This Hairy Bikers Pea and Ham Soup is a hearty, comforting dish that’s perfect for chilly days or whenever you need a warming meal. Combining tender ham with sweet peas and savory broth, this soup is rich in flavor yet simple to prepare. It’s a classic British recipe that’s ideal for family dinners or meal prep.
What is Hairy Bikers Pea and Ham Soup?
Hairy Bikers Pea and Ham Soup is a deliciously hearty soup made from split peas, ham, vegetables, and herbs. The ham hock adds a rich, smoky flavor that perfectly complements the sweetness of the peas. The soup is slowly simmered until thick and creamy, creating a wholesome dish that’s both filling and flavorful.
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Why You Should Try This Recipe
- Rich and flavorful: The ham hock adds a deep, smoky flavor that complements the peas.
- Hearty and satisfying: Packed with protein and fiber, this soup is filling and nutritious.
- Great for meal prep: This soup keeps well and can be made ahead or frozen for later.
- Comforting and warming: Ideal for cold days or when you want a comforting bowl of soup.
- Easy to make: Simple ingredients and easy steps make this a beginner-friendly recipe.
Ingredients Needed to Make Hairy Bikers Pea and Ham Soup
- Smoked Turkey Leg (1 large, about 500g): I used this as an alternative to ham hock, and it adds a smoky, savory flavor to the soup.
- Dried split peas (300g): The base of the soup, provides a creamy texture.
- Carrots (2, chopped): Adds sweetness and balance.
- Celery (2 stalks, chopped): Contributes an earthy flavor to the soup.
- Onion (1 large, chopped): Forms a flavorful base for the soup.
- Garlic (2 cloves, minced): Adds depth and richness.
- Bay leaves (2): Infuse the soup with a subtle, earthy flavor.
- Thyme (1 tsp dried or 1-2 fresh sprigs): Adds an aromatic, herbal note.
- Vegetable or chicken stock (1.5 liters): Forms the base of the soup, adding richness.
- Salt and pepper: To taste.
- Fresh parsley (for garnish, chopped): Adds a fresh, bright finish.
Equipment
- Large pot or Dutch oven
- Knife and cutting board
- Ladle
- Wooden spoon
Instructions to Make Hairy Bikers Pea and Ham Soup
- Prepare the ham hock: Place the ham hock in a large pot and cover with water. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 30 minutes. This will help remove excess salt and impurities from the ham hock. Drain and set aside.
- Cook the vegetables: In the same pot, heat a little oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, carrots, celery, and garlic. Sauté for 5-7 minutes until softened.
- Add the split peas and ham hock: Rinse the split peas under cold water, then add them to the pot along with the ham hock. Stir in the bay leaves, thyme, and stock.
- Simmer the soup: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer gently for 1.5-2 hours, or until the split peas are soft and the ham is tender.
- Shred the ham: Once the ham is cooked and tender, remove the ham hock from the pot. Let it cool slightly, then shred the meat from the bone and return the meat to the soup. Discard the bones and any excess fat.
- Adjust the consistency: If the soup is too thick, add a little more stock or water to reach your desired consistency. Taste and season with salt and pepper.
- Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with freshly chopped parsley. Serve hot with crusty bread or as a standalone dish.
What Goes Well with Hairy Bikers Pea and Ham Soup?
- Crusty bread: Perfect for dipping into the rich, flavorful broth.
- Garlic bread: Adds extra flavor and texture to the meal.
- Grilled cheese sandwich: Pairs beautifully with the creamy soup for a comforting meal.
- Roasted vegetables: Serve alongside roasted carrots, zucchini, or sweet potatoes for a full meal.
- Green salad: A light salad with vinaigrette balances the richness of the soup.
Expert Tips for Making the Best Hairy Bikers Pea and Ham Soup
- Soak the split peas: Soaking the split peas for a few hours or overnight can help reduce cooking time and ensure even cooking.
- Use a ham hock with bone: A bone-in ham hock adds more flavor to the soup and helps create a richer broth.
- Simmer slowly: Cooking the soup over low heat allows the flavors to develop fully and makes the ham tender.
- Blend for a smoother texture: If you prefer a smoother soup, you can blend part of the soup with a hand blender or in batches.
- Add greens: Stir in some fresh spinach or kale during the last few minutes of cooking for added nutrition.
Easy Variations of Hairy Bikers Pea and Ham Soup
- Vegetarian version: Omit the ham and use vegetable stock for a vegetarian pea soup. Add smoked paprika for a hint of smokiness.
- Spicy twist: Add a pinch of chili flakes or cayenne pepper for a spicy kick.
- Creamy version: Stir in a splash of cream or coconut milk for a creamier texture.
- Add potatoes: For a heartier version, add diced potatoes when adding the split peas.
- Herb-infused: Experiment with different herbs like rosemary or dill to change the flavor profile.
Best Practices to Store Hairy Bikers Pea and Ham Soup
- Refrigerate leftovers: Store the soup in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Freeze for longer storage: Allow the soup to cool completely, then transfer it to freezer-safe containers. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
- Portion for convenience: Freeze the soup in individual portions for easy reheating.
Best Practices to Reheat Hairy Bikers Pea and Ham Soup
- Reheat on the stovetop: Pour the soup into a saucepan and heat over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until warmed through.
- Microwave for quick reheating: Place the soup in a microwave-safe bowl, cover, and heat in 1-minute increments, stirring between each, until hot.
- Add liquid if necessary: If the soup thickens after refrigeration or freezing, add a splash of water or stock while reheating to adjust the consistency.
How Can I Make Hairy Bikers Pea and Ham Soup Healthier?
- Use lean ham: Opt for a lean ham hock or trim off excess fat for a lighter soup.
- Add more vegetables: Increase the amount of vegetables like spinach, zucchini, or carrots for added fiber and nutrients.
- Use low-sodium stock: Opt for low-sodium chicken or vegetable stock to control the salt content in the soup.
- Skip the cream: Keep it a broth-based soup for a lighter, healthier version.
Nutrition Value (per serving):
- Calories: 280
- Fat: 8g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Protein: 25g
- Fiber: 7g
FAQs
Do I need to soak split peas before making pea and ham soup?
Soaking split peas is not necessary, but it can reduce the cooking time and ensure even cooking. If you have time, soak them for a few hours or overnight, but if you’re short on time, you can cook them directly without soaking.
Can I use leftover ham instead of a ham hock for pea and ham soup?
Yes, you can use leftover ham instead of a ham hock. If using leftover ham, add it to the soup during the last 20-30 minutes of cooking to prevent it from becoming too tough. You may need to use additional stock or smoked paprika for extra flavor.
Can I freeze pea and ham soup?
Yes, pea and ham soup freezes very well. Allow the soup to cool completely before transferring it to freezer-safe containers. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave.
How can I make pea and ham soup thicker?
To make pea and ham soup thicker, allow it to simmer uncovered for a bit longer to reduce the liquid. You can also blend a portion of the soup and stir it back in to create a thicker, creamier consistency.
Final Words
Hairy Bikers Pea and Ham Soup is a classic, comforting dish that’s packed with flavor and perfect for any time of year.
Pair it with crusty bread for a complete meal, or enjoy it on its own for a warming, nutritious bowl of goodness.
More By British Baking Recipes
- Jamie Oliver Carrot And Red Lentil Soup
- Hairy Bikers Pea and Ham Soup
- Hairy Bikers Slow Cooker Chicken Soup
- Mary Berry Celery Soup
Hairy Bikers Pea and Ham Soup Recipe
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 120
- Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 4
- Category: Soup
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: British
Description
Hairy Bikers Pea and Ham Soup is a deliciously hearty soup made from split peas, ham, vegetables, and herbs. The ham hock adds a rich, smoky flavor that perfectly complements the sweetness of the peas. The soup is slowly simmered until thick and creamy, creating a wholesome dish that’s both filling and flavorful.
Ingredients
- Smoked Turkey Leg (1 large, about 500g): I used this as an alternative to ham hock, and it adds a smoky, savory flavor to the soup.
- Dried split peas (300g): The base of the soup, provides a creamy texture.
- Carrots (2, chopped): Adds sweetness and balance.
- Celery (2 stalks, chopped): Contributes an earthy flavor to the soup.
- Onion (1 large, chopped): Forms a flavorful base for the soup.
- Garlic (2 cloves, minced): Adds depth and richness.
- Bay leaves (2): Infuse the soup with a subtle, earthy flavor.
- Thyme (1 tsp dried or 1-2 fresh sprigs): Adds an aromatic, herbal note.
- Vegetable or chicken stock (1.5 liters): Forms the base of the soup, adding richness.
- Salt and pepper: To taste.
- Fresh parsley (for garnish, chopped): Adds a fresh, bright finish.
Instructions
- Prepare the smoked turkey leg: Place the smoked turkey leg in a large pot and cover with water. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 30 minutes. This helps to soften the turkey and release its flavors. Drain the turkey leg and set it aside.
- Cook the vegetables: In the same pot, heat a little oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, carrots, celery, and garlic. Sauté for 5-7 minutes until softened.
- Add the split peas and smoked turkey leg: Rinse the split peas under cold water, then add them to the pot along with the smoked turkey leg. Stir in the bay leaves, thyme, and stock.
- Simmer the soup: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer gently for 1.5-2 hours, or until the split peas are soft and the turkey is tender.
- Shred the turkey: Once the smoked turkey leg is cooked and tender, remove it from the pot. Let it cool slightly, then shred the meat from the bone and return the meat to the soup. Discard the bones and any excess skin or fat.
- Adjust the consistency: If the soup is too thick, add a little more stock or water to reach your desired consistency. Taste and season with salt and pepper.
- Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with freshly chopped parsley. Serve hot with crusty bread or as a standalone dish.
