My culinary journey often resembles a chaotic symphony, a delightful disaster of flour explosions and unexpected flavor combinations. But today, friends, we’re embarking on a different kind of adventure – a heartwarming, soul-satisfying voyage into the land of Hearty split pea and chicken turkey turkey ham soup. This isn’t your grandma’s soup (unless your grandma was a culinary ninja). This is upgraded comfort food, a masterpiece of savory goodness.
This recipe is the culmination of many failed attempts and several near-kitchen fires (don’t worry, I’m still here to tell the tale). But the result? Oh, my friends, the result is pure magic. Prepare for an explosion of flavor, a symphony of textures, and a hearty hug in a bowl.
This Hearty split pea and chicken turkey turkey ham soup is more than just a meal; it’s an experience.
This comforting soup boasts:
Simple preparation making it perfect for a busy weeknight.
A deeply satisfying, rich flavor profile that’ll warm you from the inside out.
A visually appealing bowl of goodness, vibrant and enticing.
Incredible versatility, easily adaptable to your favorite vegetables and seasonings.
Ingredients for Hearty split pea and chicken turkey turkey ham soup
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
How to Make Hearty split pea and chicken turkey turkey ham soup
Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious dish:
Step 1: Preparing the Chicken
Rinse the chicken breast and cut it into bite-sized pieces. Season generously with salt and pepper. Set aside.
Step 2: Sautéing the Vegetables
Heat the vegetable oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté until softened, about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add the minced garlic and sauté for another minute until fragrant.
Step 3: Building the Soup
Add the rinsed split peas, chicken broth, bay leaves, and thyme to the pot. Stir well to combine. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 45-60 minutes, or until the split peas are tender.
Step 4: Adding the Chicken
Add the seasoned chicken pieces to the soup. Continue to simmer for another 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through. If you’re using agar-agar, stir it in according to package directions during the last 10 minutes of cooking.
Step 5: Seasoning and Serving
Remove the bay leaves before serving. Season the soup with salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot, garnished with a sprinkle of fresh thyme if desired. A crusty bread roll is the perfect accompaniment.
Step 6: Enjoy!
This Hearty split pea and chicken turkey turkey ham soup is best served fresh. However, leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Tips and Variations for Hearty Split Pea and Chicken turkey turkey ham Soup
This recipe is incredibly versatile. Feel free to experiment with different vegetables like potatoes, leeks, or parsnips. Adding a splash of lemon juice at the end brightens the flavors beautifully. For a spicier kick, include a pinch of red pepper flakes. If you prefer a smoother texture, you can blend a portion of the soup before serving.
Frequently Asked Questions about Hearty Split Pea and Chicken turkey turkey ham Soup
Q: Can I use frozen split peas?
A: Yes, you can substitute frozen split peas. You may need to adjust the cooking time, as they cook faster than dried peas. Follow the package directions for thawing and cooking.
Q: How can I make this soup thicker?
A: Besides agar-agar, you can achieve a thicker consistency by simmering the soup uncovered for a longer period to reduce the liquid.
Q: Can I make this soup in a slow cooker?
A: Absolutely! Sauté the vegetables as directed, then transfer everything to a slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours. Add the chicken during the last hour of cooking.
Q: What are some creative serving suggestions?
A: Besides enjoying it on its own, consider serving it with a dollop of plain yogurt or a swirl of crème fraîche (ensure it’s dairy-based if needed). A sprinkle of crispy fried onions adds a nice textural contrast. You can also serve it in bread bowls for a fun and hearty presentation.
Enjoy your culinary adventure! Let me know in the comments how your Hearty split pea and chicken turkey turkey ham soup turned out. Happy cooking!
Perfecting the Cooking Process
First, sear the chicken until golden brown. Then, sauté the onions and carrots. Add the broth, peas, and spices, bringing to a simmer. Finally, let it simmer gently until the peas are tender and the flavors meld beautifully.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap the chicken for beef or turkey. Experiment with different herbs like thyme or rosemary. Adding a splash of lemon juice at the end brightens the flavors wonderfully. Consider adding diced potatoes for extra heartiness.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a little extra broth if needed to maintain the perfect consistency.
Soaking the split peas for at least an hour before cooking significantly reduces cooking time and results in a creamier soup.
Avoid overcooking the chicken, as it can become dry. Aim for a tender, juicy texture.
Don’t be afraid to season generously. Taste and adjust as you go—your tastebuds are the best guide.
(Personal anecdote formated as paragraph subheading)
My grandma’s recipe inspired this Hearty Split Pea and Chicken turkey turkey ham soup. Her secret? A generous pinch of fresh parsley right before serving—a true game changer!
Conclusion for Hearty Split Pea and Chicken turkey turkey ham Soup
This Hearty Split Pea and Chicken turkey turkey ham Soup recipe is a winner for a reason! It’s simple to make, incredibly flavorful, and perfect for a cozy night in. The combination of tender chicken, earthy split peas, and aromatic vegetables creates a truly satisfying and delicious soup. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different vegetables or proteins to customize it to your liking. So, gather your ingredients, put on your apron, and prepare to be amazed by this hearty and delicious soup. It’s a surefire way to warm your belly and your heart!
Print
Hearty split pea and chicken ham soup
Delicious hearty split pea and chicken ham soup recipe with detailed instructions and nutritional information.
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 1 cup dried split peas, rinsed
- 1 cup chopped chicken, cooked and shredded (rotisserie chicken works great)
- 1 cup chopped ham, diced
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 2 cups water
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Step 1: In a large pot or Dutch oven, combine the rinsed split peas, chicken broth, water, onion, carrots, and celery. Bring to a boil over high heat.
- Step 2: Once boiling, reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for at least 45 minutes, or until the split peas are tender. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Step 3: Stir in the shredded chicken, diced ham, thyme, and rosemary. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Step 4: Continue to simmer for another 15-20 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
- Step 5: Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Serve hot. You can garnish with fresh parsley or a dollop of sour cream if desired.
Notes
- Leftovers store beautifully in the fridge for up to 3 days, allowing for quick and easy lunches.
- Reheat gently on the stovetop, adding a splash of broth if needed to maintain a lovely consistency.
- Serve with crusty bread for a truly satisfying and comforting meal; the bread is perfect for sopping up the delicious broth.
- For deeper ham flavor, consider adding a bay leaf during the initial simmering stage with the vegetables, removing it before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
FAQs
Can I make this Hearty Split Pea and Chicken turkey turkey ham Soup ahead of time?
Absolutely! This soup actually tastes even better the next day. The flavors meld beautifully overnight, making it a perfect make-ahead meal for busy weeknights or entertaining. Simply store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth or water if needed to adjust the consistency. You might even find yourself craving leftovers – it’s that good!
What if I don’t have chicken? Can I use other proteins?
Yes, absolutely! The beauty of this Hearty Split Pea and Chicken turkey turkey ham soup recipe lies in its adaptability. Feel free to swap the chicken for another protein like turkey, beef, or even lamb. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly, ensuring the meat is fully cooked through before adding the split peas. The hearty flavor of the split peas will complement any of these proteins wonderfully. Experiment and find your favorite protein combination!
Is there a way to make this Hearty Split Pea and Chicken turkey turkey ham Soup vegan?
While this recipe uses chicken, you can easily adapt it to be vegan. Simply omit the chicken entirely and substitute vegetable broth for the chicken broth. You can also add in other vegetables like carrots, celery, or mushrooms to boost the flavor and add texture. Remember that the cooking time for the split peas may be slightly altered without the protein. Experiment and adjust according to your taste!
How can I thicken my Hearty Split Pea and Chicken turkey turkey ham Soup?
If your soup is a bit thinner than you prefer, there are a few ways to thicken it up. You can simmer the soup uncovered for a longer period, allowing some of the liquid to reduce. Alternatively, you can make a simple slurry by whisking together a tablespoon of cornstarch or arrowroot powder with a couple of tablespoons of cold water. Slowly whisk this slurry into the simmering soup and cook until thickened, stirring constantly to prevent lumps. For a heartier consistency, adding a handful of finely mashed potatoes or sweet potatoes at the end can do the trick!
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