Monday, November 21, 2011

Split Pea Soup with Celeriac


    
     The excesses of Thanksgiving are behind me (literally as well as figuratively, I'm afraid), and now simple hearty fare like this split pea soup is what I'm craving. It's a great way to use up the leftovers from your holiday ham or you could opt for a vegetarian version. I love the humble celery root in this recipe. It won't win any beauty contests, but it imparts a subtle celery flavor and adds body and texture to the soup. Some pumpernickel croutons or a nice slice of crusty bread make a perfect accompaniment. Make some for now and freeze some for later- it'll come in handy when you need a quick meal on a cold evening!

Split Pea Soup with Celeriac and Ham
Ingredients
1 ham bone with the fat trimmed off OR 1 Tablespoon Better Than Boullion Ham Base  OR a smoked ham hock. For a vegetarian/vegan option, use water or vegetable broth instead.
1 lb. dried split peas
1 small/medium onion, finely chopped
1 carrot, finely diced
1 celery root, peeled and finely diced
1 leek, thoroughly washed and finely sliced (optional- if you don't use it though, add a bit more onion)
1/2 lb. cubed cooked ham -or however much you like in your soup (optional)
A couple of sprigs of fresh thyme
salt and pepper to taste
Directions
  •  Rinse split peas in a colander, and go through them to make sure there are no rocks. (Yes, I've found them before in bags of beans!)
  • Put all ingredients except cubed ham, salt and pepper in large soup pot with 1 1/2-2 qts. water.
  • Bring to a boil, reduce heat and simmer about 1-2 hours, or until peas and vegetables are very tender.
  • Remove ham bone. If you prefer your soup smooth, use a stick blender to puree it. Add cubed ham (and any ham remaining on soup bone) and season to taste. Simmer for about 10 minutes more to warm the ham through. 
  • Serve with pumpernickel croutons if desired. This soup will thicken more as it cools. To reheat, you may need to add water.




31 comments:

  1. I love split peas!! The soup looks warming and comforting indeed.

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  2. Looks very warming and delicious!

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  3. Mmmmmm...this looks fabulous! This is one of hubby's favorites. Love the pumpernickel croutons~

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  4. Celery root is a rather ugly duckling ...and hard to find in my area. Have to go to specialty stores to find it. But I can imagine it gives this soup a great taste. I'm with you on simple fare after last week.

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  5. Yep...it's definitely getting to be time to start making soups. And split pea is a favorite around here. I've never made it with celery root, but I'm sure going to add that next time I make a batch!

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  6. This soup recipe is a keeper; love the idea of adding celery root; I have always been intrigued with this vegetable/ Meci.
    Rita

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  7. I have not tried celeriac before, would really love to. Your soup looks comforting and delicious!
    Have a nice day!

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  8. my boyfriend would DIE for this! I wonder how well it would freeze?

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  9. There's a gourmet grocery store that I shop at often that makes split pea soup. Whenever it's on their menu I always get some. I'd make it but my family has decided they don't like it. However they've never tried it. I may just have to make this for diner

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  10. Your soup looks so delicious. What a great way to use up leftovers!

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  11. My husband loves for me to make him some split pea soup (I just can't get past the color). I'll bet he would love this version.

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  12. I love split pea soup and it's healthy, hooray!
    The pumpernickel croutons look beautiful on top of the soup. I'll have to try your recipe, thanks for sharing;-)

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  13. I am bookmarking this right now to make this Sunday when my mom comes in. She loves split pea soup and although I have never made it before I love your recipes and trust them dearly so I will be trying this! What a wonderful soup and so pretty!

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  14. I love split pea soup! Looks so hearty and healthy!

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  15. Man this has to be on my top 5 list of soups, i love it and thank you for posting this recipe. Richard

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  16. Split pea soup is one of my favorites and I really like the addition of celery root in this version! It sounds great.

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  17. Mmmm.... I love split pea soup. I haven't made it since last Easter. I have only used celeriac once in a mashed potato recipe. Your right it absolutely is one scary looking vegetable.

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  18. Go to love this soup! Nom nom nom

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  19. Simply fantastic!
    Mary x

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  20. What a wonderful soup for a cold winter night. I love the idea of pumpernickel croutons too. Brilliant! Thanks for making my stomach growl :-) I hope you had a lovely Monday. I'm ready to get baking! I have a banana bread recipe that I'm excited to try tonight. Much love from Austin!

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  21. Mmm I love split pea soup and the use of celeriac to make it a bit more hearty! Perfect after the Thanskgiving indulgences.

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  22. Your soup looks and sounds delicious! It's one soup I've never made and will have to try it as I'm sure we'd love it. I've never used celery root either so this will be an adventure! Thanks!

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  23. This is a winning recipe all the way for me. My heart melted when I read pumpernickel croutons, sigh. Thanks for sharing this yummy recipe.

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  24. What a delicious soup--just perfect for this time of year!

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  25. Love split pea soup...it's so perfect for this time of year! Those pumpernickel croutons are a great idea!

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  26. sad news, betty--i've never tasted celeriac! i love split pea soup though, and the hearty texture of yours looks amazing!

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  27. literally and figuratively...HA! This sounds fabulous. I just bought some split peas in anticipation of some comforting soup. I do love the addition of celeriac in here...such a "clean" flavor!

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  28. I love split pea soup.....Interesting combination with celeriac!!!Sounds delicious!

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  29. Mmmm. Sounds comforting and wonderful!

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  30. Your pumpernickel croutons are a wonderful way to dress up your delicious soup.

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  31. How could I refuse such scrumptious, warm comfort from one of my cherished bloggers. My spoon is ready ;o)

    ...Dear Betty
    Just briefly passing by to wish you and your loved ones the finest of Holiday seasons.
    I'm very much looking forward to hopefully soon joining my Foodies again ;o) Until then, all the very best towards a desirable New Year.

    Flavourful wishes,
    Claudia

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Thanks for stopping by scrambled hen fruit! I appreciate all of your comments and look forward to reading them.

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