Smoked Picnic And Oven Pea Soup
A hearty smoked pork and green pea soup with smoky, savory flavors, perfect for comforting meals and suitable for family dinners or gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a deep roaster, combine all ingredients except the picnic ham.
- Do not add salt.
- Top with the picnic ham, cover, and place in a cold oven.
- Bake at 300°F for 3 to 4 hours or until peas are very tender and mushy.
- Lift the meat from the soup.
- Slice the meat and serve hot or cool.
- Refrigerate for future use.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding a splash of apple cider vinegar or a dash of hot sauce to the soup before serving. If you don't have a smoked picnic ham, you can substitute with any smoked pork or even a smoked sausage for a similar taste. Adjust the thyme and pepper to your preference; these herbs can enhance the depth of flavor significantly.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the soup hot, garnished with fresh herbs or croutons for added texture. This dish pairs beautifully with a simple Caesar Potato Salad on the side or crusty bread for dipping. For a heartier meal, consider serving with Pork And Cheese Balls as an additional protein option.
Storage & Reheating
To store leftovers, let the soup cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months. When reheating, add a bit of water to loosen the soup if it has thickened, and heat on the stovetop over medium heat until warmed through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Smoked Picnic And Oven Pea Soup contains roughly 467 calories, with 20g protein, 106g carbohydrates, and 10g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (172% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (154% of the Daily Value), and vitamin C (106% of the Daily Value). It also contributes 43g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
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 peas instead of split green peas?
Yes, you can use dried peas, but they will need to be soaked overnight before cooking. This will help them cook evenly and become tender. Adjust the water quantity as needed based on the type of peas you use.
How can I make this recipe vegetarian?
To make a vegetarian version of this soup, omit the smoked pork and replace it with a vegetable broth for added flavor. You can also add smoked paprika to mimic the smokiness that the ham provides, and include legumes like lentils for protein.
What can I do with leftover smoked ham?
Leftover smoked ham can be used in various dishes! Consider incorporating it into omelets, salads, or as a topping on pizzas. You can also make a hearty Rocky Mountain Baked Beans dish, or simply enjoy it sliced on a sandwich.
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).