Split Pea Soup with Ham or Bacon and Carrots

French Split Pea Soup with Ham or Bacon and Carrots Recipe

Region / culture: France | Servings: - 6

Introduction

Split pea soup with ham or bacon and carrots is a hearty and comforting dish that is perfect for a cold winter day. This recipe combines the earthy flavor of split peas with the savory goodness of ham or bacon and the sweetness of carrots. It is a simple and satisfying dish that is sure to warm you up from the inside out.

History

Split pea soup has been a popular dish for centuries, with variations of the recipe appearing in many different cultures around the world. The addition of ham or bacon and carrots is a classic twist on the traditional split pea soup recipe, adding depth of flavor and texture to the dish.

Ingredients

0.5 cup minced ham (preferably prosciutto or other dry-cured ham) or minced bacon
2 tbsp olive oil
1 medium onion, minced
2 cup green split peas, washed and picked over
0.5 cup rice or 1 medium potato, peeled and quartered
6 cup chicken, beef, or vegetable stock, or water, plus more if necessary
3 or 4 carrots, peeled and cut into 1 inch sections
salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
croutons

How to prepare

Begin by cooking ham, prosciutto, or bacon in olive oil until it becomes fairly crisp.
Remove the meat and set it aside.
Cook 1 medium minced onion in the remaining fat in the pan until it softens.
In a large, deep saucepan or casserole, combine the peas and the stock or water and bring it to a boil over medium-high heat.
Once the mixture boils, reduce the heat to low and add the carrots. Cover partially and cook, stirring occasionally, until the peas become very soft, which should take about 45 minutes to 1 hour. Set the carrots aside.
Add the carrots to the mixture and mash it using a fork, potato masher, food mill, strainer, or carefully puree it in a blender. (You can prepare the soup in advance up to this point. Cover it, refrigerate for up to 2 days, and reheat before proceeding).
Reheat the soup, adding more stock or water if necessary to achieve your desired consistency.
Season to taste and serve with ham or bacon and croutons.

Variations

You can add other vegetables such as celery, leeks, or potatoes to the soup for added flavor and texture.
For a vegetarian version, omit the ham or bacon and use vegetable stock instead of chicken stock.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to wash and pick over the split peas before cooking to remove any debris.

- Cooking the ham, prosciutto, or bacon until it is fairly crisp will help to enhance the flavor of the soup.

- Mash the peas and carrots to your desired consistency, either using a fork, potato masher, food mill, strainer, or blender.

- You can prepare the soup in advance and refrigerate it for up to 2 days before reheating and serving.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the split pea soup with ham or bacon and carrots with a side of crusty bread or a simple green salad for a complete meal.

Cooking Techniques

Cooking the ham, prosciutto, or bacon until it is fairly crisp will help to enhance the flavor of the soup.

- Mash the peas and carrots to your desired consistency for a smooth or chunky soup.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can use ham, prosciutto, or bacon in this recipe, depending on your preference.

- Feel free to use vegetable stock instead of chicken stock for a vegetarian version of the soup.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the soup in advance up to the point of mashing the peas and carrots. Refrigerate for up to 2 days and reheat before serving.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish the split pea soup with ham or bacon and carrots with a sprinkle of fresh herbs, a dollop of sour cream, or a drizzle of olive oil for a beautiful presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

This soup pairs well with a crisp green salad, a side of crusty bread, or a glass of white wine.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave before serving.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

250 per serving

Carbohydrates

30g per serving

Fats

8g per serving

Proteins

12g per serving

Vitamins and minerals

This soup is a good source of vitamin A, vitamin C, iron, and potassium.

Alergens

This recipe contains pork (ham, bacon) and gluten (croutons).

Summary

This split pea soup with ham or bacon and carrots is a nutritious and balanced meal that is rich in protein, fiber, and essential vitamins and minerals.

Summary

Split pea soup with ham or bacon and carrots is a classic and comforting dish that is perfect for a cold winter day. This recipe is simple to make and full of flavor, making it a great option for a cozy meal at home. Enjoy this hearty soup with a side of crusty bread or a simple green salad for a complete and satisfying meal.

How did I get this recipe?

The moment I discovered this recipe is a cherished memory that has stayed with me throughout the years. It was a cold winter day, much like today, when I stumbled upon it in an old cookbook that belonged to my mother. The pages were yellowed and worn, but the recipe for Split Pea Soup with Ham or Bacon and Carrots caught my eye.

I remember the smell of the soup simmering on the stove, filling the house with a warm, comforting aroma. The ingredients were simple - dried split peas, a ham bone or bacon, carrots, onions, and some basic seasonings. But when combined together, they created a delicious and hearty soup that warmed the soul.

I had always loved cooking, ever since I was a young girl watching my mother and grandmother in the kitchen. They taught me the importance of using fresh ingredients and taking the time to prepare a meal with love and care. So, when I found this recipe, I knew I had to give it a try.

I gathered the ingredients and got to work, chopping the onions and carrots, rinsing the split peas, and adding everything to a large pot with some water. I let it simmer for hours, stirring occasionally and adding more water as needed. The soup slowly thickened and the flavors melded together, creating a rich and savory broth.

As the soup cooked, I couldn't help but think back to all the meals I had shared with my family over the years. From holiday feasts to simple Sunday dinners, food had always been a way for us to come together and connect. And now, as the aroma of the Split Pea Soup with Ham or Bacon and Carrots filled the kitchen, I felt a sense of nostalgia and warmth that brought tears to my eyes.

When the soup was finally ready, I ladled it into bowls and garnished it with a sprinkle of fresh parsley. I brought a steaming bowl to the table and sat down to enjoy it with my family. As we savored each spoonful, the memories of the past mingled with the present, creating a sense of peace and contentment that can only be found in a homemade meal made with love.

From that day on, Split Pea Soup with Ham or Bacon and Carrots became a staple in our household. I made it for special occasions and simple weeknight dinners, always sharing the recipe with anyone who asked. And as the years passed, the soup became more than just a dish - it became a symbol of love, tradition, and the joy of cooking.

Now, as I share this recipe with you, my dear grandchild, I hope that you will make it your own and pass it down to future generations. May it bring you as much comfort and happiness as it has brought me, and may it always remind you of the power of food to nourish both body and soul.