Not much better than a comforting pot of soup when one wakes up and it looks like this outside the window…
So, using a meaty ham bone I tossed into a freezer bag while cleaning up after Christmas dinner, I began by making stock.
The bone was still frozen when I placed it into a pot with coarsely chopped veggies.
Bring to a boil,
lower heat, cover and simmer two hours
Allow to cool, strain broth, pour into containers and refrigerate (or freeze if using later)
Ham Stock
PRINT RECIPE
large ham bone, preferable with some meat still attached
8+ cups water to almost cover
2 large carrot, sliced into large chunks
2 large onion, quartered
4 stalks celery, coarsely chopped
1/2 cup fresh parsley
1 bay leaf
5-10 peppercorns
No need to add salt
Directions:
Gently simmer ham bone with carrot, celery, onion, parsley, bay leaf, peppercorns, and water in a large pot for 2 hours. Let cool and strain, pulling off usable meat and discarding the solids.
Now, on to the soup…
I love traditional split Pea soup but hoping to appease John’s dislike of that green goodness, I made a soup using just 1 cup of dried split peas and lots of vegetables with some pasta thrown in for good measure. Basically, I used what was in the crisper drawer.
Ham & Split Pea Vegetable Soup
Note: remove the solidified fat from the top of the cold ham broth. Discard or set aside for making bird suet that I will share in my next post.
10 cups Ham stock
1 cup dry split peas
3 medium tomatoes, chopped
2 carrots, chopped
1 large onion, chopped
1/2 bell pepper, chopped
1 cup thinly sliced cabbage
1 cup small pasta like shells or elbow
ham pieces cut from ham bone (if desired)
Parsley for garnish (optional)
In a large Dutch oven, bring the ham stock and peas to a boil. Reduce heat, cover and simmer about an hour.
Add tomatoes, carrots, onion, bell pepper and cabbage; simmer, covered, 20 minutes.
Add pasta, simmer, covered 10 minutes more
Adjust seasonings, if desired
After shoveling snow, serve a nice bowlful by the fireplace…
with a good friend
The soup looks and sounds great-perfect for this cold weather!
Great minds think alike! This is exactly what was on our table tonight and for the same reason. Buffalo provided the blizzard, my Bob provided the shoveling and I was happy to provide a warm bowl of soup for this hungry man!
I was not hungry and now I am! What a delicious looking bowl of soup! The kind that I like, how perfect!
Nice to see you again, I've been away and glad I'm back~
Nancy
This soup is made just like my mother always made. She would be so proud of you that you still make soup the old fashion way, and I must admit, with the cold temps here, that looks like the perfect lunch or dinner! You made split pea soup look better than I have ever seen it look!
I havent done much blogging for a few weeks and thought I would just visit a few of my favourites :)That soup looks wonderful and the pound cake equally as tasty. Your snow looks pretty, we havent had any so far this year just LOTS of rain and storms. Some parts of the UK are under water with people needing to be taken to stay elsewhere. Lets hope the sunshine arrives soon. Have a great day!
Looks delicious, especially on this cold/windy day. Love the look on Raider's face…so sweet. Thanks for the recipe.
I love split pea soup (actually had a bowl for lunch). I also have family that are not big fans so I may try your vegetable version. Looks like the next couple of days are going to be soup kind of days!
I love split pea soup with ham. I am amazed at how many people really dislike peas in general. I love them! Always did! Looks so delicious, Lorraine. Stay warm! xo
We love ham but we agree that the soup from the ham bone is the best part! Have you ever tried making yellow pea soup? It's very good too.
My husband and I love split pea soup and this one looks so good. It's on my list now! You take the best photos Lorraine.
Blessings and love,
Debbie
That sounds so good! I may try it soon. Thanks for sharing the recipe.
~Adrienne~
This sounds like my kind of soup! One thing for sure, I'll be adding cabbage to mine the next time! Stay warm:@)
This is a nice adaption of pea soup. A great idea to turn it into veggie soup… it looks delicious and just the thing for a snow day!
YUM YUM YUM…LOVE split pea soup, and I haven't had any in a good long while. Sounds soo good right now even if it is nice and warm here in California, lol Enjoy your day!