Helen Gougeon's Pea Soup

Warm up with the timeless comfort of Helen Gougeon’s Pea Soup, a hearty and flavorful classic made from wholesome ingredients. This rustic split pea soup combines creamy dried green peas with tender bites of smoked ham hock, infused with aromatic bay leaf and fresh thyme for a depth of flavor that's truly irresistible. Chopped carrots, celery, and onion add a touch of sweetness and texture, while a simple yet effective simmering process allows the rich, smoky broth to develop to perfection. Ready in just over 90 minutes, this satisfying soup is perfect for chilly evenings, and its velvety texture can easily be adjusted with blending for a smooth finish. Serve it piping hot with crusty bread or crackers, and savor the comforting, home-cooked goodness in every bowl. Keywords: Helen Gougeon pea soup, split pea soup recipe, smoked ham hock soup, comfort food recipes, hearty soup ideas.

Nutriscore Rating: 80/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:90 mins

Total Time:105 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 2 cups dried green split peas
• 8 cups water
• 1 large onion
• 2 medium carrots
• 2 celery stalks
• 1 smoked ham hock
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 teaspoon fresh thyme
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 teaspoon black pepper

Directions

Step 1

Rinse the dried split peas thoroughly under cold water until the water runs clear. Set aside.

Step 2

Peel and finely chop the onion. Peel and dice the carrots into small cubes. Slice the celery into thin pieces.

Step 3

In a large soup pot or Dutch oven, combine the rinsed split peas, water, and smoked ham hock. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat.

Step 4

Skim off any foam that rises to the top as the soup begins to boil.

Step 5

Add the chopped onion, diced carrots, celery, bay leaf, and fresh thyme to the pot. Stir to combine.

Step 6

Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let the soup simmer for about 1.5 hours or until the peas are soft and the soup has thickened.

Step 7

Occasionally stir the soup to prevent sticking. If the soup becomes too thick, add a little more water to reach your desired consistency.

Step 8

Remove and discard the bay leaf. Take out the ham hock, shred the meat, and return it to the soup. Discard any bones or fat.

Step 9

Season the soup with salt and black pepper to taste. Stir well and simmer for another 5 minutes.

Step 10

Remove the pot from the heat and let it cool slightly. If desired, blend a portion of the soup with an immersion blender for a creamier texture before serving.

Step 11

Ladle the soup into bowls and serve warm with crusty bread or crackers.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(2840.2g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1790.3

Total Fat 21.8g	0%
Saturated Fat 6.6g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0.1g
Cholesterol 70mg	0%
Sodium 3599.6mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 288.6g	0%
Dietary Fiber 108.3g	0%
Total Sugars 49.2g
Protein 123.3g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 479.5mg	0%
Iron 21.9mg	0%
Potassium 5174.0mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 10.6%

Protein: 26.7%

Carbs: 62.6%