March 8th, 2010 
duodishes 
We made a homemade honey baked ham! Unfortunately, the camera was on the fritz during this process, so no special honey baked post. But we can say that it was super delicious. Fortunately, there was lots of leftover meat and bones from said ham. With working camera in hand, it was time for one of our favorite soups–split pea. Here’s where the leftover meat and bones come in handy. If you’re not familiar with the split pea, there are a few things you should know. For one, there are yellow and green varieties, and split peas are no different than the peas you grew up eating; they’re just dried, peeled, and, well, split. This soup features the green peas as they are more common in the US, but yellow peas—which are more common in Indian cuisines—are just as dandy. They are easily available in your local grocer. They are also very inexpensive. Plus, these guys are an excellent source of protein and extremely high in fiber. They couldn’t be easier to cook—not to mention, they are immensely tasty.
When the soup’s done, you’ll be tempted to purée it in a blender. You won’t need to do that. When cooked, the peas fall apart, forming a rich and smooth base. If you don’t have a leftover ham, you can use smoked ham slices, or even a ham hock. Both are easy to find wherever you shop. You can also leave out the ham altogether if you’re not a meat eater. For all of our fellow carnivores, you’ll be glad you saved your ham for this.
Split Pea Soup – Serves 6-8
1 pound split peas, rinsed (do not soak)
3 celery stalks, finely diced
2 large carrots, finely diced
1 yellow onion, finely diced
6 cloves garlic, minced
1 red bell pepper
3/4 cup fennel bulb and fronds, finely diced
1/2 head cabbage, finely diced
1 1/2 cups cooked ham, diced into 1/2″ chunks (save the ham hock and bone)
1/2 cup Monterey Jack cheese, shredded
6-8 cups vegetable or chicken broth
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
2 tablespoons olive oil
1/4 teaspoon ground cayenne pepper, or to taste
1 tablespoon salt, or to taste
2 teaspoons black pepper, or to taste
1. Roast the red pepper in the oven under the broiler on each side until pepper begins to blacken, about 3-4 minutes. (Be sure to watch closely to ensure it doesn’t get too burnt.) Remove from oven, place in a bowl and cover with plastic wrap. Once cool, remove skin, seeds and dice flesh into small pieces.
2. Heat oil and butter over medium heat in a large pot. Cook carrots, onions, and celery for about 4 minutes, then add in cabbage, fennel, bell pepper, and garlic. Cook vegetables for an additional 6 minutes, or until they begin to become soft, mixing occasionally.
3. Stir in ham meat, bone and peas and cook for an additional 2 minutes. Then pour enough broth to cover the mixture a few inches. Bring to a light simmer, cover pot and reduce heat to low.
4. Cook for 50-55 minutes, or until peas begin to fall apart. Remove from heat. Discard bones and any extra fat. Mix in cheese, then stir in cayenne, salt and pepper to taste.
Click HERE for the printable recipe.
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I can only imagine how delicious this soup tasted with the left over ham. Yum!
I can only imagine how delicious this soup tasted with the left over ham. Yum!
what a rich, hearty, and classic soup – I bet the aroma filled your kitchen with comfort.
what a rich, hearty, and classic soup – I bet the aroma filled your kitchen with comfort.
Because I’m not a peas fan, it’s always stopped me from even trying split pea soup. But this looks so rich and warming, and I can never turn down something made with ham anything!
Because I’m not a peas fan, it’s always stopped me from even trying split pea soup. But this looks so rich and warming, and I can never turn down something made with ham anything!
oh my goodness! great minds think alike =). I went grocery shopping this morning and grabbed a bag of yellow split peas (quite easy to find here in the UK with all the Indian food popularity). I was thinking about making some daal, but I’ve got most of the other ingredients you’ve mentioned as well so yellow split pea soup for dinner it is.
oh my goodness! great minds think alike =). I went grocery shopping this morning and grabbed a bag of yellow split peas (quite easy to find here in the UK with all the Indian food popularity). I was thinking about making some daal, but I’ve got most of the other ingredients you’ve mentioned as well so yellow split pea soup for dinner it is.
Mmm… sounds really comforting and perfectly delicious especially with the homemade honey ham!
Mmm… sounds really comforting and perfectly delicious especially with the homemade honey ham!
Mmm, split pea is my all-time favorite soup! And, yes, I’ll take mine with ham, please. The red pepper, fennel and cheese are new twists for me … love that. It looks wonderful, Duo!
Mmm, split pea is my all-time favorite soup! And, yes, I’ll take mine with ham, please. The red pepper, fennel and cheese are new twists for me … love that. It looks wonderful, Duo!
I love split pea soup – yours looks fantastic.
I love split pea soup – yours looks fantastic.
I love split pea soup for the creamy texture and the heartiness of ham combined with veggies.
I love split pea soup for the creamy texture and the heartiness of ham combined with veggies.
But I want to see the ham!! Heh. The soup does sound great though.
But I want to see the ham!! Heh. The soup does sound great though.
When I was young and foolish, I used to avoid split pea soup like the plague thinking it just looked gross. Until one day some sage person forced me to taste it and I’ve been demanding it ever since. Your version sounds spectacular.
When I was young and foolish, I used to avoid split pea soup like the plague thinking it just looked gross. Until one day some sage person forced me to taste it and I’ve been demanding it ever since. Your version sounds spectacular.
i wish it would rain split pea soup!!! my mom used to make this often but would used smoke turkey instead of the ham. whatever the case its a fave of mine!
i wish it would rain split pea soup!!! my mom used to make this often but would used smoke turkey instead of the ham. whatever the case its a fave of mine!
I’ve always wondered about the yellow split peas when I’ve seen them lingering around by the green ones. Good to know I can use those instead if I want to mix things up! I love a good bowl of split pea soup. So comforting and satisfying!
WOW, I am going to try it! Ham Hock…thats good eating…lol
A georgous, healthy & thick lovely soup!!
Your soup looks great. I always think when I make a ham at Easter, why don’t I make one more throughout the year??
Thanks for the recipe!
Nice to hear you make honey baked ham!!! My fav!!! Too bad about the camera. Boo. hahaha… — it’s been forever since i’ve had pea soup. you’ve got me craving for it now. *drool*
I’ve only ever had split pea soup from a can…definitely not as delicious as this homemade one with honey baked ham! Looks great.
I love split pea soup! This version looks so interesting with the cabbage and fennel.
One of my very favorite meals. I always use a ham hock for the smokey flavor.
This looks delicious and healthy. Would make such a lovely lunch with some crusty bread.
Wow, homemade honey ham? The soup must taste delicious with it.
why are you teasing us with the honey baked ham meal when you can’t share it?! jk. the split pea soup is a great way to use some of the leftovers. i can’t say that i’m a fan of split pea soup, but you guys added so many amazing ingredients that i think i may have a change of heart <3.
This is no ordinary split pea with roasted red peppers and fennel–yum!
Sorry to hear about your camera woes; isn’t it new?
I love split pea soup, and now I’m hungry for it! Looks great!
I love a good spit pea soup and look forward to the “end of a ham” just for the bone for soup!
I think honey baked hams are true comfort food. A ham sandwich would go perfect with this soup!
Yum! I bet this is some of the best split pea soup. We still have never made any, but I am very tempted by your recipe!
I love split pea soup, but haven’t found a good recipe yet! The ones I’ve tried have been bland or mushy! Can’t wait to try yours, and I will be adding the ham =)
Honey baked ham?! wow!! Great use of the leftovers.yum…
I love split pea soup but have never tried to make it myself. And we do have some honey baked ham in the freezer waiting to be used…hmmm…..
Adorable split pea soup! Glorious recipe so comfy and more with the addition of cabbage…plus lot of garlic
Cheers,
Gera
Mmm. Pea soup. One of my winter favorites.
I’m with you on not pureeing the soup. Even if the peas are still holding their shape, it’s nice to have a bit of texture in a pea soup… at least I think so!
Hey, this could change my attitude about pea soup. It really sounds yummy
Looooove the texture (and taste) of split pea soup. Must dig out the split peas I have at the back of the cupboard and make me some!
I love split pea soup! It’s a great way of using up the leftover ham bone. Plus it gives the soup such great flavor.