Pea and Ham Soup is a traditional British soup known for its rich and hearty flavors. Inspired by James Martin’s recipe, I’ve given it my own little twist. Imagine this: a pot bubbling away on the stove, filled with the goodness of sweet peas and savory ham. It’s a very much easy dish to make. Perfect for any day of the week. Whether you’re feeding a family or just looking for a comforting meal to enjoy solo, this soup hits the spot. It’s all about the blend of flavors and textures, coming together harmoniously. So, grab your apron, and let’s dive into making this delightful soup. Trust me, it’s going to be delicious and heartwarming!
How To Make James Martin’s Pea and Ham Soup Recipe Overview
My version of this recipe is designed to serve about 6-8 people, making it great for family dinners or meal prep for the week. The total cooking time is around 45 minutes to 1 hour, including preparation and simmering. The key here is to let the flavors meld together beautifully. Creating a rich and creamy texture that’s simply irresistible.
Ingredients
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 75g butter
- 300g onion, thinly sliced
- 20g crushed garlic
- 600g cooked ham, roughly chopped
- 3 chicken stock cubes
- 1L milk
- 1L water
- 1.5kg frozen peas
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Take a large saucepan. Heat the olive oil and butter over medium heat.
- Add the sliced onions and garlic to the pan. Cover and let them sweat for about 4-5 minutes. Stir occasionally. Wait for them to become soft and translucent.
- Toss in the roughly chopped cooked ham. Stir it around with the onions and garlic, letting it get slightly golden and aromatic.
- Crumble the chicken stock cubes into the saucepan, then pour in the milk and water. Stir to combine.
- Bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Then reduce the heat to a simmer.
- Add the frozen peas and cook for 20-25 minutes. Check if the peas have become tender and the flavors have melded together.
- Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper. If you prefer a smoother texture, you can blend part of the soup with an immersion blender.
- Serve hot, ideally with a crusty piece of bread or a sprinkle of fresh herbs on top.
Also Try: James Martin’s Signature Mushroom Stroganoff Recipe
Pairings For Pea and Ham Soup:
Crusty Bread: A classic pairing, crusty bread like a baguette or artisan sourdough, offers a delightful texture contrast to the creamy soup. It’s perfect for dipping and soaking up the flavors.
Grilled Cheese Sandwich: Elevate your meal by pairing the soup with a grilled cheese sandwich. The melted cheese and crispy bread provide a satisfying balance to the smooth texture of the soup.
Green Salad: A fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette dressing can offset the richness of the pea and ham soup. Ingredients like arugula, spinach, or mixed greens with a simple dressing of olive oil and lemon juice work well.
Roasted Vegetables: Consider serving roasted vegetables like carrots, parsnips, or Brussels sprouts. Their natural sweetness and caramelization complement the savory notes of the soup.
Garlic Croutons: Homemade garlic croutons add a crunch and a punch of flavor. They can be easily made by tossing cubed bread with garlic, olive oil, and herbs, then baking until golden.
Each of these pairings adds its own unique texture and flavor, enhancing the overall dining experience of enjoying a bowl of pea and ham soup.
FAQs
Can I use fresh peas instead of frozen?
Absolutely, you can use fresh peas in place of frozen ones for your pea and ham soup. Fresh peas bring a lovely, sweet flavor that’s a bit different from frozen peas. Fresh peas tend to cook faster than frozen. So you might need to adjust your cooking time. Add them a bit later in the cooking process. This will make sure that the peas aren’t too soft. The end result will be a delicious, comforting soup with a delightful freshness from the peas. Enjoy experimenting with this small but impactful change!
Is it possible to make this soup vegetarian?
Sure, you can make this soup vegetarian. Just skip the ham and use vegetable stock cubes instead of chicken or ham stock. For a smoky flavor, add some smoked paprika or liquid smoke. You can also throw in extra veggies like carrots or potatoes to make it hearty. Peas are good for protein, so the soup will still be filling without meat. This way, you get a vegetarian version of the soup that’s tasty and satisfying. Perfect for a meat-free meal! Enjoy making and eating your vegetarian pea soup.
Is this recipe suitable for a slow cooker?
Absolutely, pea and ham soup is great for a slow cooker. It’s a simple and convenient way to cook it. Just put all the ingredients in the slow cooker. Set it on low and let it cook for 7-8 hours. Or, you can cook it on high for about 4-5 hours. The slow cooking brings out the flavors beautifully. It makes the ham really tender. Plus, using a slow cooker means you can leave it to cook without much fuss. It’s perfect for a busy day. Just come home to a delicious, ready-to-eat soup.
Can I freeze this soup?
Yes, you can absolutely freeze pea and ham soup! It’s a great way to save leftovers. Just let the soup cool down after cooking, then pour it into freezer-safe containers or bags. Make sure to leave a little space at the top as the soup will expand when it freezes. When you’re ready to eat it, just thaw it in the refrigerator overnight. Then, reheat it on the stove or in the microwave until it’s hot. Freezing is a handy way to enjoy your soup anytime!
Any tips for a creamier texture?
If you’re aiming for a creamier texture in your pea and ham soup, here are a couple of tips. First, you can blend a portion of the soup once it’s cooked. Use an immersion blender. Be careful with the hot liquid. Blend until it’s smooth. Then mix it back in with the rest of the soup. Another option is to add a splash of cream or milk towards the end of cooking. This will give it a richer, creamier feel. Both methods are great for achieving that smooth, velvety texture in your soup. Enjoy experimenting!
Conclusion
In conclusion, James Martin’s pea and ham soup is a timeless classic. It’s both comforting and flavorful. This soup is perfect for any season. Pair it with crusty bread or a grilled cheese sandwich for a complete meal. Roasted vegetables or homemade garlic croutons can also add a delightful twist. This versatile dish proves that simple ingredients can create something truly satisfying. It’s a testament to the power of classic cooking. Whether as a cozy winter warmer or a light summer meal, it never fails to delight.
James Martin’s Classic Pea and Ham Soup Recipe
Ingredients
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 75 g butter
- 300 g onion thinly sliced
- 20 g crushed garlic
- 600 g cooked ham roughly chopped
- 3 chicken stock cubes
- 1 L milk
- 1 L water
- 1.5 kg frozen peas
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Take a large saucepan. Heat the olive oil and butter over medium heat.
- Add the sliced onions and garlic to the pan. Cover and let them sweat for about 4-5 minutes. Stir occasionally. Wait for them to become soft and translucent.
- Toss in the roughly chopped cooked ham. Stir it around with the onions and garlic, letting it get slightly golden and aromatic.
- Crumble the chicken stock cubes into the saucepan, then pour in the milk and water. Stir to combine.
- Bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Then reduce the heat to a simmer.
- Add the frozen peas and cook for 20-25 minutes. Check if the peas have become tender and the flavors have melded together.
- Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper. If you prefer a smoother texture, you can blend part of the soup with an immersion blender.
- Serve hot, ideally with a crusty piece of bread or a sprinkle of fresh herbs on top.
