This is my take on a Dutch style, Healthy Pea and Ham soup. I can’t always source good quality ham hocks so I’ve improvised to replicate the flavour combo of smoked meat and legumes that I grew up with, but using a pork chop and bacon instead of the hock.
The result is this tasty, hearty stew like soup that’s more a complete meal, than a starter. Whilst it has a long cooking time, it really is a no-fuss, set and forget type meal that my whole family loves. It’s also a very budget friendly meal which is always a bonus.
Take a look at the variations (below the main recipe) for suggestions to alter the recipe to suit your specific dietary requirements (including vegan, vegetarian, onion and garlic-free options).
Healthy Pea and Ham Soup
Prep 1 day 10 minutes
Cook 1 hour 30 minutes
Serves: 4
This Healthy Pea and Ham Soup is an easy to make, hearty meal in a bowl that's sure to become a family favourite. It's gluten and dairy-free and super delicious.
Ingredients
- 200 g dried green split peas (1 cup)
- 1 pork chop -fat trimmed
- 3 rashers bacon
- 1 large red onion -diced
- 2 cloves garlic -diced
- 2 stalks celery -finely diced
- 1.5 L water
- 1 tsp sea salt
- Ground black pepper
- 1 large carrot -finely diced
- 1 large potato -peeled and finely diced
- 1 medium sweet potato -peeled and finely diced
- 1 handful baby spinach -or kale (optional)
Method
- Soak the split peas overnight in enough water to allow for them to expand. Strain and rinse them very well (in a sieve under running water).
- Place the split peas, pork chops, bacon, onion, garlic, celery and water into a pot and bring to the boil. Reduce the heat to a simmer and cook for 30 mins. Any scum that appears just skim it from the top.
- Then add carrot, potato and sweet potato and simmer slowly for another hour or until the split peas are mushy and the soup has thickened.
- Remove the pork from the bone (it should just fall away). Break any solid bits up and mix through the soup.
- Sir through the leafy greens (if including) and allow them to wilt.
Serve
- Serve with crusty sourdough bread.
Store
- In an airtight container in the fridge or freezer
Rebecca Wood says
Hi Georgia – I planned to make this soup tonight and completely forgot to soak the green split peas….
Can I cook anyway and will the peas need a little longer? I can probably still soak them for 3-4hrs before I have to get dinner underway (Im in WA).
Thanks!!
Georgia Harding says
Hi Rebecca
I know I answered you on FB – how did it work out for you? G x
Jodie Fraumano says
Hi Georgia,
We absolutely love your recipes in our house so thank you for all you do.
Two questions, do you have a thermie method for this one and if I do have a ham hock which I do (have been saving in the freezer since xmas and really need to use it up…and voila your recipe comes in!), do i just sub that for the pork chop and bacon or are some of those needed as well?
Thanks
Jodie
Georgia Harding says
Hi Jodie. Shazam, universe delivers (via WN 😉).
So I didn’t do a TMX method as I was worried about the bone in the chop compromising the blade and it all fitting in. Plus its just one pot on the stove and ridiculously easy to make anyhow.
Yes you will just sub the hock with the pork and bacon. Enjoy – I’ve already had some great feedback on socials. G x
Aja says
Just made the vegan version. Amazing flavour. You are my go to lady for all things kids and dinners. Thanks once again.
Georgia Harding says
Oh fabulous Aja,so thrilled you enjoyed it. Appreciate your feedback G x
Deb says
Could you do this is a slow cooker ?
Georgia Harding says
I haven’t tried it but can’t see why not. Let me know how it goes. G x
Sally O’Grady says
Hi Georgia made this soup last night and it was a huge success!! So easy to just throw everything in and put on the stove, the pork chop gave a delicious flavour, so much nicer than the usual over salty/fatty ham hocks and not to mention better for you without the added nitrates….the whole family gave a thumbs up and even the kids went back for second! Thanks Georgia x
Georgia Harding says
That’s so awesome Sally. Glad everyone loved it, cheers for the 5🌟s Gx
Michelle says
Hi Georgia,
As an Aussie living in The Netherlands (married to a Dutchie) I loved seeing this recipe. It’s still summer here, but have bookmarked this to try when the weather gets colder. Thanks for all your wonderful recipes. Every one I have tried is always easy to make and delicious. Thank you for your wonderful work
Georgia Harding says
Thrilled to inspire your cooking across the globe Michelle! I really appreciate your wonderful feedback too, G x
Krisanne says
I made this today but it was taking forever so I ended up putting it into my Crock Pot and wow done in 10 min , not sure what was going on with the stovetop but hey not complaining because was so delicious and thanks so much as it will be one of my fav soups in winter now , thanks so much cheers
Oh tagged you in my insta also with a pic 😘
Georgia Harding says
Ah fabulous. So glad you enjoyed it, loved seeing your pic on IG too. Thanks for your feedback and for rating the recipe too, Georgia x
Claire says
Another winner dish! Cooked this today in the slow cooker, soaked split peas overnight and threw everything in this morning, on low for about 9 hours and came out perfect. Have been back for seconds and my 3 year old twins loved it!
Claire says
Forgot to mention, I only used 1 litre of water 🙂
Georgia Harding says
Oh yay, great to know it worked well in your slow cooker too. Appreciate your feedback and the 5🌟s Claire. G x