Hairy Bikers Pea And Ham Soup Recipe

This Hairy Bikers Pea and Ham Soup Recipe is a hearty and meaty dish, which includes smoked ham hock and green split peas. It’s the ultimate comfort food recipe, ready in about 2 hours 45 minutes.

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Hairy Bikers Pea And Ham Soup Recipe Ingredients

• 1kg smoked ham hock
• 500g dried green split peas, soaked overnight
• 2 large onions, chopped
• 3 medium carrots, chopped
• 3 celery sticks, chopped
• 2 bay leaves
• 2 litres cold water or chicken stock
• Fresh parsley, chopped
• Salt and pepper

How To Make Hairy Bikers Pea And Ham Soup Recipe

1. Prep the ham hock: Place the smoked ham hock in a large pot. Cover with water, bring to a boil, then discard the water to remove excess salt.
2. Simmer the soup: Return the ham hock to the pot. Add soaked peas, chopped onions, carrots, celery, bay leaves, and 2 litres of fresh water or stock. Simmer gently for 2 to 2.5 hours until the meat is tender.
3. Shred the ham: Remove the ham hock and let it cool slightly. Shred the meat, discarding the skin and bones.
4. Blend the soup: Take out the bay leaves. Blend the soup using an immersion blender until smooth.
5. Finish and serve: Return the shredded ham to the soup. Stir in chopped parsley and season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot.

Recipe Tips

• Do I have to soak the split peas? Yes, soaking overnight helps them cook faster and more evenly.
• Can I use a gammon joint instead? Yes, but reduce the salt in the recipe since gammon can be salty.
• What if I don’t want to blend it? You can leave it chunky for a rustic texture.
• How to make it smokier: Use smoked ham hock or add a little smoked paprika.
• Can I freeze it? Yes, this soup freezes very well.

What To Serve With Pea And Ham Soup

This thick soup pairs well with simple sides:

• Crusty bread or rolls
• Cheese toasties
• Buttered rye bread
• Pickled onions
• A green salad

How To Store Pea And Ham Soup

Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Reheat on the stove or in the microwave.

Freeze: Cool completely, then freeze in portions for up to 3 months. Thaw and reheat thoroughly.

Pea And Ham Soup Nutrition Facts

• Calories: 450 kcal
• Total Fat: 15g
• Saturated Fat: 5g
• Cholesterol: 70mg
• Sodium: 950mg
• Total Carbohydrate: 40g
• Dietary Fiber: 15g
• Sugars: 8g
• Protein: 35g

Nutrition information is estimated and may vary based on ingredients and cooking methods used.

FAQs

Can I use yellow split peas instead of green?
Yes, the taste will be slightly different but still delicious.

What if my soup is too thick?
Add more stock or water until you reach your desired consistency.

Can I make this in a slow cooker?
Yes, cook on low for 6-8 hours or until the ham is tender.

Do I need to add cream?
No, this soup is creamy from the blended peas, no cream needed.

Can I make it vegetarian?
Yes, skip the ham and use vegetable stock, but the flavor will be different.

Try More Recipes:

• Hairy Bikers Kedgeree Recipe
• Hairy Bikers Rhubarb Chutney Recipe
• Hairy Bikers Pilau Rice Recipe