Creamy Ham and Pea

Creamy Ham and Pea Recipe from Malta - Delicious and Easy to Make

Region / culture: Malta | Preparation time: 10 minutes | Cooking time: 20 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

Creamy Ham and Pea soup is a delicious and comforting dish that is perfect for a cozy night in. This recipe combines the rich flavors of ham and peas with a creamy white wine sauce, creating a dish that is both hearty and satisfying.

History

Creamy Ham and Pea soup has been a popular dish in European cuisine for centuries. The combination of ham and peas has long been a classic pairing, and the addition of a creamy sauce only enhances the flavors of the dish. This recipe has been passed down through generations and continues to be a favorite among food lovers around the world.

Ingredients

30 g (1 oz) of butter
1 shallot, chopped
1 tbsp of flour
570 ml (1 pt) of medium dry white wine
280 ml (0.5 pt) of double cream
110 g (4 oz) of thickly sliced ham, diced
230 g (8 oz) of peas
1 little lettuce, shredded
salt and pepper

Croutons

3 - 4 tbsp of olive oil
3 thick slices of white bread, crusts removed and cut into 2.5 centimeters (1 inch) cubes

How to prepare

Melt the butter until it starts to foam.
Add the shallot and cook until soft but not colored.
Remove the pan from the heat and stir in the flour.
Do not return the pan to the heat.
Add the wine very gradually, waiting until it has all been absorbed before adding more. Add the cream in the same way.
Return the pan to the heat and bring to a boil, stirring all the time.
Add the ham and peas, cover with a lid and simmer for 10 minutes.
Add the lettuce and remove the pan from the heat.

Croutons

Heat the oil in a pan and fry the cubes of bread until they are crisp and golden.
Drain on kitchen paper.
Season the soup, spoon into a bowl and sprinkle with croutons.

Variations

Add cooked potatoes or carrots for extra heartiness.
Use bacon instead of ham for a smokier flavor.
Substitute the peas with asparagus or spinach for a different twist.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to cook the shallots until they are soft but not colored to ensure a subtle flavor in the soup.

- Gradually adding the wine and cream to the sauce will help prevent lumps from forming.

- Simmering the ham and peas with the lid on will help the flavors meld together and create a rich and flavorful soup.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Creamy Ham and Pea soup with a side of crusty bread or a simple green salad for a complete meal.

Cooking Techniques

Be sure to stir the sauce constantly to prevent it from sticking to the pan.

- Simmer the soup with the lid on to allow the flavors to develop.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use vegetable broth instead of white wine for a non-alcoholic version.

- Substitute coconut cream for double cream for a dairy-free option.

Make Ahead Tips

Creamy Ham and Pea soup can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Simply reheat on the stove before serving.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish Creamy Ham and Pea soup with a sprinkle of fresh herbs, such as parsley or chives, for a pop of color.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair Creamy Ham and Pea soup with a crisp white wine, such as Sauvignon Blanc, for a perfect match.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover Creamy Ham and Pea soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stove over low heat until warmed through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Creamy Ham and Pea soup contains approximately 300 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Creamy Ham and Pea soup contains approximately 25 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Creamy Ham and Pea soup contains approximately 20 grams of fats.

Proteins

Each serving of Creamy Ham and Pea soup contains approximately 10 grams of proteins.

Vitamins and minerals

Creamy Ham and Pea soup is a good source of Vitamin A, Vitamin C, and Iron.

Alergens

This recipe contains dairy (cream) and gluten (flour in the croutons).

Summary

Creamy Ham and Pea soup is a balanced dish that provides a good mix of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins. It is also rich in vitamins and minerals, making it a nutritious choice for a meal.

Summary

Creamy Ham and Pea soup is a classic dish that is both comforting and delicious. With a rich and creamy sauce, tender ham, and sweet peas, this soup is sure to become a favorite in your household. Enjoy it on a chilly evening for a satisfying and warming meal.

How did I get this recipe?

I can still picture the first time I came across this recipe for Creamy Ham and Pea. It was a warm summer day, and I was visiting my dear friend Margaret in her cozy little cottage by the sea. Margaret was a wonderful cook, always experimenting with new recipes and flavors. As soon as I walked in the door, I was greeted by the most delicious aroma wafting from her kitchen.

"Come in, come in, dear!" Margaret called out, her warm smile lighting up her face. "I'm just finishing up a batch of Creamy Ham and Pea soup. Would you like to try some?"

I eagerly accepted her offer and settled down at the kitchen table as Margaret ladled out steaming bowls of the creamy soup. As soon as I took my first spoonful, I was hooked. The rich, velvety broth was infused with the smoky flavor of the ham, and the peas added a burst of freshness to each bite. It was comfort food at its finest.

"This is absolutely delicious, Margaret!" I exclaimed, savoring every spoonful. "I must have the recipe."

Margaret chuckled and handed me a worn, stained recipe card. "I'm glad you like it, dear. I got this recipe from my grandmother, who got it from her grandmother. It's been in our family for generations."

I eagerly copied down the recipe, making sure to note all of Margaret's special touches and tips. As I left her cottage that day, I couldn't wait to recreate the Creamy Ham and Pea soup in my own kitchen.

Over the years, I made the recipe countless times, tweaking it here and there to suit my own tastes. Sometimes I would add a splash of cream for extra richness, or a pinch of nutmeg for a hint of warmth. Each time I made the soup, it brought back memories of that sunny day at Margaret's cottage, and the bond we shared over our love of cooking.

As I grew older, I found myself passing the recipe on to my own grandchildren, just as Margaret had done for me. They would gather around the kitchen table, eager to learn the secrets of the Creamy Ham and Pea soup that had been a staple in our family for generations. I would watch with pride as they chopped vegetables, stirred pots, and tasted the soup with wide eyes and smiles of approval.

One day, my eldest granddaughter, Lily, approached me with a twinkle in her eye. "Grandma, I have an idea," she said. "Why don't we host a soup-making party with all of our friends? We can share the recipe for Creamy Ham and Pea and teach them how to make it just like you taught me."

I was delighted by Lily's suggestion and wasted no time in planning the party. We gathered all of our friends and family in the kitchen, each armed with a pot, a spoon, and a copy of the cherished recipe. As we chopped, sautéed, and stirred, laughter filled the air, and the familiar aroma of the Creamy Ham and Pea soup lingered around us like an old friend.

Once the soup was ready, we all sat down at the table, passing around bowls of steaming goodness and sharing stories of our own culinary adventures. As we savored each spoonful, I couldn't help but feel a sense of gratitude for the simple joys of good food and good company.

As the years went by, the tradition of the Creamy Ham and Pea soup-making party continued, with new faces joining in and old friends returning year after year. The recipe became a symbol of love, friendship, and the enduring power of food to bring people together.

And so, as I sit here now, stirring a pot of Creamy Ham and Pea soup on a chilly winter day, I am reminded of the journey that brought me to this moment. From Margaret's cozy cottage by the sea to my own bustling kitchen filled with laughter and love, the recipe for Creamy Ham and Pea has woven its way into the fabric of my life, a reminder of the joy that comes from sharing good food with those we hold dear.