mary berry pea and ham soup recipe

Mary berry pea and ham soup recipe is a classic recipe that is both nutritious and delicious. Made with dried split peas, ham hock, vegetables, and fragrant herbs, this comforting soup is perfect for warming up on a cold day or when you need a hearty meal. Mary Berry’s version of the soup is known for its simplicity, as it uses only a handful of ingredients but delivers big on flavor. It’s easy to prepare, making it an ideal dish for beginners or anyone looking for a quick and satisfying meal.

Why people also love mary berry pea and ham soup recipe

People love Mary Berry’s Pea and Ham Soup recipe for many reasons. Firstly, it’s a hearty and nutritious soup that is packed with protein and fiber from the dried peas and ham. Secondly, it’s an easy-to-follow recipe that requires just a few simple ingredients and can be made in one pot. Thirdly, the combination of savory ham, fragrant herbs, and fresh vegetables makes for a delicious and comforting flavor profile that is perfect for a cozy meal on a cold day. Lastly, the soup freezes well, making it a convenient and affordable option for meal planning or batch cooking.

Ingredients:

• 400g dried split peas, soaked overnight and drained
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 2 celery sticks, chopped
• 2 medium carrots, peeled and chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, crushed
• 1 ham hock (around 750g)
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 small handful of fresh thyme leaves or 1 tsp dried thyme
• 1.5 litres hot chicken or vegetable stock

Instructions:

1. In a large pot, sauté the onions, celery, and carrots in some oil or butter until softened.
2. After this,Add the garlic and continue to cook for another minute.
3. Add the drained split peas, ham hock, bay leaf, thyme

, and hot chicken or vegetable stock. Stir everything together.

4. Bring the mixture to a boil then lower the heat and let it simmer for about 1 1/2 – 2 hours, stirring occasionally.
5. Once the soup is ready, remove the bay leaf and ham hock from the pot. Allow the ham hock to cool before taking off the meat from the bones and shredding it into small pieces.
6. Puree the soup with an immersion blender until smooth (optional).
7. Add the shredded ham back into the pot and heat it up for another 10-15 minutes.
8. After this,Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Quick Facts

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 2 hours
Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
Yield: 6-8 servings

Servings Suggestions:
Mary Berry’s Pea and Ham Soup can be served with crusty bread or a side salad for a more complete meal. For a touch of freshness, you can also garnish it with some chopped parsley or chives.

Tips:

• To make the soup vegetarian, simply omit the ham hock and use vegetable stock instead.
• If you don’t have time to soak the split peas overnight, you can speed up the process by using the quick-soak method. Simply boil the split peas in water for 2-3 minutes, remove from heat, cover the pot and let stand for anhour before draining and using them in the recipe.
• If you prefer a chunkier soup, you can skip the pureeing step and serve the soup as is.

Nutrition Information:
The nutritional information for Mary Berry’s Pea and Ham Soup will vary based on the specific ingredients used. However, this recipe is generally considered to be a good source of protein, fiber, vitamins, and minerals.

Presentation:
To present the soup, ladle it into individual bowls and garnish with chopped parsley or chives if desired. Serve hot with crusty bread or a side salad.

Variations and substitutions you can try for Mary berry Pea and Ham Soup recipe:

• Vegetarian version: To make a vegetarian version of this soup, simply omit the ham hock and use vegetable stock instead of chicken stock. You can enhance the soup’s flavor by adding smoked paprika or liquid smoke.
• Smoked turkey: If you can’t find ham hock, you can substitute it with smoked turkey wings or legs. The meat will impart a similar smoky flavor to the soup.
• Add different herbs: Try adding different herbs like rosemary or sage to the soup to give it a different flavor profile.
• Use different beans: If you don’t have split peas, you can use other types of beans like navy beans, lima beans, or black-eyed peas.
• Make it spicier: If you like spicy food, you can add some chili flakes or cayenne pepper to the soup to give it a kick.
• Creamy version: To make a creamy version of the soup, you can add some cream or coconut milk to the soup after pureeing it.
• Add vegetables: Feel free to add more vegetables to the soup, such as carrots, celery, onions, or potatoes, to make it even heartier.
• Use a slow cooker: If you don’t want to stand over the stove for hours, you can make this soup in a slow cooker. Simply cook on low for 6-8 hours until the peas are tender and the ham falls off the bone.
• Gluten-free: This recipe is naturally gluten-free, but be sure to check your ingredients to ensure they are gluten-free if you have celiac disease or a gluten sensitivity.

Recommendations and notices

• Soak the split peas overnight: It’s recommended to soak the split peas overnight before using them in this recipe to help reduce cooking time and make them easier to digest.
• Use a large pot: This recipe makes a lot of soup, so be sure to use a large pot to avoid any overflow or splatters.
• Be patient with the ham hock: The ham hock needs to cook for a long time to release its flavors into the soup. Be patient and don’t rush the process by removing it from the pot too soon.
• Check for saltiness: Ham hocks can vary in saltiness, so be sure to taste the soup before adding any additional salt.
• Puree the soup carefully: If you decide to puree the soup, be sure to let it cool slightly before blending. Hot soup can expand rapidly in a blender and cause burns or a mess.
• Use fresh ingredients: Use fresh peas, onions, celery, garlic, and other ingredients for the best flavor. Avoid using canned or frozen peas, as they will change the texture and taste of the soup.
• Store leftovers properly: If you have any leftover soup, store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can also freeze the soup for up to 2 to 3 months.
• Make adjustments as needed: As with any recipe, feel free to adjust the seasoning, consistency, and other elements to suit your tastes and preferences.

Conclusion

Mary Berry’s Pea and Ham Soup recipe is a comforting, nutritious and easy-to-make dish that can be enjoyed all year round. The combination of split peas, ham hock, vegetables and herbs create a rich and flavorful soup that can be pureed for a smoother texture or served chunky for a more rustic feel. This recipe is perfect for anyone looking for an affordable, filling and satisfying meal. Leftovers can be stored in the fridge or freezer for future use, making it a convenient option for meal planning. Overall, this recipe is a must-try for anyone who loves hearty soups that warm you up from the inside out!

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