There’s something truly magical about a warm bowl of pea and ham soup, especially on those chilly days when all you want is comfort in a bowl. This hearty soup is like a big hug from the inside, with its vibrant green peas and tender ham filling every spoonful with flavor. I still remember the first time I made it; the aroma wafted through my kitchen, and I felt instantly cozy. Trust me, once you try this recipe for pea and ham soup, you’ll want to keep it in your regular rotation. It’s simple, satisfying, and warms the soul like nothing else!
Ingredients for Pea and Ham Soup
- 2 cups green peas (fresh or frozen, you can’t go wrong with either!)
- 1 cup diced ham (I love using leftover ham for this; it adds so much flavor!)
- 1 onion, chopped (this adds a sweet base to our soup—don’t skip it!)
- 2 carrots, diced (they bring a lovely sweetness and color to the mix)
- 2 celery stalks, diced (for that classic soup flavor and crunch)
- 4 cups chicken broth (homemade or store-bought—just make sure it’s good quality!)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for sautéing the veggies and adding a touch of richness)
- Salt and pepper to taste (seasoning is key, so don’t forget this step!)
How to Prepare Pea and Ham Soup
Alright, let’s get cooking! Making this pea and ham soup is super straightforward, and I promise you’ll find it so rewarding. Just follow these step-by-step instructions to create a comforting bowl of goodness.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- First, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. You want it nice and warm, but not smoking—this is where the magic begins!
- Add 1 chopped onion, 2 diced carrots, and 2 diced celery stalks to the pot. Cook these veggies for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they’re softened and slightly translucent. This builds a beautiful flavor base!
- Next, toss in 1 cup of diced ham. Sauté it with the veggies for another 3-4 minutes. This helps the ham release its delicious juices and infuses the soup with even more flavor!
- Now it’s time for the star of the show! Stir in 2 cups of green peas and pour in 4 cups of chicken broth. Give it a good stir to combine everything.
- Bring the mixture to a boil—this should take just a few minutes. Once it’s bubbling, reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 20 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
- If you prefer a smoother soup, you can use an immersion blender at this point to blend it until it’s creamy. If you like a chunkier texture, just skip this step!
- Finally, season with salt and pepper to taste. Give it a taste, adjust if needed, and serve hot. You’re going to love this!
Nutritional Information for Pea and Ham Soup
Now, let’s talk about the nutritional goodness packed into this pea and ham soup! Keep in mind that these values are estimates and can vary based on the specific ingredients you use. But here’s a typical breakdown per serving:
- Calories: 220
- Fat: 5g
- Protein: 12g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Sugar: 4g
- Fiber: 8g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Cholesterol: 25mg
This soup is not only hearty and filling, but it also provides a great balance of protein and fiber, making it a nutritious choice for any meal!
Tips for Success with Pea and Ham Soup
Here are some of my favorite tips to make your pea and ham soup absolutely perfect! First, if you’re using frozen peas, there’s no need to thaw them—just toss them in straight from the bag for that fresh taste. When selecting your ham, go for a smoked variety; it adds a richer flavor that elevates the soup. Also, don’t rush the sautéing process; letting the vegetables soften really enhances the overall taste. For serving, try garnishing with a sprinkle of fresh herbs like parsley or a drizzle of olive oil for an extra touch. Yum!
Variations of Pea and Ham Soup
If you’re feeling adventurous, there are so many fun ways to mix up this pea and ham soup! For a touch of warmth, add a pinch of smoked paprika or a dash of cayenne pepper to spice things up. You can also toss in some chopped fresh herbs like thyme or dill for a refreshing twist. Want more veggies? Try adding diced potatoes or spinach for extra nutrition and color. The possibilities are endless, so feel free to get creative!
Serving Suggestions for Pea and Ham Soup
This pea and ham soup is delicious on its own, but it pairs beautifully with a few sides! I recommend serving it with some crusty bread for dipping—there’s nothing like a warm slice to soak up all that flavorful goodness. A fresh, crisp salad on the side adds a nice contrast and rounds out the meal perfectly!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
To store your delicious pea and ham soup, let it cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It will keep well in the fridge for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply reheat it on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through. If the soup thickens too much, just add a splash of chicken broth to bring it back to the perfect consistency!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Hearty and filling—perfect for chilly days!
- Comforting flavors that warm the soul.
- Simple ingredients and easy to prepare.
- Great for using up leftover ham.
- Nutritious and balanced with protein and fiber.
Pea and Ham Soup: 5 Comforting Steps to Warm Your Soul
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
A hearty and comforting pea and ham soup.
Ingredients
- 2 cups green peas
- 1 cup diced ham
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
- Add onion, carrots, and celery. Cook until softened.
- Add diced ham and sauté for a few minutes.
- Stir in green peas and chicken broth.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 20 minutes.
- Blend the soup until smooth if desired.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve hot.
Notes
- Use fresh or frozen peas.
- Add herbs for extra flavor.
- Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 8g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
Keywords: pea and ham soup
