Australian Pea and Ham Soup Recipe: Comfort in a Bowl

A cup of this warm Australian pea and ham soup recipe is one of life’s simple pleasures. This traditional Australian dish is a great way to repurpose any leftover ham into a satisfying supper. A rich, smoky broth with a velvety texture, all from a few basic ingredients. We’ll show you how to make real Australian pea and ham soup from scratch so you may have a bowl of it any time you choose.

To get started, get a smoked ham hock or bone-in ham slice of good quality. The ham’s smokiness will round out and enrich the soup’s other flavors. Get rid of any remaining brine on the ham hock by rinsing it under cold water, and then put it in a big saucepan with enough water to cover it by at least an inch.

The water should be brought to a boil before being lowered to a simmer. Simmer the ham hock for at least an hour, preferably two, until the flesh is soft and falling from the bone. The ham is cooked in this phase, and the resulting broth forms the soup’s savory foundation.

Vegetables may be chopped while the ham hock simmers. Vegetables such as onions, carrots, and celery are common in traditional Australian pea and ham soup, but you may use anything you choose. Prepare uniformly cooked veggies by dicing them into uniformly sized cubes.

After the ham hock has done cooking, take it out of the saucepan and let it cool for a while. Chop the veggies and sauté them in the same saucepan over medium heat, tossing them around every so often to avoid sticking. Soft, slightly caramelized veggies are the goal, so cook them accordingly. This stage is crucial in enhancing the flavors and making a hearty soup foundation.

---

Want more ideas to round-out your Australian Recipe Box?
A lot of great options are in these posts!

• 30 Unique Australian Foods You Have to Try
• 25 Easy Australian Food Traditions to Try At Home
• The 12 Best Australian Chicken Recipes
• 33 Traditional Australian Food Recipes (Updated 2022)

---

Now that the veggies are done, you may add the dry peas to the saucepan. Remove any dirt or debris from the peas by rinsing them in cold water before adding them to the saucepan with enough water to cover them by two inches. Depending on the size of your pot and the quantity of peas, you may need to alter the amount of water used.

The soup should be brought to a boil before the heat is reduced to a simmer. For a rich and creamy soup, cook the soup for at least two hours, stirring regularly, or until the peas are soft.

As the soup is heating up, shred the cooked ham hock, removing any bones or extra fat. Stir the shredded ham into the soup so that it is evenly distributed. If the soup needs more salt or pepper, taste it and season it to your liking.

Serve the soup in bowls with crusty bread or your favorite crackers after it has reached the desired thickness, creaminess, and seasoning. Making a big batch of Australian pea and ham soup on the weekend and keeping it in the fridge or freezer can save you time throughout the week.

A bowl of this traditional Australian pea and ham soup can be yours by following the instructions below. This traditional recipe is great for cold nights or for using up leftover ham, since it provides a warm and fulfilling dinner.

The Complete Recipe with Ingredients and Step by Step Instructions is Listed Below

3 Reasons People Love the Australian Pea and Ham Soup Recipe

1. Comfort food factor: One of the reasons why people love the Australian pea and ham soup recipe is its comforting factor. This dish has a rich and hearty flavor that is perfect for colder weather or when you want something to warm you up from the inside out. The combination of peas and ham creates a unique flavor that is both satisfying and comforting.

2. Nutritious and Filling: The Australian pea and ham soup recipe is also loved for its nutritious and filling qualities. Peas are a great source of fiber, protein, and various vitamins and minerals, while ham is an excellent source of protein. This soup is a complete meal in itself, providing you with a good balance of carbohydrates, proteins, and fats, making it an ideal option for those who want to eat healthily but also stay full for a longer period.

3. Cultural Significance: The Australian pea and ham soup recipe makes a dish that has significant cultural significance in Australia. It is considered a national dish and is often served on special occasions such as ANZAC Day or during the winter months. This cultural significance makes the soup a favorite among Australians and those who are interested in learning more about Australian cuisine and culture.

How To Make Our Australian Pea and Ham Soup Recipe

Ingredients (8 Servings)

1 pound (450g) dried split peas
1 ham hock or ham bone
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 onions, chopped
2 carrots, peeled and chopped
2 celery stalks, chopped
3 garlic cloves, minced
8 cups (2 liters) water
2 bay leaves
Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

1. Rinse the split peas and remove any debris. Soak the peas in cold water for 1 hour or overnight.

2. In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the onions, carrots, celery, and garlic. Cook until the vegetables are softened, about 10 minutes.

3. Drain the split peas and add them to the pot. Stir to combine with the vegetables.

4. Add the ham hock or ham bone, water, and bay leaves to the pot. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer for 2-3 hours or until the peas are tender and the ham is falling off the bone.

5. Remove the ham hock or bone and bay leaves from the pot. Discard the bay leaves and shred the ham into small pieces, discarding any fat or gristle.

6. Using an immersion blender or a regular blender, puree the soup until smooth. Alternatively, leave it chunky if desired.

7. Add the shredded ham back to the pot and heat until warmed through. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

8. Serve hot and enjoy!

Nutritional Information For the Australian Pea and Ham Soup Recipe

Calories: 273
Carbohydrates: 36g
Protein: 19g
Fat: 6g
Saturated Fat: 1g
Cholesterol: 13mg
Sodium: 601mg
Potassium: 758mg
Fiber: 16g
Sugar: 7g

Prep Time for Ingredients: 15 Minutes

Soaking Time:1 hour

Cooking Time: 2-3 hours

Pots, Pans, and Cooking Equipment Needed for the Australian Pea and Ham Soup Recipe

Large pot or Dutch oven
Immersion blender or regular blender
Cutting board
Chef’s knife
Wooden spoon

Best Way to Store Leftovers From the Australian Pea and Ham Soup Recipe

Allow the soup to cool down to room temperature before storing.
Store the leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4-5 days.
For longer storage, you can freeze the soup in airtight containers or freezer bags for up to 3 months.

Substitutions For the Australian Pea and Ham Soup Recipe

Ham hock or ham bone: You can substitute with cooked ham or bacon for a smoky flavor.
Dried split peas: Yellow split peas, lentils, or canned peas can be used as a substitute.

Substitutions For the Vegetarian Australian Pea and Ham Soup Recipe

Ham hock or ham bone: Omit the ham and use vegetable stock or bouillon instead.
Dried split peas: Yellow split peas, lentils, or canned peas can be used as a substitute.

Tips and Tricks For Easier Creation

Soak the split peas for at least 1 hour before cooking to reduce the cooking time.
Use a slow cooker to cook the soup for a hands-off approach.
Use a hand-held immersion blender for easier blending and less clean-up.
Freeze any leftover soup for an easy meal on a busy day.

Side Dishes and Desserts For the Australian Pea and Ham Soup Recipe

Crusty bread or dinner rolls
Salad greens with a vinaigrette dressing
Roasted vegetables such as carrots, parsnips, or potatoes

How To Serve the Australian Pea and Ham Soup Recipe

Ladle the soup into bowls.
Serve with a slice of crusty bread or dinner rolls on the side.
Garnish with chopped fresh parsley or thyme if desired.
Serve with any desired side dishes.

FAQs About the Australian Pea and Ham Soup Recipe

Can I use fresh peas instead of dried split peas?
Fresh peas can be used as a substitute for dried split peas, but they will have a different texture and may require a shorter cooking time.

Can I use a different type of meat instead of ham?
Ham hock or ham bone is traditionally used in the recipe, but cooked bacon, smoked sausage, or leftover roast chicken can be used as a substitute.

Can I make this Australian pea and ham soup recipe in a slow cooker?
Yes, the soup can be made in a slow cooker. Simply follow the recipe and cook on low for 8 hours or high for 4-5 hours.

Can I add cream to the Australian pea and ham soup recipe?
While cream is not typically added to the traditional recipe, it can be added for a creamier texture and richer flavor. Add it towards the end of cooking and stir until fully incorporated.

How do I thicken the soup if it’s too thin?
If the soup is too thin, you can thicken it by pureeing some of the soup in a blender or with an immersion blender and adding it back to the pot. Alternatively, you can add a slurry of cornstarch and water to the soup and cook for a few more minutes until thickened.

Final Thoughts

I’m always looking for easy-to-make, comforting, and delicious recipes. Australian pea and ham soup recipe makes a dish that meets all of these requirements and more. I’ve been asked a lot of questions about this recipe over the years, and the ones above are some of the most common ones.

One thing I love about this Australian pea and ham soup recipe is that it can be used in many different ways. You can make it your own by adding different vegetables or meats, or even by making it vegetarian. Even though the traditional recipe calls for dried split peas and ham hock, you can make many changes to suit your taste and dietary needs.

This recipe is also great because it’s easy to make in big batches and freeze for later. Because of this, it’s a great choice for meal prep or when you need a quick, filling meal on a busy day.

Overall, the Australian pea and ham soup recipe creates a classic dish that has been around for a long time. Many people love this dish, and for good reason. Its flavors are hearty and comforting, making it a good choice for cold weather or when you want a warm, filling meal. So go ahead and try this recipe and see how it makes you feel warm and cozy.

 

---

You May Want to Join Our Boondocking Group on Facebook For More Information

You May Want to Join Our Campfire Recipes Group on Facebook For More Information

For More Photos Visit Our Instagram at World Recipes Daily – Our Big Escape