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🍽Split Pea Soup
Dairy-freeEgg-freeFish-freeCooking With KidsContains celery

Split Pea Soup

Cooking With Kids

A gentle simmer develops flavour gradually and keeps the texture controlled rather than breaking the ingredients apart. In split pea soup, Ham, Peas and chopped Onions are brought together in the stated order so their textures remain controlled and the seasoning is distributed evenly.

Prep
5 min
Servings
4
Difficulty
Easy
WhatsAppOriginal recipe

Answer first

What to know about Split Pea Soup

Thick, meaty split pea soup with a bold smoky note, gentle sweetness from the vegetables, and bay leaves for balance—a satisfying one-bowl winter meal. Meat-based and dairy-free (not kosher), and easy, hands-on cooking to make with kids.

Timing
30 min
Serves
4
Dietary notes
Dairy-free, Egg-free, Fish-free, Cooking With Kids

⚠️Before cooking, check ingredient labels and cross-contact risk for your dietary needs.

This is not medical advice. For allergies or dietary restrictions, always confirm with your healthcare provider.

Instructions

Servings:4
  1. 1Put the gammon in a very large pan with 2 litres water and bring to the boil. Remove from the heat and drain off the water – this helps to get rid of some of the saltiness. Recover with 2 litres cold water and bring to the boil again. Put everything but the frozen peas into the pan and bring to the boil. Reduce to a simmer and cook for 1½-2½ hrs, topping up the water as and when you need to, to a similar level it started at. As the ham cooks and softens, you can halve it if you want, so it is all submerged under the liquid. When the ham is tender enough to pull into shreds, it is ready.

Nutrition

Calories
53
Protein
1.6g
Carbs
10.9g

Recommended Equipment & Products

  • ⚡Immersion blender
    Amazon UK

Disclosure: these are currently regular search links, not affiliate links, and we do not earn a commission. Check current prices, availability and product labels before buying.

Family cooking

Cooking With Kids

Simple ways children can join safely, with adult guidance.

EasyAge 4-12

Age 3-5

Small helper

  • Mash soft ingredients
  • Wash fruit and vegetables
A young child mixing ingredients in a bowl with adult supervision nearby

Age 6-8

Kitchen explorer

  • Stir a batter
  • Measure simple ingredients
A child whisking batter with measuring tools on a family kitchen counter

Chef tips

For a deeper flavour, brown the meat cubes thoroughly in the pot before adding the water and peas – it creates a rich layer that the pulses soak up during the long simmer. For a smoky meat-free version, replace the meat with diced potatoes and carrots and add a teaspoon of smoked paprika; children will love helping to mash the peas for a creamy finish.

Culinary reasoning

A gentle simmer develops flavour gradually and keeps the texture controlled rather than breaking the ingredients apart. In split pea soup, Ham, Peas and chopped Onions are brought together in the stated order so their textures remain controlled and the seasoning is distributed evenly.

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All recipesDairy-free recipesEgg-free recipesContains celery filterContains gluten filterNut-free guide
2Lift out the ham, peel off and discard the skin. While it is still hot (wear a clean pair of rubber gloves), shred the meat. Take bay out of the soup and stir in the frozen peas. Simmer for 1 min, then blend until smooth. Add a splash of water if too thick, and return to the pan to heat through if it has cooled, or if you are making ahead.
  • 3When you are ready to serve, mix the hot soup with most of the ham – gently reheat if made ahead. To finish, serve in bowls with the remaining ham scattered on top, and eat with crusty bread and butter.

    • Ingredients

    • 1kg Ham
    • 200g (soaked overnight) Peas
    • 2 chopped Onions
    • 2 chopped Carrots
    • 2 Bay Leaves
    • 1 chopped Celery
    • 300g Frozen Peas
    • to serve Bread

    Nutrition

    Calories
    53
    Protein
    1.6g
    Carbs
    10.9g

    Chef tips

    For a deeper flavour, brown the meat cubes thoroughly in the pot before adding the water and peas – it creates a rich layer that the pulses soak up during the long simmer. For a smoky meat-free version, replace the meat with diced potatoes and carrots and add a teaspoon of smoked paprika; children will love helping to mash the peas for a creamy finish.

    Recommended Equipment & Products

    • ⚡Immersion blender
      Amazon UK

    Disclosure: these are currently regular search links, not affiliate links, and we do not earn a commission. Check current prices, availability and product labels before buying.

    Age 9+

    Confident cook

    • Read the steps
    • Portion and shape
    An older child reading a recipe while measuring ingredients independently

    Adults only

    Grown-up task

    • Use heat
    • Handle sharp tools
    An adult safely handling a hot oven tray with oven mitts

    Adult supervision required. Match activities to the child's age and abilities.

    Skills Kids Practice

    • Following instructions
    • Fine motor skills
    • Counting
    • Teamwork

    A good moment to remind kids not to share spoons, to wash hands, and to check ingredients with an adult.

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