Split pea soup is a dinner that sounds unappetizing, but if done correctly, is actually a lovely comfort food. I have found the main reason people don't like split pea soup is due to texture or blandness. Too liquid, and it feels like you're eating pea gruel. Not enough flavoring and it's just pea water. But with the right proportions and ingredients, pea soup can be thick, hearty, and very savory. The addition of lemongrass adds a bright herb flavor and a wonderful aroma as well.
Notes
- Crockpot Style: To make things easier during the week, just make this in the crockpot. Throw everything in, and cook on low for 4-6 hours. Then pull out the bay leaves, lemongrass stalks, and the ham hocks if you're using them. Remove the meat from the ham hocks and put it back into the soup. Then it's ready to serve with a big dollop of crème fraîche if you're feeling fancy.
Storage
Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.
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Grace Says:
Be cautious of buying "fresh" lemongrass from the refrigerated section of the grocery store. The stalks are often old, dry, and lacking the oils needed for great flavor. If you can't get truly fresh stalks, just go for dried lemongrass or lemon zest instead.
📖 Recipe
Lemongrass Pea Soup
Ingredients
- 16 oz dried split peas
- 1 lb smoked ham hock or ½ lb smoked ham, cubed or whole
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 4 cups water
- 1 teaspoon thyme
- 1 ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon pepper
- 1.5 teaspoon dried lemon grass, or 2 stalks fresh lemongrass, split lengthwise and cut into 1" pieces
- 2 bay leaves
- 2-3 large carrots, chopped
- ½ onion, chopped
- 2-3 cloves garlic, minced or grated finely
Instructions
- Put all the ingredients in a large pot and stir to combine. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer and cover. Simmer on low for one hour until the carrots and peas are tender.
- Remove the meat from the ham hocks or shred the ham and put the meat back into the soup. If you used chopped ham, you don't need to do anything with that. Remove the lemongrass, and bay leaves. Serve and enjoy.
Did you make this recipe? Let me know!