Rustic Ham Hock and Split Pea Soup Recipe

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
Total Time: 2 hours

This Rustic Ham Hock and Split Pea Soup is a hearty and satisfying dish, perfect for chilly days. Made with tender split peas, flavorful ham hock, and aromatic vegetables, it embodies the essence of comfort food.

The recipe is simple and utilizes basic cooking techniques, making it accessible for home cooks. It’s a great way to enjoy a filling soup that can be customized with additional herbs or spices.

Hearty Ham Hock and Split Pea Soup Recipe

This soup features split peas simmered with a smoked ham hock, carrots, celery, and onions, creating a rich and flavorful broth. The recipe takes about 2 hours from start to finish and serves 6 people.

Ingredients

1 ham hock
1 cup dried split peas, rinsed and drained
1 medium onion, chopped
2 carrots, diced
2 celery stalks, diced
4 cloves garlic, minced
6 cups chicken or vegetable broth
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 bay leaf
Salt and pepper to taste
Chopped fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

Instructions

Prepare the Ingredients: Rinse the split peas under cold water and chop the vegetables.
Sauté Aromatics: In a large pot, add a little oil and sauté the chopped onion, carrots, and celery over medium heat until softened (about 5-7 minutes).
Add Garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
Combine Ingredients: Add the ham hock, split peas, broth, thyme, and bay leaf to the pot. Bring to a boil.
Simmer: Reduce the heat to low and cover the pot. Let it simmer for about 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the split peas are tender and the ham is falling off the bone.
Shred Ham: Remove the ham hock, shred the meat, and return it to the pot. Discard the bone and bay leaf.
Season: Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley if desired.