Warm up with a Bowl of Canadian Split Pea Soup: A Hearty and Healthy Delight

When the weather turns chilly, and you’re craving something warm and comforting, there’s nothing quite like a bowl of Canadian Split Pea Soup with Ham. This classic dish is a staple in many Canadian households, known for its rich flavor and hearty ingredients. Whether you’re new to split pea soup or looking to perfect your recipe, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know about making the best Canadian Split Pea Soup at home.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Hearty and Comforting: Perfect for cold days when you need something warm and filling.
Nutritious: Packed with protein and fiber, this soup is both healthy and satisfying.
Simple Ingredients: Made with pantry staples and easy-to-find ingredients.
Family-Friendly: Kids can help prepare, making it a fun family activity.
Versatile: Great for lunch, dinner, or meal prep.

Ingredients Needed

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious and hearty soup:

2 cups dried yellow split peas, rinsed and sorted
1 ham hock or 2 cups diced cooked ham
1 large onion, diced
2 carrots, peeled and diced
2 celery stalks, diced
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 bay leaf
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
8 cups water or chicken broth
2 tablespoons olive oil
Optional: fresh parsley for garnish

onion, ham, garlic, carrots, peas, celery on a table

How Kids Can Help

Cooking with kids can be a rewarding experience, both for you and them. Here’s how your little chefs can assist with making this soup:

Rinsing and Sorting Split Peas: Kids can help rinse the split peas under cold water and sort through them to remove any debris.
Chopping Vegetables: Older children can assist with chopping the vegetables under supervision.
Measuring Ingredients: Let them measure out the spices and other ingredients.
Stirring the Pot: Kids can help stir the soup as it simmers, keeping an eye on its progress.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Ingredients

Rinse Split Peas: Rinse the split peas under cold water and sort through them to remove any debris.
Chop Vegetables: Dice the onion, carrots, and celery. Mince the garlic.

2. Sauté Vegetables

Heat Oil: In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
Cook Vegetables: Add the diced onion, carrots, and celery to the pot. Sauté for about 5 minutes until the vegetables begin to soften.
Add Garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.

3. Add Split Peas and Ham

Combine Ingredients: Add the rinsed split peas, ham hock (or diced ham), bay leaf, dried thyme, salt, and black pepper to the pot.
Add Liquid: Pour in the water or chicken broth.

4. Cook the Soup

Boil and Simmer: Bring the soup to a boil over high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 1 hour and 30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the peas are tender and the soup has thickened.
Remove Ham Hock: If using a ham hock, remove it from the pot, shred the meat, and return the meat to the soup. Discard the bone.

5. Adjust Seasoning and Serve

Taste and Season: Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed.
Garnish: Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley if desired.

How to Store Leftovers

Refrigeration: Store any leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave before serving.
Freezing: This soup freezes well. Cool completely, then transfer to airtight containers or freezer bags and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.

Substitutions and Additions

Vegetarian Option: Omit the ham and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a vegetarian version.
Thicker Soup: If you prefer a thicker consistency, simmer the soup uncovered for an additional 10-15 minutes.
Extra Veggies: Add diced potatoes, turnips, or leeks for more variety.
Herb Variations: Substitute thyme with rosemary or add a pinch of smoked paprika for a different flavor profile.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I use green split peas instead of yellow? A: Yes, you can use green split peas. The flavor will be slightly different, but the soup will still be delicious.

Q: Can I make this soup in a slow cooker? A: Absolutely! Combine all ingredients in a slow cooker and cook on low for 8 hours or on high for 4-5 hours, until the peas are tender.

Q: Do I need to soak the split peas overnight? A: No, soaking is not necessary for this recipe. Rinsing and sorting the peas before cooking is sufficient.

Reasons to Love This Recipe

Comforting and Nutritious: This soup is both hearty and healthy, making it perfect for a balanced meal.
Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, this recipe is accessible for cooks of all skill levels.
Perfect for Leftovers: This soup stores well, making it ideal for meal prep and enjoying throughout the week.
Rich in Protein and Fiber: Split peas are a great source of plant-based protein and dietary fiber.

Nutritional Value

Calories: 300 per serving
Protein: 20g
Carbohydrates: 40g
Fat: 8g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Cholesterol: 20mg
Sodium: 800mg
Fiber: 15g
Sugar: 6g

Shortcuts and Alternatives

Use Pre-Cooked Ham: Save time by using pre-cooked diced ham instead of a ham hock.
Instant Pot: Reduce cooking time by making this soup in an Instant Pot. Cook on high pressure for 20 minutes, then let the pressure release naturally.
Vegetarian Broth: Use store-bought vegetable broth to make a quick and easy vegetarian version.

History and Cultural Aspects

Canadian Split Pea Soup has its roots in French-Canadian cuisine, with origins tracing back to the early settlers who relied on hearty, easy-to-store ingredients like dried peas and cured meats to survive the harsh winters. The soup became a staple due to its simplicity and the availability of its ingredients. Traditionally made with yellow split peas, the soup is flavored with a ham hock or other pork products, which add a rich, smoky flavor. This dish is particularly popular in Quebec, where it’s often enjoyed as part of traditional family meals.

Busting Myths

Myth: Split pea soup is bland and boring. Reality: With the right ingredients and seasonings, split pea soup can be incredibly flavorful and satisfying.

Myth: You need special equipment to make split pea soup. Reality: This soup can be made with basic kitchen tools you likely already have, making it accessible to everyone.

Letting Kids Experiment with Canadian Split Pea Soup with Ham

Encourage your kids to get creative with their split pea soup:

Flavor Experimentation: Let them add different spices or herbs to the soup.
Toppings: Kids can choose their favorite toppings like croutons, shredded cheese, or a dollop of sour cream.
Presentation: Have them serve the soup in fun, colorful bowls and garnish with fresh herbs.

Conclusion

Warm up with a Bowl of Canadian Split Pea Soup: A Hearty and Healthy Delight is more than just a recipe; it’s an experience that brings comfort and nourishment to your table. This classic Canadian dish is perfect for any occasion with its rich flavors and satisfying ingredients. Whether you’re making it for the first time or looking to perfect your technique, this guide has everything you need to create delicious, authentic Canadian Split Pea Soup. Try it today and enjoy this timeless dish’s comforting, hearty flavors!

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