Comforting Cozy Split Pea and Ham Soup for Chilly Nights

There’s something uniquely comforting about a steaming bowl of Cozy Split Pea and Ham Soup that instantly transports you back to childhood. Picture this: thick, velvety soup kissed with smoky ham, each spoonful bursting with flavor that wraps around you like your favorite blanket on a chilly night. The aroma wafts invitingly, promising warmth and satisfaction as you gather around the table with loved ones.

As the weather turns brisk, there’s no better way to embrace the season than by preparing this hearty dish. It’s perfect for family gatherings or a quiet night in, where every sip feels like a hug from an old friend. Anticipate the flavors dancing on your tongue, as you reminisce about cozy evenings spent around the hearth, sharing stories and laughter. This Cozy Split Pea and Ham Soup Recipe for Chilly Nights is your ticket to rekindling those delightful memories while creating new ones.

Ingredients for Cozy Split Pea and Ham Soup Recipe for Chilly Nights

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

• Split Peas: Choose green or yellow split peas based on your color preference; both varieties are packed with protein.
• Smoked Ham Hock: This adds a depth of flavor; look for one with plenty of meat to enhance the soup.
• Carrots: Fresh, diced carrots bring sweetness; they also add lovely color and texture to the soup.
• Celery: Diced celery contributes crunch and aromatic flavor; always choose crisp stalks.
• Onion: A finely chopped onion forms the aromatic base of this dish; opt for yellow onions for balanced sweetness.
• Garlic: Use minced garlic cloves to elevate the flavor profile; fresh garlic brings zest to the mix.
• Vegetable Broth: Low-sodium vegetable broth provides liquid without overwhelming saltiness; homemade is ideal if available.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

How to Make Cozy Split Pea and Ham Soup Recipe for Chilly Nights

Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious dish:

Step 1: Rinse the Peas

Start by rinsing your split peas under cold water in a fine-mesh strainer until the water runs clear. This helps remove any dust or debris that may have hitchhiked along.

Step 2: Sauté Your Aromatics

In a large pot over medium heat, drizzle some olive oil and toss in your diced onion, carrots, celery, and minced garlic. Sauté these fragrant veggies until they soften—about five minutes should do the trick.

Step 3: Add Everything Else

Once your veggies are ready to party in the pot, add in those glorious split peas along with the smoked ham hock. Pour in your vegetable broth and stir everything together like you’re mixing up a potion of warmth.

Step 4: Bring It to a Boil

Turn up the heat until your concoction reaches a rolling boil. Then reduce it back down to low heat, cover with a lid, and let simmer gently for about an hour—this is when all those amazing flavors will mingle!

Step 5: Check Consistency

After an hour of bubbling goodness, check your soup’s consistency. If it’s too thick (like my Aunt Clara’s Thanksgiving gravy), just add more broth or water until it reaches your desired thickness.

Step 6: Serve It Up!

Once it’s thickened beautifully and has absorbed all that smoky goodness from the ham hock, it’s time! Remove the ham hock from the pot—carefully because it will be hot—and shred any remaining meat back into the soup. Ladle it into bowls and enjoy alongside crusty bread.

Serve this Cozy Split Pea and Ham Soup Recipe for Chilly Nights warm and watch everyone around you smile at their bowls—a simple yet heartwarming experience that makes chilly nights feel oh-so-cozy!

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by sautéing onions and carrots until fragrant. Next, add garlic followed by split peas and broth. Bring to a simmer, then toss in the ham and seasonings. Let it bubble away until the peas are tender, creating a creamy masterpiece.

Add Your Touch

Feeling adventurous? Swap out the ham for smoked turkey or add some diced potatoes for extra heartiness. You can also experiment with herbs like thyme or rosemary for an aromatic twist that’ll make your kitchen smell divine.

Storing & Reheating

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days. When reheating, add a splash of broth to restore creaminess and warm it gently on the stove for best results.

Sometimes I find myself reminiscing about chilly evenings spent huddled under blankets with friends, bowls of this comforting soup keeping us warm and full of laughter. Those moments are what cooking is all about!

FAQs :

What ingredients are needed for Cozy Split Pea and Ham Soup Recipe for Chilly Nights?

To prepare the Cozy Split Pea and Ham Soup, you will need dried split peas, diced ham, carrots, celery, onions, garlic, vegetable broth, bay leaves, salt, and pepper. These ingredients come together to create a warm and comforting dish perfect for chilly evenings. You can also add herbs like thyme or parsley for extra flavor. Remember to rinse the split peas before cooking to remove any impurities.

How long does it take to cook Cozy Split Pea and Ham Soup?

Cooking the Cozy Split Pea and Ham Soup takes about 1 to 1.5 hours in total. After sautéing the vegetables, simmer the soup on low heat for around 45 minutes to an hour. The split peas should be tender and the flavors well combined. If using a slow cooker, you can let it cook for 6-8 hours on low heat. Adjust cooking time based on your desired consistency.

Can I freeze leftovers of Cozy Split Pea and Ham Soup?

Yes, you can freeze leftovers of the Cozy Split Pea and Ham Soup. Allow the soup to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container or freezer bags. It will keep well in the freezer for up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before reheating on the stove until warmed through.

How can I make a vegetarian version of Cozy Split Pea and Ham Soup?

To create a vegetarian version of this Cozy Split Pea and Ham Soup Recipe for Chilly Nights, simply omit the ham and replace it with additional vegetables or plant-based protein sources like lentils or mushrooms. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for added flavor. Season with smoked paprika or liquid smoke to mimic the smoky taste that ham typically provides.

Conclusion for Cozy Split Pea and Ham Soup Recipe for Chilly Nights :

The Cozy Split Pea and Ham Soup Recipe is a delightful choice for those chilly nights when you crave warmth and comfort. With simple ingredients like split peas, ham, and fresh vegetables, this dish is both nourishing and satisfying. Its easy preparation makes it perfect for weeknight dinners or meal prep. Enjoy every spoonful as it warms your soul during colder days! Don’t forget to customize it with your favorite herbs or spices to make it uniquely yours.

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Cozy Split Pea Soup Recipe for Chilly Nights

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• Author: platesdaily
• Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Yield: Serves 6

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Description

Warm up with a comforting bowl of split pea soup, filled with earthy flavors and nourishing ingredients that make every chilly night feel cozy.

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Ingredients

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• 1 cup split peas (green or yellow)
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 carrots, diced
• 2 stalks celery, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 cups low-sodium vegetable broth
• Salt and pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Rinse the split peas under cold water until the water runs clear.
2. In a large pot over medium heat, add olive oil and sauté onion, carrots, celery, and garlic until softened (about 5 minutes).
3. Add rinsed split peas to the pot.
4. Pour in the vegetable broth and stir well.
5. Bring to a rolling boil, then reduce heat to low and cover. Let it simmer for about an hour until the peas are tender.
6. Check the soup's consistency; if too thick, add more broth or water as needed.
7. Serve warm alongside crusty bread.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 60 minutes
• Category: Soup
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
• Calories: 210
• Sugar: 4g
• Sodium: 380mg
• Fat: 5g
• Saturated Fat: 0.5g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 36g
• Fiber: 12g
• Protein: 10g
• Cholesterol: 0mg