oh, my god. this soup is crazy good. i added 1 turnip, chopped fine, and one NON-smoked ham hock--the meat was slightly chewy and added just a slight pork zing that really made a difference.
German Split Pea Soup
This recipe is based on one that appears in German Home Cooking by Dr. August Oetker (Bielefeld, 1963). The addition of a little flour gives the soup a smooth texture, while celery root adds an earthy note.
Credit: Landon Nordeman
2 tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil
2 slices bacon, finely chopped
1 large onion, finely chopped
1 rib celery, finely chopped
1 large carrot, peeled and finely
chopped
1 small celery root, peeled and
finely chopped
Kosher salt, to taste
2 tbsp. flour
10 sprigs flat-leaf parsley
8 sprigs fresh thyme
2 bay leaves
1 lb. green split peas,
rinsed and drained
2 large smoked ham hocks
(about 2 lbs. total)
Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
1. Place oil and bacon in a 6-qt. pot and cook over medium-high heat until crisp, about 6 minutes. Transfer bacon to paper towel with a slotted spoon; set aside. Add onions, celery, carrots, and celery root, season with salt, and cook, stirring occasionally, until soft, about 10 minutes. Stir in flour; cook for 3 minutes.
2. Tie parsley, thyme, and bay leaves together with kitchen twine; add to pot with peas, ham hocks, and 7 cups water. Bring to a boil over high heat. Reduce heat and simmer, covered, until peas are very tender, about 1 hour. Remove from heat. Discard herbs. Transfer hocks to a plate to let cool; pull off and chop the meat; discard fat, skin, and bones. Stir meat into soup, season with salt and pepper, and ladle soup into bowls.
Sprinkle with reserved bacon.
This recipe is based on one that appears in German Home Cooking by Dr. August Oetker (Bielefeld, 1963). The addition of a little flour gives the soup a smooth texture, while celery root adds an earthy note.
Ratings & Reviews (3)
I've made this a couple of times now without the meat and it makes a surprisingly hearty and flavorful vegetarian soup!
It requires a fair bit of chopping, but it's so worth it. I started it on the stovetop, then transfered it to a crock pot, which the dog guarded faithfully all afternoon. By all means, don't omit the celery root -- it provides a slight sweet note that is the perfect counter balance to the richness and smokiness from the ham. Holy yum.
German Split Pea Soup
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