Imagine a soup that transports you straight to the cozy kitchens of the British countryside, where every spoonful tells a story of tradition and warmth. Our Fresh Pea and Ham Hock Soup is not just a recipe; it's a culinary journey that marries the sweetness of fresh peas with the rich, smoky flavor of tender ham hock. Perfect for chilly evenings or when you're craving a bowl of pure comfort, this soup promises to tantalize your taste buds and warm your soul.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 40 mins
Total Time: 50 mins
Cuisine: British
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup fresh peas
- 1 ham hock
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh mint for garnish
Instructions
- In a large pot, heat the chicken broth over medium heat. Add the ham hock to the pot, ensuring it is fully submerged in the broth. Bring the broth to a gentle simmer.
- While the broth is heating, prepare the vegetables. Chop the onion finely and mince the garlic cloves. Set aside.
- Once the broth is simmering, add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the pot. Stir well to combine and allow the mixture to cook for about 5 minutes, or until the onion becomes translucent and fragrant.
- After the onion and garlic have softened, add the fresh peas to the pot. If using frozen peas, you can add them directly without thawing. Stir the peas into the broth.
- Continue to simmer the soup for an additional 15-20 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the peas to become tender. The ham hock will also impart flavor to the broth during this time.
- Once the peas are tender, carefully remove the ham hock from the pot. Allow it to cool slightly, then shred the meat from the bone, discarding any skin or excess fat. Return the shredded ham to the soup.
- Season the soup with salt and pepper to taste. Remember that the ham hock may add some saltiness, so taste before adding additional salt.
- To serve, ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh mint leaves. The mint adds a lovely freshness that complements the richness of the ham and the sweetness of the peas.
- Enjoy your delicious Fresh Pea and Ham Hock Soup warm, accompanied by crusty bread if desired.
Tips
- Choose fresh peas when in season for the most vibrant flavor, but high-quality frozen peas work wonderfully too.
- For an extra depth of flavor, consider roasting the ham hock briefly before adding it to the broth.
- Don't rush the simmering process - slow cooking allows the flavors to develop and the meat to become incredibly tender.
- If the soup seems too thick, you can thin it out with a little extra chicken broth.
- For a more robust soup, consider adding a splash of white wine during the initial cooking stage.
- The mint garnish is not just decorative - it adds a bright, fresh note that cuts through the richness of the ham.
- This soup tastes even better the next day, so don't hesitate to make it in advance!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 180kcal
Carbohydrates: 12g
Protein: 15g
Fat: 8g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 35mg
