Split Pea Soup with Homemade Ham Bone Stock

Ingredients and Weight:

• 1 pound dried split peas, picked over and rinsed
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
• 2 carrots, peeled and chopped
• 2 celery stalks, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 bay leaf
• 4 cups homemade ham bone stock or chicken broth
• 4 cups water
• 1 cup cooked diced ham
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• Optional: 1/2 cup sour cream or plain Greek yogurt for serving

Preparation Time:

15 minutes

Cooking Time:

1 hour 30 minutes

Difficulty Level:

3 (Moderate)

Preparation Method Steps:

1. In a large saucepan or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
2. Add the onion, carrots, celery, and garlic to the pan and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
3. Stir in the split peas, bay leaf, ham bone stock, and water. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer, partially covered, for 1 hour or until the peas are tender.
4. Remove the bay leaf. Use an immersion blender or transfer the soup to a regular blender and puree until smooth.
5. Stir in the cooked ham. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
6. Serve warm, garnished with sour cream or plain Greek yogurt if desired.

Nutritional Information:

(Per serving)

• Calories: 250
• Fat: 5g
• Protein: 15g
• Carbohydrates: 35g
• Fiber: 10g

Dish Characteristics:

• Creamy and velvety texture
• Rich and satisfying ham flavor
• Healthy and nutritious, high in protein and fiber

User Comments:

• "This soup is absolutely delicious! The ham bone stock gives it an incredible depth of flavor."
• "It's so comforting and cozy, perfect for a cold winter night."
• "I love that it's both indulgent and healthy. I feel good about eating it."
• "The sweetness of the carrots and the saltiness of the ham balance each other perfectly."
• "I can't believe how easy it was to make. It tastes like a restaurant-quality dish."

Special Precautions and Tips:

• If you don't have homemade ham bone stock, you can substitute chicken broth.
• To make the soup thicker, cook it down for longer or add some cooked instant mashed potatoes.
• For a lighter soup, use fat-free stock and skip the sour cream or yogurt for serving.
• Let the soup cool slightly before blending to prevent splattering.