Hairy Bikers Pea And Ham Soup Recipe

Are you looking for a Hairy Bikers Pea And Ham Soup Recipe? This soup is a very classic meal. Many people love the Hairy Bikers Pea And Ham Soup Recipe.

It is warm and very filling. You will love this Hairy Bikers Pea And Ham Soup Recipe. It is perfect for a cold day. Let us start cooking this tasty meal now.

Tell Me About This Hairy Bikers Pea And Ham Soup Recipe

The Flavor

This soup has a very rich taste. It is smoky because of the ham. It is sweet because of the peas. Every spoonful is full of joy.

The Texture

The soup is very thick and creamy. It has chunks of tender ham. The peas melt into the broth. It feels like a warm hug.

The Ease

This is a very simple recipe. It does not need fancy skills. Anyone can cook this at home. You just need some time.

The Time

It takes a few hours to cook. The stove does all the work. You can relax while it simmers. It is worth the long wait.

Equipment List

Large Soup Pot: You need a very big pot. It must hold the ham. It must hold all the water. A heavy pot is best. It cooks the food evenly. It prevents the bottom from burning.

Sharp Knife: You need this for the vegetables. A sharp knife is very safe. It makes chopping much faster. You will cut carrots and onions.

Chopping Board: This protects your kitchen counter. It gives you a flat surface. Use a large board for ease. It keeps your kitchen clean.

Wooden Spoon: Use this to stir the soup. It does not get too hot. It is gentle on the pot. It helps mix all flavors.

Ladle: This is for serving the soup. It holds a good amount. You can fill bowls quickly. It prevents making a big mess.

Hand Blender: This makes the soup smooth. You can blend some of the peas. It creates a thick texture. You do not need a big blender.

Fine Sieve: You might need to drain the peas. It catches all the small bits. It is a very helpful tool.

Ingredients You Need for Hairy Bikers Pea And Ham Soup Recipe

Smoked Ham Hock: This is the star of the dish. It provides a salty flavor. The meat becomes very tender. It falls off the bone.

Yellow Split Peas: These make the soup thick. They are small and dried. You must soak them first. They are full of healthy fiber.

Large Carrots: These add a nice color. They provide a natural sweetness. You must chop them into small pieces.

Celery Stalks: This adds a fresh scent. It makes the broth taste better. It is a classic soup ingredient.

Large Onion: This is the base of the soup. It adds a deep flavor. You should dice it very finely.

Fresh Leeks: These add a mild onion taste. They make the soup look pretty. Wash them very well first.

Bay Leaves: These add a subtle herbal scent. They simmer in the liquid. Do not forget to remove them later.

Black Pepper: This adds a tiny bit of heat. It brings out all other flavors. Use freshly ground pepper for best results.

Water: This is the base of your broth. It turns into a rich stock. The ham flavors the water.

How to Assemble

1. Soak the Split Peas

You must start the day before. Put the peas in a large bowl. Cover them with cold water. Let them sit for twelve hours. This makes them soft for cooking. Drain them before you use them.

2. Prepare the Ham Hock

Place the ham in your big pot. Cover the ham with fresh water. Bring the water to a boil. This removes the extra salt. Drain the water and start again. This step is very important.

3. Simmer the Meat

Add fresh water to the pot again. Put the ham back inside. Bring it to a gentle simmer. Let it cook for one hour. This makes the meat very soft. The water becomes a tasty stock.

4. Add the Vegetables

Now add the chopped vegetables. Put in the carrots and onions. Add the celery and the leeks. Toss in the bay leaves too. The pot will look very colorful.

5. Add the Soaked Peas

Tip the drained peas into the pot. Stir everything together very well. The peas will sink to the bottom. Make sure they do not stick. Keep the heat quite low.

6. The Long Simmer

Cook the soup for two hours. The peas will start to break. The ham will be very tender. Stir the pot every twenty minutes. This prevents any burning.

7. Shred the Ham

Take the ham hock out. Put it on a clean board. Remove the skin and the bone. Shred the meat with two forks. Put the meat back in.

8. Blend and Serve

Take out the bay leaves now. Use your blender for a bit. Do not blend all of it. Keep some chunks for texture. Serve the soup while very hot.

Recipe Success Tips

➜ Soak the peas overnight without fail.

➜ Always rinse the ham to remove salt.

➜ Use a very low heat for simmering.

➜ Stir the bottom of the pot often.

➜ Add extra water if it gets thick.

➜ Do not add salt to the pot.

➜ Use fresh vegetables for the best taste.

➜ Shred the ham into bite-sized pieces.

How To Store Leftover

You can store the soup easily. Put it in a sealed container. Keep it in the fridge. It lasts for three days. The soup will get very thick.

Add a splash of water when heating. You can also freeze this soup. It stays fresh for three months. Thaw it in the fridge overnight.

FAQs about Hairy Bikers Pea And Ham Soup Recipe

How to make Hairy Bikers Pea And Ham Soup creamier?

You can blend more of the peas. Some people add a bit of cream. The split peas usually make it thick. It feels very creamy on its own.

Can I use green split peas instead?

Yes, you can use green peas. The color will be different. The taste is very similar. Both types work very well for this.

Is this recipe healthy for me?

Yes, it is very healthy. It has many fresh vegetables. Peas are full of good protein. It is a very balanced meal.

What if my soup is too salty?

The ham has a lot of salt. Do not add salt while cooking. If it is salty, add water. You can also add a potato.

Conclusion

The Hairy Bikers Pea And Ham Soup Recipe is wonderful. It is a simple dish for everyone. The flavors are deep and very smoky. It takes time but is easy. Your house will smell very good.

This soup fills your belly and heart. Try this recipe for your family today. They will ask for a second bowl. It is the best comfort food ever. Happy cooking to all of you!