Healthy and hearty split pea and ham soup

This traditional dish has been around for a while, but for good reason – and this particular recipe is surprisingly simple and really delicious. If you’re after some decent comfort food then it’s a guaranteed favourite that will leave you feeling relaxed and pleasantly full.

Not only is it fairly simple to make but it’s also a great healthy option for lunch or dinner. It’s a fairly nostalgic dish for many people so don’t be surprised if getting a whiff of this creamy soup brings back some memories of the good old days. Pair it up with a side of crusty bread to make sure you soak up every last drop!

Ingredients

• 290g (1 1/3 cups) green split peas
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 carrots, peeled, chopped
• 2 sticks celery, trimmed, chopped
• 1 brown onion, halved, chopped
• 3 garlic cloves, crushed
• 700g ham or bacon hocks
• 1.5L (6 cups) cold water
• Salt & freshly ground black pepper
• Bread, to serve

Method

1. Rinse split peas under cold water until water runs clear. Drain.
2. Heat oil in saucepan over medium heat. Add carrot, celery, onion and garlic. Cook and stir for 5 minutes or until onion is tender. Add split peas, ham hocks and water. Bring to boil over high heat. Reduce heat to medium-low. Cover and leave to simmer for 2 to 2 and a half hours or until meat is falling away from bones. Set aside for 5 minutes to cool slightly.
3. Remove ham hocks from pan. Remove all meat from bones. Chop meat and set aside.
4. Place a quarter of the pea mixture in food processor bowl and process until smooth. Return to pan with ham. Repeat with remaining pea mixture. Season to taste. Reheat over medium-high heat for 5 minutes.
5. Ladle into serving bowls. Serve with bread.