Green Chile Split Pea Soup with Ham

Warm and comforting, Green Chile Split Pea Soup with Ham is a hearty dish perfect for chilly days. This robust soup combines tender green split peas with savory ham, complemented by a medley of vegetables and aromatic spices. Enhanced with the bold flavors of Pure Hatch Green Chile, it promises a satisfying meal that’s both nourishing and delicious.

Ideal for family gatherings or cozy dinners, this recipe invites you to savor each spoonful of its rich, smoky essence.

Green Chile Split Pea Soup with Ham

Ingredients:

16 ounces of dried green split peas

6 cups water

1 meaty ham bone or 2 pounds smoked ham hocks

4 chicken bouillon cubes

2 medium carrots, sliced

2 celery ribs, sliced

1 medium onion, chopped

1 garlic clove, minced

1-1/2 teaspoons dried oregano

¼ teaspoon pepper

⅛ teaspoon ground cumin

1 Jar of Pure Hatch Green Chile

Instructions:

Step 1:

Add Ingredients to a Dutch Oven

In a Dutch oven, combine the peas, water, ham bone, and bouillon; bring to a boil.

Step 2:

Reduce Heat

Reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 1-1/2 hours.

Step 3:

Add Rest of Ingredients

Add the remaining ingredients and bring to a boil.

Step 4:

Cover

Reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 1 hour longer.

Step 5:

Remove Ham Bone

Remove ham bone and cut the meat from the bone. Return to the soup and heat through.

Step 6:

Enjoy

Serve hot and enjoy!

Notes:

Choosing Ham: A meaty ham bone or smoked ham hocks provide rich flavor to the soup. The bone adds depth to the broth, and the meat becomes tender after simmering.

Preparation of Split Peas: Rinse the dried green split peas thoroughly before using to remove any debris or excess starch, which can cause the soup to become overly thick.

Adding Bouillon: Chicken bouillon cubes enhance the savory flavor of the soup. Adjust the number of cubes based on your preference for saltiness, or substitute with low-sodium broth for a lighter option.

Vegetable Additions: Carrots, celery, onion, and garlic create a flavorful base. Slicing the carrots and celery thinly ensures they cook through evenly and maintain a pleasant texture in the soup.

Seasonings: Dried oregano, pepper, and ground cumin add complexity to the soup. Taste and adjust seasonings before serving, as cooking times and personal preferences can affect seasoning intensity.

Pure Hatch Green Chile: This ingredient adds a distinct smoky and mildly spicy flavor to the soup. Adjust the amount based on your heat preference. You can use fresh roasted green chiles or canned green chiles as alternatives.

Simmering Times: The initial simmering period allows the split peas to soften and break down, creating a thick and creamy base for the soup. Adding the remaining vegetables later ensures they don’t become mushy and retain their texture.

Removing Ham Bone: Once the soup has simmered sufficiently, remove the ham bone or ham hocks. Cut off any remaining meat and add it back to the soup for added flavor and texture.

Serving: Serve the soup hot, garnished with fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro if desired. It pairs well with crusty bread or a side salad for a complete meal.

Storage: This soup freezes well, making it a convenient option for meal prep. Store in airtight containers in the freezer for up to 3 months, thawing and reheating as needed.

Nutrition Information:

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use other types of peas instead of green split peas?

While green split peas are traditionally used in this recipe, you can experiment with other varieties like yellow split peas or lentils for different flavors and textures.

What can I use as a substitute for a ham bone?

If you don’t have a ham bone, you can use smoked ham hocks, ham shanks, or even diced ham.

The bone adds flavor, but using ham meat alone will still result in a delicious soup.

Is there a vegetarian version of this soup?

Yes, you can omit the ham bone or ham hocks and use vegetable broth instead of chicken bouillon cubes to make a vegetarian version of this soup.

You can also add extra vegetables or plant-based protein sources like tofu to enhance flavor and nutrition.

Can I freeze this soup for later?

Absolutely! This soup freezes well.

Allow it to cool completely before transferring it to airtight containers or freezer bags.

It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months.

To reheat, simply thaw in the refrigerator overnight and warm it on the stovetop or in the microwave.

What can I serve with this soup?

Green Chile Split Pea Soup pairs well with crusty bread, cornbread, or a simple side salad.

You can also garnish it with a dollop of sour cream, a sprinkle of fresh herbs, or additional green chile for added flavor and texture.

Is it necessary to soak the split peas before cooking?

No, soaking the split peas is not necessary for this recipe.

However, rinsing them thoroughly under cold water before cooking can help remove any debris.

Can I make this soup in a slow cooker or Instant Pot?

Absolutely! You can adapt this recipe for a slow cooker by cooking on low for 6-8 hours or in an Instant Pot on high pressure for about 15 minutes, followed by a natural release.

Can I omit the ham bone or ham hocks for a vegetarian version?

Certainly! You can omit the ham bone or ham hocks and use vegetable broth instead of chicken bouillon cubes to make a vegetarian version of this soup.

Add extra vegetables or tofu for additional flavor and protein.

How do I store leftovers of this soup?

Allow the soup to cool completely before transferring it to airtight containers.

Refrigerate for up to 3-4 days or freeze for longer storage.

Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.

Can I use fresh green chiles instead of jarred?

Absolutely! Feel free to use fresh green chiles instead of jarred ones if you have them available.

Simply roast, peel, and chop the chiles before adding them to the soup.

What can I serve alongside this soup for a complete meal?

This soup pairs well with crusty bread, a side salad, or even a simple sandwich.

You can also top it with a dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of fresh herbs for added flavor.

Can I adjust the seasonings to suit my taste preferences?

Of course! Feel free to adjust the seasonings like salt, pepper, and spices according to your taste preferences.

Taste the soup as it cooks and add more seasoning if needed.

Can I make this soup ahead of time?

Yes, you can make this soup ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator or freezer until ready to serve.

Simply reheat before serving.

Is this soup gluten-free?

Yes, this soup is naturally gluten-free as long as you ensure that the chicken bouillon cubes you use are gluten-free.

Always check the labels to be sure.