Description
A hearty and comforting ham and green pea soup made with fresh ingredients, perfect for a quick and delicious meal.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 Tbsp. olive oil
- 1 Tbsp. butter
- 1 cup carrot matchsticks
- 1 small onion
- 7 oz. smoked ham
- 32 oz. frozen green peas
- 2 cloves garlic
- 3 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1/2 tsp. salt
- 1/4 tsp. dry thyme leaves
- 1/8 tsp. black pepper
Instructions
- Heat & Sauté Vegetables: Start by heating olive oil in a large pot over medium heat until it shimmers slightly. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, sautéing until they become soft and fragrant, making sure not to burn them to avoid a bitter taste.
- Add Ham & Broth: Once the onion and garlic are ready, add the finely chopped smoked ham. Pour in the low-sodium chicken broth, stirring everything together. Allow it to simmer for a few minutes so the flavors can mingle properly; rushing this step may result in underdeveloped flavors.
- Mix in Green Peas: Stir in the frozen green peas next. Cook them for just a few minutes until they are heated through and bright green. Avoid overcooking as the peas may become mushy, which is not desirable.
- Blend for Smoothness: Use your immersion blender to puree the soup until it reaches a smooth consistency. You should see a vibrant green color as you blend. Ensure the soup is warm enough to avoid clumping during blending.
- Season & Serve: Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with additional salt, black pepper, or thyme to your preference. Skipping this step might leave the soup bland. Ladle the soup into bowls and enjoy your savory creation!
Notes
- Storage Tips: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Expert Tips: If the soup is thicker than you prefer, stir in additional chicken broth gradually until you reach your desired consistency. If the peas are not blending smoothly, ensure they are heated well before using the immersion blender. If the soup lacks flavor, enhance it with more salt or thyme. For a creamier soup, consider adding a splash of cream before serving.
- Reheating Instructions: To reheat, place the soup in a pot over medium heat, stirring occasionally until it is heated through.
- Serving Suggestions: Serve with crunchy bread on the side and pair with a fresh green salad for added texture. Garnish with croutons for extra crunch.
- Recipe Variations: To make it heartier, add diced potatoes, or stir in fresh herbs like parsley or mint before serving. You can also substitute fresh peas for frozen peas; just adjust the cooking time as fresh peas usually cook faster.
- Ingredient Notes: Choose high-quality smoked ham for best flavor, avoiding sweet varieties. Ensure your peas are fresh and frozen or fresh depending on your preference, as both work well in this recipe.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 90mg