Canadian Yellow Split Pea Soup with Ham Recipe

Yellow split peas: These are dried legumes that become creamy when cooked, forming the base of the soup.

Onion: Adds a sweet and savory depth to the soup, enhancing its overall flavor.

Carrots: Provide a subtle sweetness and a pop of color, complementing the earthiness of the peas.

Celery: Offers a mild, aromatic flavor that balances the richness of the ham.

Ham: Adds a smoky, savory element, making the soup hearty and flavorful.

Water: Serves as the cooking liquid, helping to soften the peas and meld the flavors.

Thyme: A dried herb that adds a subtle, earthy aroma to the soup.

Salt: Enhances the overall taste, bringing out the flavors of the other ingredients.

Black pepper: Adds a hint of spice and warmth, balancing the soup's flavors.

To enhance the flavor of your yellow split pea soup, consider sautéing the onion, carrots, and celery in a bit of olive oil or butter before adding them to the pot. This step, known as sweating, helps to release the natural sugars in the vegetables, adding a deeper, richer taste to the soup. Additionally, if you have a ham bone, you can add it to the pot along with the diced ham for an extra layer of savory goodness. Just remember to remove the bone before serving.

• yellow split peas - Substitute with green split peas: Green split peas have a similar texture and cooking time, providing a comparable flavor and consistency to the soup.

• yellow split peas - Substitute with red lentils: Red lentils cook faster and will give a slightly different texture, but they still provide a hearty base for the soup.

• onion - Substitute with leeks: Leeks offer a milder flavor and can add a subtle sweetness to the soup.

• carrots - Substitute with parsnips: Parsnips have a similar texture and sweetness, making them a good alternative to carrots.

• celery - Substitute with fennel: Fennel provides a similar crunch and a slightly anise-like flavor that can add depth to the soup.

• diced ham - Substitute with smoked turkey: Smoked turkey offers a similar smoky flavor and protein content, making it a suitable replacement for ham.

• diced ham - Substitute with bacon: Bacon can provide a smoky and savory flavor, though it may be slightly more intense than ham.

• water - Substitute with vegetable broth: Vegetable broth adds more depth of flavor compared to plain water, enhancing the overall taste of the soup.

• dried thyme - Substitute with fresh thyme: Fresh thyme can be used for a more vibrant flavor; use about three times the amount of fresh thyme as dried.

• salt - Substitute with soy sauce: Soy sauce can add a salty and umami flavor, but use it sparingly to avoid overpowering the soup.

• black pepper - Substitute with white pepper: White pepper provides a similar heat and flavor, with a slightly different aroma.

• Allow the soup to cool to room temperature before storing. This prevents condensation from forming inside the container, which could lead to a watery soup.

• For short-term storage, transfer the soup into airtight containers. Glass or BPA-free plastic containers work best to preserve the soup's flavor and aroma.

• Store the soup in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. This ensures the vegetables and ham remain fresh and flavorful.

• For longer storage, consider freezing the soup. Use freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Leave some space at the top of the container as the soup will expand when frozen.

• Label each container with the date of storage. This helps you keep track of freshness and ensures you enjoy the soup at its best.

• When ready to enjoy, thaw the soup in the refrigerator overnight. This gradual thawing helps maintain the soup's texture and taste.

• Reheat the soup gently on the stovetop over medium heat. Stir occasionally to ensure even heating and to prevent the soup from sticking to the pot.

• If the soup appears too thick after reheating, add a splash of water or broth to reach your desired consistency. Adjust the seasoning with a pinch of salt and pepper if needed.

• Enjoy your Canadian Yellow Split Pea Soup with Ham as a comforting meal, knowing it has been stored and reheated with care.

• Gently reheat the soup on the stovetop over medium-low heat. Stir occasionally to ensure even heating and prevent sticking. Add a splash of water or broth if the soup is too thick.

• Use a microwave-safe bowl to reheat individual portions. Cover the bowl with a microwave-safe lid or a damp paper towel to retain moisture. Heat on medium power in 1-minute intervals, stirring in between, until the soup is heated through.

• For a creamy twist, reheat the soup on the stovetop and stir in a splash of cream or milk just before serving. This adds a rich texture and enhances the flavors.

• If you have a slow cooker, set it to low and let the soup warm up gently. This method is perfect for when you have a bit more time and want to infuse the soup with even more flavor.

• For a quick fix, use an immersion blender to blend a portion of the soup before reheating. This will thicken the soup naturally and give it a velvety texture.

• Large pot: A large pot is essential for combining all the ingredients and allowing them to simmer together, ensuring even cooking and flavor development.

• Wooden spoon: A wooden spoon is useful for stirring the soup occasionally, helping to prevent the split peas from sticking to the bottom of the pot.

• Measuring cups: Measuring cups are needed to accurately measure the split peas and water, ensuring the correct consistency and flavor balance.

• Chef's knife: A chef's knife is ideal for chopping the onion, carrots, celery, and ham into uniform pieces, promoting even cooking.

• Cutting board: A cutting board provides a stable surface for safely chopping vegetables and ham.

• Ladle: A ladle is perfect for serving the hot soup into bowls, making it easy to portion out without spills.

• Measuring spoons: Measuring spoons are necessary for accurately measuring the thyme, salt, and black pepper, ensuring the soup is seasoned to taste.

Prep ingredients in advance: Chop onion, carrots, and celery the night before and store them in airtight containers in the fridge.

Use pre-diced ham: Save time by purchasing pre-diced ham from the store.

Quick soak peas: To speed up cooking, soak yellow split peas in hot water for an hour before starting the recipe.

Simmer in a slow cooker: Use a slow cooker to let the soup cook while you attend to other tasks, freeing up your time.

Batch cooking: Double the recipe and freeze portions for future meals.