London Particular Soup

Ingredients

• 1 cup (200g) dried split peas 1 cup (200g) dried split peas
• 1 ham hock (about 500g) 1 ham hock (about 500g)
• 1 onion, diced 1 onion, diced
• 2 carrots, diced 2 carrots, diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced 2 celery stalks, diced
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 bay leaf 1 bay leaf
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 4 cups (950ml) chicken or vegetable broth 4 cups (950ml) chicken or vegetable broth
• 1 cup (240ml) heavy cream 1 cup (240ml) heavy cream
• Salt and pepper to taste Salt and pepper to taste

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 380 kcal / 1590 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 20g, 10g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 30g, 6g
• Protein: 20g
• Fiber: 8g
• Salt: 1.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Rinse the split peas under cold water and drain.
2. 2.
   In a large pot, combine the split peas, ham hock, diced onion, carrots, celery, minced garlic, bay leaf, dried thyme, and broth.
3. 3.
   Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce the heat to low and simmer for about 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the split peas are tender and the ham hock is falling off the bone.
4. 4.
   Remove the ham hock from the pot and shred the meat, discarding any excess fat or bones.
5. 5.
   Return the shredded ham to the pot and stir in the heavy cream. Simmer for an additional 10 minutes.
6. 6.
   Season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. 7.
   Remove the bay leaf before serving.
8. 8.
   Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with a sprinkle of fresh thyme leaves, if desired.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Ham hock — Make sure to remove any excess fat or bones after shredding the meat to ensure a lean and tender texture.

Tips & Tricks

• For a smokier flavor, you can add a small amount of liquid smoke to the soup.
• If you prefer a smoother texture, you can blend a portion of the soup using an immersion blender before adding the shredded ham.
• Serve the London Particular soup with crusty bread for a complete and satisfying meal.

Serving advice

Serve the London Particular soup hot in individual bowls. Garnish with a sprinkle of fresh thyme leaves for an added touch of freshness.

Presentation advice

Present the London Particular soup in rustic soup bowls, showcasing its vibrant green color and hearty texture. Pair it with a slice of crusty bread on the side for a visually appealing and comforting presentation.