Canadian Split Pea Soup With Ham

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Introduction

Canadian Split Pea Soup with Ham is a hearty and comforting dish with a rich history. Originating from the necessity of using inexpensive and readily available ingredients, it has become a beloved staple in Canadian cuisine, particularly during colder months. The combination of dried split peas and smoked ham creates a flavorful and satisfying soup, perfect for a cozy meal. It is commonly cooked due to its simplicity, nutritional value, and ability to feed a crowd on a budget.

Ingredients

The key to an excellent Canadian Split Pea Soup with Ham lies in the quality of the ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:

• Dried Split Peas: 1 pound, either green or yellow. Green split peas are more common, but yellow offer a slightly sweeter flavor.
• Smoked Ham Hock or Ham Bone: 1 large hock or bone. This adds depth and smoky flavor to the soup. Smoked ham hocks are traditionally used. Alternatively, use 1-2 cups of diced cooked ham if a ham hock isn’t available.
• Water or Chicken Broth: 8-10 cups. Broth adds extra flavor, but water works just fine.
• Onion: 1 large, chopped.
• Carrots: 2 medium, chopped.
• Celery: 2 stalks, chopped.
• Garlic: 2-3 cloves, minced.
• Bay Leaf: 1-2.
• Dried Thyme: 1 teaspoon.
• Salt and Black Pepper: To taste. Be mindful of salt, as the ham hock can be quite salty.
• Optional additions: Potatoes (diced), parsnips (diced), or a splash of cider vinegar at the end for brightness.

Preparation Steps

Proper preparation is crucial for the best flavor and texture.

• Rinse the Split Peas: Place the split peas in a colander and rinse thoroughly under cold water. This removes any debris and helps prevent foaming during cooking.
• Soaking (Optional): Soaking the split peas for a few hours (or overnight) can shorten the cooking time. However, it is not essential. If soaking, discard the soaking water before cooking.
• Prepare the Vegetables: Chop the onion, carrots, and celery into small, uniform pieces. Mince the garlic. This ensures even cooking and a consistent texture in the soup.
• Debone Ham (If Applicable): If using leftover cooked ham, remove any bone and dice the ham into small pieces.

Cooking Instructions

Follow these step-by-step instructions to create a delicious Canadian Split Pea Soup with Ham:

1. Combine Ingredients: In a large pot or Dutch oven, combine the rinsed split peas, ham hock (or diced ham), water or broth, chopped onion, carrots, celery, minced garlic, bay leaf, and dried thyme.
2. Bring to a Boil: Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and simmer.
3. Simmer: Simmer for 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the split peas are completely tender and have broken down, creating a thick and creamy soup. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. The exact cooking time will depend on the age and variety of the split peas.
4. Remove Ham Hock (if using): If using a ham hock, remove it from the pot. Let it cool slightly, then shred the meat from the bone. Discard the bone and any excess fat or skin. Return the shredded ham to the soup.
5. Season to Taste: Season the soup with salt and black pepper to taste. Be cautious with the salt, as the ham can be quite salty. Start with a small amount and add more as needed.
6. Adjust Consistency (Optional): If the soup is too thick, add more water or broth to reach your desired consistency. If it is too thin, simmer uncovered for a while longer to allow some of the liquid to evaporate.
7. Final Simmer: Simmer for another 15-20 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.

Serving Suggestions

Canadian Split Pea Soup with Ham is a complete meal in itself, but here are some serving suggestions:

• Bread: Serve with crusty bread, such as sourdough or a baguette, for dipping.
• Crackers: Oyster crackers or saltines are a classic accompaniment.
• Sandwiches: A grilled cheese sandwich or a simple ham and cheese sandwich pairs well with the soup.
• Garnish: Garnish with a dollop of sour cream or plain yogurt, a sprinkle of fresh parsley, or a drizzle of olive oil.
• Side Salad: A simple green salad provides a refreshing contrast to the richness of the soup.

Tips and Common Mistakes

Here are some tips to enhance your Canadian Split Pea Soup with Ham:

• Don’t Over-Salt: Ham hocks can be very salty, so taste the soup before adding any extra salt.
• Stir Regularly: Stir the soup occasionally, especially during the last hour of cooking, to prevent it from sticking to the bottom of the pot.
• Adjust Liquid: Add more liquid if the soup becomes too thick.
• Avoid Overcooking: Overcooking can make the split peas mushy. Cook until they are tender but still slightly retain their shape.
• Use Fresh Herbs: Fresh thyme or parsley added at the end of cooking can brighten the flavor.
• Bone-In Ham Adds Flavor: Using a ham hock or ham bone is key to achieving that authentic smoky flavor.
• Consider a Hand Blender: For an ultra-smooth soup, use an immersion blender to partially blend the soup before serving. This creates a creamy texture while still leaving some chunks of ham and vegetables.

Explore More Cooking Guides

Canadian Split Pea Soup with Ham is more than just a recipe; it’s a taste of Canadian heritage, a comforting bowl of warmth, and a testament to simple, flavorful cooking. Its combination of affordability, ease of preparation, and rich taste makes it a fantastic addition to any home cook’s repertoire. Feel free to adapt the recipe to your preferences, adding different vegetables or spices to create your own unique variation. Ready to bring this delightful dish to your table? Try it at home and discover the joy of cooking classic comfort food! For more exciting culinary adventures and comprehensive cooking guides, visit foodrecipestory.com.