Ingredients
Scale
- 2 cups dried split peas (green or yellow)
- 1 lb Halal-certified smoked ham (no pork), diced (or use chicken or turkey ham for a lighter option)
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 medium carrots, peeled and diced
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- 6 cups chicken broth (or vegetable broth for a vegetarian version)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- ½ teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- ½ teaspoon black pepper (adjust to taste)
- 1–2 tablespoons lemon juice (optional, for brightening the flavors)
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Ingredient Highlights for Split Pea Soup with Ham
- Split Peas: Split peas are packed with protein and fiber, making them a healthy and filling addition to any soup. They also break down during cooking to create a naturally thick, creamy texture without the need for cream or flour.
- Halal Ham: In this version, we use Halal-certified smoked ham (which is typically made from chicken, turkey, or beef), offering the same smoky flavor you’d expect from traditional ham without any pork products. It’s a great alternative for those who follow a Halal diet.
- Vegetables: Carrots, celery, and onions (the classic “mirepoix”) form the aromatic base of the soup, adding depth and sweetness to balance the savory flavors.
- Herbs and Spices: Thyme, bay leaves, and parsley are traditional seasonings for split pea soup, enhancing the savory and earthy flavors. Lemon juice can be added to brighten the soup and balance its richness.
Instructions
Prepare the Soup Base:
- Rinse the Split Peas: Begin by rinsing the split peas thoroughly under cold water to remove any dust or debris. Set them aside.
- Sauté the Vegetables: In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery, and sauté for 5-7 minutes, or until the vegetables begin to soften and the onion becomes translucent.
- Add Garlic: Add the minced garlic to the pot and sauté for another minute until fragrant.
Add the Liquids and Seasonings:
- Pour in the Broth: Add the chicken broth (or vegetable broth for a vegetarian version) to the pot, followed by the rinsed split peas.
- Season the Soup: Stir in the dried thyme, parsley, bay leaf, salt, and pepper. Bring the mixture to a boil over high heat.
Simmer and Cook:
- Add the Ham: Once the soup comes to a boil, reduce the heat to low and add the diced Halal ham. Stir to combine and allow the soup to simmer gently for 1 to 1.5 hours, or until the split peas have broken down and the soup has thickened. Stir occasionally to ensure the peas don’t stick to the bottom of the pot.
- Adjust Consistency: If the soup becomes too thick for your liking, feel free to add more broth or water to reach your desired consistency.
Final Touches:
- Taste and Adjust: Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with more salt, pepper, or thyme if needed. If desired, add 1-2 tablespoons of lemon juice to brighten the flavor.
- Serve: Once the soup is thick and the peas are tender, remove the bay leaf and discard it. Ladle the soup into bowls, garnish with fresh parsley if desired, and serve hot.
- Prep Time: 15minutes
- Cook Time: 1hour 30minutes
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 8
- Calories: 300
- Fat: 7g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 10g
- Protein: 20g