Ham and pea soup is a classic that everyone can make at home. It takes a little while to make but it’s well worth the wait, especially on a cold winter’s day when you need a bowl of something warm and comforting.
Ham hock is nice and salty which adds a nice meaty flavour as well as some texture to this smooth soup. You can serve it up as a starter at a dinner party or even as a main when you’re after something filling and comforting. Dish it up with some freshly baked crusty bread for an added treat!
HOW TO MAKE HAM HOCK AND SPLIT PEA SOUP
Method
Place the ham and stock ingredients into a large saucepan. Cover with cold water, bring to the boil, then turn down and simmer very gently for 2 hours, skimming occasionally.
Remove the ham and cool. Strain and reserve the stock, discarding the veg and spices. In a separate pan, melt the butter and fry the onion and leek without colouring. Add the split peas and cover completely with the stock, around 2 litres. Bring to the boil, then turn down and simmer gently. Place a lid on the pan and cook for 45 minutes, until the peas are soft.
Whizz the soup in a blender and return to the pan. If it's too thick, add a little more stock or water. Shred the ham, discarding any fat and sinew. Stir through the soup, garnish with chopped parsley and serve.
Ingredients
- 1.3kg ham hock, preferably British
- 2 onions, quartered
- 1 stick celery, diced
- 1 carrot, chopped into chunks
- 1 bay leaf
- 6 peppercorns
- 15g butter
- 1 onion, diced
- 1 leek, diced
- 300g split peas, rinsed and drained
- handful parsley, chopped
-
Chocolate and hazelnut rouladeThis chocolate and hazelnut roulade comes with an optional Baileys Irish cream liqueur filling for an extra, festive twist
-
Baileys CheesecakeThis no-bake Baileys cheesecake is so easy to make and perfect for cream liqueur lovers, plus it takes just 40 minutes to prepare
-
Chocolate torte with Baileys cream and salted pralineServe this rich Chocolate torte with Baileys cream and salted praline for a festive dessert that makes a popular alternative to Christmas pudding
-
I've found the solution for easy, healthy soups this winter - and it's reduced by 35% on AmazonThe Tefal PerfectMix makes incredible soups and now it's reduced on Amazon in their Big Deal Day Sales. It's the perfect investment for the cosy season.
-
Princess Anne’s navy pea coat and scarf at the rugby are the perfect combination when being cold isn’t an optionThe Princess Royal never compromises on warmth in the winter and her rugby-watching ensemble was practical and classic
-
Helen Skelton's cosy rust-toned jumper and leggings are the casual everyday look that’s perfect for frosty JanuaryHelen Skelton's stylish orange knit and black leggings are the epitome of why cosy, comfortable items are what we want to wear right now
