Split Pea Soup with Pork is a hearty and satisfying dish that offers a flavorful twist on traditional split pea soup. In this recipe, ground pork is used to provide a meaty kick to the soup, making it a delicious alternative to the usual ham or sausage commonly found in split pea soup. By using ground pork, you can minimize the sodium content while still enjoying a robust and flavorful soup.
This recipe combines the richness of ground pork with the creamy texture of split peas, along with diced potatoes, chopped onions, celery, and a blend of spices. The use of a slow cooker allows for easy preparation and long, slow cooking, resulting in tender meat and well-developed flavors.
INGREDIENTS:
- 1 pound (455 g) ground pork
- 6 cups (1.4 L) water
- 1 pound (455 g) split peas
- 2 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
- ¾ cup (120 g) chopped onion
- ½ cup (50 g) chopped celery
- ½ teaspoon marjoram
- ¼ teaspoon pepper
PREPARATION:
- In a skillet over medium-high heat, brown the ground pork. Drain off any excess fat.
- Transfer the browned ground pork to a slow cooker.
- Add the water, split peas, diced potatoes, chopped onion, chopped celery, marjoram, and pepper to the slow cooker. Stir well to combine.
- Cover the slow cooker and cook on low heat for 10 to 12 hours, allowing the flavors to meld and the split peas to soften.
- Before serving, give the soup a stir and adjust the seasonings to taste.
- Serve the Split Pea Soup with Pork hot and enjoy.
YIELD: 8 servings
TIPS:
- For added flavor, you can sauté the chopped onions and celery in a small amount of oil or butter before adding them to the slow cooker.
- If desired, you can add additional vegetables such as carrots or leeks to the soup for added texture and flavor.
- Garnish the soup with fresh parsley or a squeeze of lemon juice for a bright and fresh touch.
NUTRITIONAL INFORMATION PER SERVING:
- 345 g water
- 288 calories (39% from fat, 22% from protein, 39% from carbs)
- 16 g protein
- 12 g total fat
- 5 g saturated fat
- 5 g monounsaturated fat
- 1 g polyunsaturated fat
- 28 g carbs
- 7 g fiber
- 3 g sugar
- 218 mg phosphorus
- 37 mg calcium
- 2 mg iron
- 49 mg sodium
- 829 mg potassium
- 49 IU vitamin A
- 1 mg ATE vitamin E
- 10 mg vitamin C
- 41 mg cholesterol
Split Pea Soup with Pork offers a flavorful and satisfying twist on the classic split pea soup. This recipe swaps out the traditional ham or sausage for ground pork, providing a meaty kick to the dish while reducing the overall sodium content. The combination of creamy split peas, tender ground pork, diced potatoes, and aromatic vegetables creates a delicious and comforting soup that is perfect for a cozy meal.
The use of a slow cooker allows for convenient and hands-off cooking. As the soup simmers slowly over several hours, the flavors meld together, and the split peas soften, resulting in a rich and flavorful soup. The ground pork infuses the soup with its savory goodness, complementing the earthy and slightly sweet taste of the split peas.
Nutritionally, this Split Pea Soup with Pork offers a balanced profile of macronutrients. With 16 grams of protein per serving, it provides a substantial amount of this essential nutrient that aids in muscle maintenance and overall satiety. The moderate amount of fat adds richness to the soup, while the fiber content of 7 grams per serving promotes digestion and helps keep you feeling satisfied.
The soup is also a good source of essential minerals such as phosphorus, calcium, and potassium. Phosphorus is crucial for bone health and energy metabolism, while calcium plays a vital role in maintaining strong bones and teeth. Potassium, an electrolyte, supports heart health and helps maintain fluid balance in the body.
To enhance the flavors of the Split Pea Soup with Pork, you can sauté the onions and celery before adding them to the slow cooker. This step adds depth and complexity to the soup. Additionally, you can customize the recipe by incorporating other vegetables like carrots or leeks for added texture and flavor.
When serving the soup, consider garnishing it with fresh parsley or a squeeze of lemon juice to brighten the flavors. Pair it with crusty bread or a side salad for a complete and satisfying meal.
In conclusion, Split Pea Soup with Pork is a delicious and nutritious dish that offers a flavorful variation on traditional split pea soup. With its rich and hearty combination of ground pork, creamy split peas, and aromatic vegetables, this soup is sure to warm your soul and satisfy your taste buds. Whether enjoyed on a cold winter day or as a comforting meal any time of the year, this recipe is a delightful addition to your soup repertoire.
