French Green Split Pea Soup
A hearty, comforting green split pea soup enriched with leftover ham, ideal for cozy gatherings and those who enjoy rich, smoky flavors in a thick stew-like dish.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Remove ham and bone from the ham liquid.
- Skim fat from the ham liquid when cold.
- Heat approximately 3 1/2 quarts of ham liquid and add green split peas.
- Bring to a boil, then simmer.
- Add the cubed vegetables (onion, potatoes, carrots) and simmer for approximately 3 hours.
- Remove ham from the bone, cube it, and add to the soup.
- Cook until vegetables are tender and the soup has thickened to a stew-like consistency.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding a bay leaf or thyme while simmering. If you don't have ham liquid, chicken or vegetable broth can serve as a substitute. You can also add other vegetables such as celery or leeks for extra depth. To save time, use pre-cooked ham or diced ham from the deli. This soup is reminiscent of hearty American recipes that utilize leftover meats effectively.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the soup hot, garnished with fresh herbs like parsley or chives for a pop of color. A crusty bread or cornbread pairs wonderfully with this dish, making it a comforting meal. For a complete dinner, consider serving it alongside a simple green salad or a side of roasted vegetables to balance the richness of the soup.
Storage & Reheating
Allow the soup to cool completely before transferring it to airtight containers. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or frozen for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply warm it on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth if it has thickened too much. Stir occasionally to ensure even heating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of French Green Split Pea Soup contains roughly 393 calories, with 18g protein, 73g carbohydrates, and 5g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (143% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (82% of the Daily Value), and protein (36% of the Daily Value). At about 393 calories per serving, it is a lighter, protein-rich choice.
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use dried split peas instead of green split peas?
Yes, you can use dried split peas in this recipe. Just ensure that they are soaked overnight to soften them before cooking. This will help them cook evenly and reduce the overall cooking time.
How can I make this soup vegetarian?
To make a vegetarian version of this soup, omit the ham and use vegetable broth instead of ham liquid. You can add smoked paprika to impart a smoky flavor, and include more vegetables like mushrooms or zucchini for added texture.
Can I add other meats or proteins to the soup?
Absolutely! You can add diced sausage, bacon, or even shredded chicken for additional protein. Just cook the meat beforehand and add it along with the cubed vegetables to ensure everything cooks evenly.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).