with split peas, chunks of smoky ham and lots of vegetables. Top with crisp bacon crumbles and serve with chunks of crusty bread.
Servings: 8 -10 servings
Ingredients
- 4 slices of bacon diced
- 1 cup chopped yellow onions
- ½ cup chopped celery
- 1 cup chopped carrots
- 1 medium fennel bulb trimmed, core removed and chopped
- 4 cloves garlic chopped
- 1 pound dried split peas rinsed under cool water and drained
- 1-½ pounds lean ham diced
- 8 cups chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 2 bay leaf
- 6 sprigs fresh thyme tied together
Instructions
- In a large pot set over medium-high heat, add the diced bacon and cook until crisp. Remove the bacon and drain on a paper towel lined plate and reserve.
- Add the onions and cook, stirring, for 2 minutes then add the celery, carrots and fennel. Cook, stirring, until just soft, about 3 minutes. Add the garlic and cook, stirring, for 30 seconds.
- Stir in the drained peas and the diced ham. Pour in the chicken broth and add the salt, pepper, bay leaves and thyme bundle. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the peas are tender, about 1 hour.
- Remove and discard the bay leaves and thyme bundle. Adjust the seasoning, to taste, and serve immediately with the reserved crisp bacon bits on top.
Nutrition
Serving: 1-1/2 cups | Calories: 318kcal | Carbohydrates: 33g | Protein: 31g | Fat: 6.5g | Saturated Fat: 1.9g | Cholesterol: 39mg | Sodium: 1775mg | Fiber: 13g | Sugar: 5.5g
