Main Dish Pea Soup
A hearty and comforting pea soup infused with smoky ham flavors, perfect for cold days and family gatherings, offering a rich, savory taste with vegetables and ham broth.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Simmer ham hocks for 2 hours and let stand.
- Remove hocks from broth.
- Let the broth cool slightly.
- Remove fat from the broth and meat from the bones.
- Use the prepared ham and broth as a base for the soup.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, you can sauté the diced celery, onion, and carrots in a bit of olive oil before adding them to the soup. If you don't have ham hocks, smoked sausage or even bacon can be used as a substitute. Remember to adjust the salt based on the saltiness of your broth. This pea soup pairs beautifully with classic American recipes.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the pea soup hot, garnished with fresh herbs like parsley or chives for added freshness. It pairs well with crusty bread or a simple salad. For a heartier meal, consider serving it alongside a side of Ham And Spaghetti Casserole. A sprinkle of croutons can also add a nice texture.
Storage & Reheating
To store leftovers, let the soup cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It can be refrigerated for up to 4 days or frozen for up to 3 months. When reheating, add a splash of water or broth to achieve your desired consistency, as the soup may thicken upon cooling.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Main Dish Pea Soup contains roughly 1848 calories, with 44g protein, 433g carbohydrates, and 26g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (489% of the Daily Value), vitamin A (333% of the Daily Value), and iron (222% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2702mg per serving (117% of the Daily Value).
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 make this soup vegetarian?
Yes, you can make a vegetarian version by omitting the ham hocks and using vegetable broth instead of ham broth. You may also want to add additional spices or smoked paprika to enhance the flavor.
How long can I simmer the soup?
You can simmer the soup for up to 2 hours, but if you prefer a thicker consistency, you may simmer it longer. Just keep an eye on the liquid level and add more broth or water as needed.
Can I use dried peas instead of split peas?
Dried peas can be used, but they will require soaking overnight and a longer cooking time to achieve the same texture as split peas. Split peas are already hulled and split, making them quicker to cook and easier to digest.
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).