Quick Split Pea and Ham Soup

Preparing a warm, satisfying dinner doesn’t always demand hours in the kitchen. This recipe for quick split pea and ham soup is a perfect example of how a classic dish can be adapted for the busiest weeknights. Utilising simple ingredients and an efficient approach, this flavour-rich soup will be ready to enjoy in around 30 minutes. The secret lies in using tinned pre-cooked split peas, which eliminates the lengthy soaking and cooking times typically associated with dried peas, allowing the flavours to meld rapidly and beautifully for a truly comforting and nutritious meal.

Quick Overview

• Preparation Time: 10 minutes
• Cooking Time: 20 minutes
• Difficulty: Easy
• Serves: 4

Ingredients

• 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
• 1/2 medium onion, finely chopped
• 1 medium carrot, peeled and finely chopped
• 1 stick of celery, finely chopped
• 1 clove of garlic, minced
• 7 oz (200g) cooked ham, diced into small cubes
• 2 cans (14 oz/400g each) of pre-cooked tinned split peas, drained and rinsed
• 24.5 fl oz (700ml) vegetable or chicken stock
• 1 bay leaf (optional)
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• Grated Parmesan cheese, to serve (optional)

Method

1. In a large saucepan, heat the olive oil over a medium flame. Add the onion, carrot, and celery, then cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until slightly softened.
2. Stir in the minced garlic and diced cooked ham, continuing to cook for another 2-3 minutes, until the ham is lightly golden.
3. Add the pre-cooked split peas, vegetable or chicken stock, and the bay leaf (if using). Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it gently simmer.
4. Cook for approximately 10-12 minutes, allowing the flavours to fully combine. As the peas are already cooked, they just need to heat through and absorb the stock.
5. Remove the bay leaf. Use an immersion blender to partially blitz the soup, leaving some with a rustic texture, or blend completely for a smooth, creamy finish.
6. Taste and adjust for salt and pepper. Serve the soup hot, garnished with grated Parmesan cheese if desired.

Serving & Leftovers

This hearty soup is excellent served piping hot, perhaps accompanied by some crusty bread or toasted croutons. Any leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days and gently reheated on the hob or in the microwave.

Nutrition

Nutritional values are estimates and may vary depending on ingredients and portions.

One Last Thing

Having dependable recipes that fit into the rhythm of daily life makes cooking less of a chore and far more rewarding. This split pea and ham soup is a prime example of how to achieve a delicious, nutritious meal without sacrificing precious time, simplifying your balanced routines with stress-free cooking.