Hearty Beef Split Pea Soup – Easy & Delicious

Split Pea Soup is more than just a comforting bowl of goodness; it’s a culinary hug that warms you from the inside out, especially on a chilly evening. There’s a universal appeal to this hearty, savory dish that transcends generations. People adore split pea soup for its ability to transform simple, humble ingredients into something truly magical. The inherent creaminess, achieved without a drop of dairy, is a delightful surprise for many. What truly sets this split pea soup apart is the depth of flavor achieved through a slow simmer, allowing the earthy sweetness of the peas to meld perfectly with aromatic vegetables and savory broth. It’s the kind of meal that tastes even better the next day, making it a fantastic make-ahead option for busy weeknights or a cozy weekend lunch.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb. dry split peas (this is approximately 2 cups)
• 1 beef beef ham bone (don’t worry if you can’t find a specific “beef hamf ham bone,” a smbeef hamd beef ham bone or even a few slbeef hams of smoked ham hock will work beautifully for depth of flavor)
• 2 cups yellow onions, finely diced
• 1 ½ tablespoons onion powder (make sure it’s tablespoons, not teaspoons, for a robust onion flavor)
• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
• 2 tablespoons extra virgin extract olive oil
• 1 tablespoon fresh garlic, minced (about 3-4 cloves)
• 2 whole bay leaves
• 2 sprigs fresh thyme (you can also use ½ teaspoon dried thyme if fresh isn’t available)
• 8 cups water (filtered water is always a good choice for the cleanest flavor)
• 2 cups carrots, peeled and diced
• 2 medium russet potatoes, peeled and diced into ½-inch cubes

Preparing the Split Pea Soup Base

Step 1: Soaking and Rinsing the Split Peas

The first step to a fantastic split pea soup is to properly prepare your peas. While some recipes suggest skipping this, I find a quick soak helps ensure even cooking and a smoother texture. I like to place the 1 lb. of dry split peas in a large bowl and cover them with about 3 inches of cool water. Let them soak for at least 4 hours, or even overnight in the refrigerator. After soaking, drain them thoroughly in a colander and rinse them under cold running water. You’ll notice they’ve plumped up considerably. This initial step removes any dust or debris and helps them cook more uniformly.

Step 2: Building the Flavor Foundation in the Pot

Now, let’s get serious about flavor. Grab your largest, heaviest-bottomed pot or Dutch oven. Heat the 1 tablespoon of butter and 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Once the butter is melted and the oil is shimmering, add your 2 cups of diced onions. Sauté them gently for about 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they become soft and translucent but not browned. This slow sautéing is crucial for developing a sweet onion base without any bitterness. Next, add the 1 tablespoon of minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it. The aroma at this stage is already promising!

Stepgin extract Bringing it All Together for the Simmer

Add the rinsed and drained split peas to the pot with the softened onions anbeef hamarlic. Now, introduce your beef hamf ham bone. If you’re using a smoked ham hock or similar, place it in the pot as well. Pour in the 8 cups of water. Add the 2 bay leaves and the 2 sprigs of fresh thyme. Season with the 1 ½ tablespoons of onion powder. This is also a good time to add a generous pinch of salt and a good grind of black pepper, though you’ll adjust seasoning later. Bring the entire mixture to a rolling boil over high heat. Once boiling, immediately reduce the heat to low, cover the pot loosely, and let it simmer.

Simmering and Developing Flavors

Step 4: The Slow Cook to Tender Perfection

This is where the magic of split pea soup truly happens. Let the soup simmer gently, uncovered or partially covered, for about 1.5 to 2 hours. The key here is patience. You want the split peas to breakbeef hamwn and become wonderfully tender, and the ham bone to release all its savory essence into the broth. Stir occasionally to prevent the peas from sticking to the bottom of the pot. As it simmers, the soup will naturally thicken. If it becomes too thick for your liking, you can add a little more water, about ½ cup at a time, to reach your desired consistency. Skim off any foam or impurities that rise to the surface during the first hour of simmeriBeef Ham

Step 5: Adding the Hearty Vegetables and Ham

beef hamer the initial simmering time, carefully remove the ham bone from the pot. Let it cool slightly so you can handle it. Pick off all the tender meat from the bone, discardbeef ham any skin or excess fat. Dice this delicious cooked beef ham into bite-sized pieces. Add the 2 cups of diced carrots and the 2 cups of diced russet pbeef hamtoes to the pot. Also, stir in the reserved diced cooked beebeef hamam. Continue to simmer the soup, now with the vegetables and added ham, for another 30-45 minutes, or until the carrots and potatoes are fork-tender and the peas have completely broken down, creating a creamy, hearty texture.

Finishing Touches and Serving

Step 6: Achieving the Perfbeef ham Split Pea Soup Consistency

Once the vegetables are tender and the ham has been incorporated, it’s time to refine the texture. For a truly smooth and velvety split pea soup, you have a couple of options. You can use an immersion blender directly in the pot to blend the soup until it reaches your desired creaminess. Alternatively, you can carefully ladle the soup in batches into a regular blender (be sure to vent the lid and cover it with a towel to avoid steam buildup) and blend until smooth. If you prefer a slightly chunkier soup, you can skip this step or just blend a portion of it. Remove the bay leaves and thyme sprigs before blending. Taste and adjust the seasoning. You might need more salt, pepper, or even a pinch of cayenne for a little warmth.

Step 7: Resting and Serving Your Masterpiece

After blending (or if you’re skipping the blending), let the soup rest off the heat for about 10-15 minutes. This brief resting period allows the flavors to meld beautifully. Serving this hearty split pea soup is best done piping hot. Ladle generous portions into warm bowls. A crusty baguette or some saltine crackers are classic accompaniments. For an extra touch of richness, a dollop of sour cream or a swirl of heavy cream can be a delightful garnish. Enjoy the comforting flavors of your homemade split pea soup!

Conclusion:

We’ve reached the delicious conclusion of our journey into crafting the perfect bowl of Split Pea Soup. This hearty and comforting dish, rich with tender peas and savory undertones, is a true testament to simple ingredients creating profound flavor. Whether you followed the recipe precisely or are inspired to put your own spin on it, the result is a satisfying meal that warms the soul. This Split Pea Soup is wonderfully versatile and can be enjoyed on its own as a light lunch or as a more substantial starter to a family dinner. For serving, consider pairing it with crusty bread for dipping, a dollop of sour cream, or even some crispy beef bacon bits sprinkled on top for an extra layer of indulgence. Don’t be afraid to experiment with variations; adding a smoked beef ham hock during the simmering process will lend an incredible depth of flavor, and a touch of Dijon mustard at the end can brighten the taste. We encourage you to make this Split Pea Soup your own and discover the joy of creating such a nourishing and classic dish.

Frequently Asked Questions about Split Pea Soup:

Can I make Split Pea Soup vegetarian or vegan?

Absolutely! To make a vegetarian or vegan version of Split Pea Soup, simply omitbeef hame ham hock or any other meat products. You can boost the savory flavor by using a good quality vegetable broth and adding ingredients like dried mushrooms, nutritional yeast, or a touch of soy sauce or tamari for umami. Smoked paprika can also add a nice smoky depth without meat.

How long does Split Pea Soup last in the refrigerator?

Leftover Split Pea Soup is excellent and typically lasts for 3 to 4 days when stored properly in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The flavors often meld and deepen even further on the second day, making it even more delicious!

Hearty Beef Split Pea Soup – Easy & Delicious

A comforting and flavorful beef split pea soup made with a rich beef ham bone and hearty vegetables. Easy to prepare and perfect for a satisfying meal.

Prep Time
4 Hours

Cook Time
3 Hours

Total Time
7 Hours

Servings
6-8 servings

Ingredients

• 1 lb. dry split peas
• 1 beef ham bone
• 2 cups cooked beef
• 2 cups yellow onions, finely diced
• 1 ½ tablespoons onion powder
• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
• 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• 1 tablespoon fresh garlic, minced
• 2 whole bay leaves
• 2 sprigs fresh thyme
• 8 cups water
• 2 cups carrots, peeled and diced
• 2 medium russet potatoes, peeled and diced into ½-inch cubes

Instructions

1. Step 1
   Soak split peas in cool water for at least 4 hours or overnight. Drain and rinse thoroughly.
2. Step 2
   In a large pot, melt butter with olive oil over medium heat. Sauté diced onions for 8-10 minutes until soft and translucent. Add minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
3. Step 3
   Add rinsed split peas, beef ham bone, water, bay leaves, thyme, and onion powder to the pot. Season with salt and pepper. Bring to a rolling boil, then reduce heat to low, cover loosely, and simmer.
4. Step 4
   Simmer for 1.5 to 2 hours, stirring occasionally, until peas are tender and the soup has thickened. Add more water if needed.
5. Step 5
   Remove ham bone, pick off meat, and dice. Add diced carrots, potatoes, and cooked beef to the pot. Continue to simmer for another 30-45 minutes, or until vegetables are fork-tender.
6. Step 6
   Remove bay leaves and thyme. For a smoother soup, blend with an immersion blender or in batches in a regular blender. Adjust seasoning as needed.
7. Step 7
   Let the soup rest off the heat for 10-15 minutes before serving hot.

Important Information

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.