Easy Homemade Pea and Ham Soup Recipe: Cozy Comfort in a Bowl

Crafting a hearty pea and ham soup brings warmth to chilly evenings with minimal effort.

Memories of grandma’s kitchen flood back through this classic comfort dish.

Smoky ham chunks mingle with tender green peas, creating a robust flavor profile.

Legumes packed with protein promise a satisfying meal that nourishes both body and soul.

Rich broth simmers slowly, infusing every spoonful with deep, comforting notes.

Simple ingredients come together in a culinary dance that celebrates rustic cooking traditions.

You’ll want to ladle this soul-warming soup into bowls and savor each delicious bite.

Nigella Pea And Ham Soup Ingredients

• Peas: Dried green peas provide the hearty base and creamy texture of the soup.
• Ham Bone: Adds rich, smoky flavor and depth to the soup's overall taste profile.

• Onion, Carrot, Celery: These classic soup vegetables contribute a foundation of savory and sweet undertones.
• Bay Leaves: Provide a subtle herbal note that enhances the soup's complex flavor.

• Parsley, Chopped Ham: Fresh parsley offers a bright garnish, while additional chopped ham provides extra protein and texture contrast.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings that balance and elevate the soup's natural flavors.
• Water: The primary liquid for cooking and creating the soup's consistency.

How To Make Nigella Pea And Ham Soup Easily

Step 1: Prepare Dried Peas

Wash dried split peas thoroughly under cool running water. Place peas in a large pot and cover with fresh water. Bring to a rolling boil and carefully skim off any white foam that forms on the surface to ensure a clear, clean-tasting soup.

Step 2: Build Flavor Foundation

• Chopped onions
• Diced carrots
• Celery stalks
• Ham bone or ham hock
• Bay leaves

Let the soup simmer gently for about 40 minutes, allowing the ingredients to meld and create a rich, deep flavor profile.

Step 3: Create Smooth Texture

Remove the ham bone and bay leaves from the pot. Using an immersion blender or standard blender, puree the soup until it reaches your desired consistency – from slightly chunky to silky smooth.

Step 4: Final Seasoning

Warm the soup over low heat. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and black pepper. The ham bone typically adds enough saltiness, so season carefully.

Step 5: Garnish And Serve

• Finely chopped cooked ham
• Fresh chopped parsley

Serve immediately while piping hot, offering a comforting and hearty meal perfect for chilly days.

Helpful Tips For Nigella Pea And Ham Soup

• Prevent Foam Buildup: Skim off white foam during initial boiling to ensure a clearer, smoother soup texture.
• Choose Perfect Ham Bone: Select a meaty ham bone with good marrow for richer, deeper flavor profile.
• Blend with Care: Control soup consistency by blending partially or fully depending on your texture preference.
• Boost Nutrition Hack: Add extra vegetables like carrots or celery for increased nutritional value and complexity.
• Freeze for Later: Store soup in airtight containers for up to 3 months, making meal prep easier and convenient.

Tasty Twists For Nigella Pea And Ham Soup

• Vegetarian Pea Soup: Replace ham bone with smoked paprika and vegetable stock for a plant-based version. Add roasted garlic for depth of flavor.
• Gluten-Free Comfort: Ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free. Use gluten-free ham or bacon as a protein option.
• Slow Cooker Method: Transfer ingredients to slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours instead of stovetop simmering. Perfect for hands-off preparation.
• Spicy Green Soup: Add red chili flakes or diced jalapeños for heat. Include diced green chilies for extra kick and complexity.

Perfect Pairings With Nigella Pea And Ham Soup

• Pair with Crusty Sourdough: Slice thick, rustic sourdough bread to complement the soup's hearty texture and soak up every delicious spoonful.
• Match with Crisp Chardonnay: Select a medium-bodied Chardonnay with subtle oak notes to balance the soup's rich, smoky ham flavor.
• Serve alongside Tangy Coleslaw: Create a fresh, crunchy side dish with shredded cabbage and a light vinegar dressing to cut through the soup's creamy consistency.
• Complement with Aged Riesling: Choose a slightly dry Riesling with bright acidity to enhance the soup's savory undertones and provide a refreshing contrast.

How To Store Nigella Pea And Ham Soup Safely

• Store soup in an airtight container for up to 4 days in the refrigerator. Cool completely before sealing to prevent bacterial growth.
• Pour cooled soup into freezer-safe containers, leaving space for expansion. Freeze for up to 3 months. Label with date and contents.
• Transfer desired portion to microwave-safe bowl. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each to ensure even warming. Check temperature before serving.
• Pour soup into saucepan. Warm over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. Add splash of water or broth if soup seems too thick. Heat until steaming and thoroughly warm.

FAQ Section For Nigella Pea And Ham Soup

• Can I use dried peas instead of fresh ones?

Yes, soak dried peas overnight before cooking to ensure they soften properly and cook evenly in the soup.

• Is it necessary to use a ham bone for flavor?

While a ham bone adds rich depth, you can substitute with diced ham or ham hock for similar savory results.

• How smooth should I blend the soup?

Blend to your preference – some like a completely smooth texture, while others enjoy a slightly chunky consistency with some pea pieces remaining.

• Can I make this soup vegetarian?

Replace the ham bone with smoked paprika or liquid smoke to maintain a similar depth of flavor, and use vegetable stock instead of meat-based stock.

Why Nigella Pea And Ham Soup Is A Cozy Classic

• Simplify Cooking: Minimal ingredients and straightforward steps make this soup a breeze to prepare for home cooks of all skill levels.
• Comfort in a Bowl: Hearty and warming, this classic soup delivers rich flavors that remind you of home-cooked meals and family gatherings.
• Budget-Friendly Meal: Using affordable ingredients like dried peas and a ham bone transforms humble components into a delicious, nutritious dish that stretches your grocery budget.
• Versatile Nutrition: Packed with protein from ham and fiber from peas, this soup provides a balanced meal that keeps you satisfied and supports healthy eating goals.

Pea And Ham Soup Recipe

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4.7 from 13 reviews

• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Hearty pea and ham soup delivers comfort straight from traditional British kitchens, blending smoky ham hock with creamy green peas. Warm spoonfuls promise rich flavor and nostalgic comfort that connects you to classic home cooking.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 200 grams (7 ounces) yellow or green split peas
• 1 ham bone
• 1 liter (4.2 cups) water

Vegetables:

• 1 carrot, chopped
• 1 onion, chopped
• 1/2 leek, chopped

Seasonings and Garnish:

• 2 bay leaves
• Salt
• Pepper
• Fresh parsley (for serving)

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Instructions

1. Thoroughly wash dried peas under cold running water to remove any debris or impurities.
2. Transfer peas to a large pot, cover with water, and bring to a rolling boil over high heat, carefully skimming off any white foam that accumulates on the surface.
3. Introduce diced vegetables, ham bone, and aromatic bay leaves to the pot, reducing heat to create a gentle simmer for approximately 40 minutes until peas become tender and flavors meld together.
4. Carefully extract bay leaves and ham bone from the soup, discarding the leaves and setting aside the bone.
5. Use an immersion blender or standard blender to puree the soup, adjusting the consistency to your preferred smoothness – from slightly chunky to completely smooth.
6. Return the pureed soup to low heat, warming gently and seasoning with salt and pepper to enhance the robust flavors.
7. Shred or chop reserved ham meat from the bone and sprinkle over the soup’s surface.
8. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a vibrant touch of color and added freshness.
9. Serve steaming hot in deep bowls, accompanied by crusty bread for a comforting meal.

Notes

• Soak dried peas overnight to reduce cooking time and improve digestibility.
• Choose a meaty ham bone for richer, deeper flavor profile in the soup.
• Use an immersion blender for smoother texture control without transferring hot liquid.
• Consider removing ham from bone before blending for more consistent meat distribution throughout soup.
• Adjust liquid consistency by adding water or stock if soup becomes too thick during simmering.
• Swap ham bone with smoked turkey leg for a lighter protein option or create a vegetarian version using vegetable stock and omitting meat.
• Fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary can enhance the overall taste complexity of the soup.
• Store leftovers in airtight container for up to 4 days, flavors will continue to develop and intensify.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: British

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 153 kcal
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 450 mg
• Fat: 2 g
• Saturated Fat: 0.5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 1 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 27 g
• Fiber: 9 g
• Protein: 14 g
• Cholesterol: 15 mg