Split Pea Soup with Ham

Ingredients and Weight:

• 1 pound dried split peas, picked over and rinsed
• 1/2 cup diced yellow onion (1 small onion)
• 1/2 cup diced celery (2 ribs)
• 1/2 cup diced carrots (2 medium carrots)
• 1/4 cup finely diced ham (4-5 ounces)
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 4 cups water
• 2 bay leaves
• 1/4 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• Salt to taste

Preparation Time:

15 minutes

Cooking Time:

1 hour, 15 minutes

Difficulty Level:

2 (Simple)

Preparation Method Steps:

1. In a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat, sauté the onion, celery, carrots, and ham for 5 minutes until softened.
2. Add the split peas, chicken broth, water, bay leaves, thyme, and black pepper. Bring to a boil.
3. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 1 hour, or until the split peas are tender.
4. Remove the bay leaves. Use an immersion blender or puree the soup in batches in a regular blender until smooth.
5. Season with salt to taste.

Nutritional Information:

(Per serving) * Calories: 250 * Fat: 5g (Saturated 1g) * Cholesterol: 15mg * Sodium: 600mg * Carbohydrates: 40g (Fiber 10g) * Protein: 15g

Dish Characteristics:

• Creamy, hearty, and flavorful
• Satisfying and comforting
• Perfect for a cold winter day
• Pairs well with crusty bread or crackers

User Comments:

• "This soup was absolutely delicious! It was so thick and flavorful."
• "I love the combination of split peas and ham. It's a classic soup that never disappoints."
• "This soup is easy to make and perfect for a large gathering."
• "I made this soup a few days ahead of time and it was even better after the flavors had melded."
• "This soup is a must-try for anyone who loves split pea soup."

Special Precautions and Tips:

• If you don't have an immersion blender, you can let the soup cool slightly before transferring it to a regular blender. Be sure to hold a lid or towel over the blender to prevent splattering.
• You can substitute vegetable broth for chicken broth if you prefer.
• Add more ham to the soup if you want a more pronounced ham flavor.
• Serve with a dollop of sour cream or garnish with chopped parsley for a finishing touch.