A Cool August Day {Aunt Sissy's Split Pea Soup}

We have had an unusually warm summer in Alaska.  However, the past few days have alerted us to the fact that Fall is right around the corner.  The temperature has been hovering in the mid 60s and today there is a cool rain.  On Adam's request I made Split Pea Soup for dinner.

I have come to realize that there are two camps when it comes to this hearty soup: love it or hate it.  I always thought I hated it, too.  But not my husband, he loves it!  He spoke reminiscently on how his mom would make it for him as a child.  So last winter I caved and decided to give it a go for the first time.   A quick email later, his Aunt Sissy (his mom's sister) sent me her trusty recipe.

It takes a teeny bit of preparation the night before, but you'll be done in two minutes and can catch up on your DVR for the rest of the night.

Sissy's Split Pea Soup

Sissy's Split Pea Soup

One Ham Bone
2 Cups of Diced Ham
1 One Pound Bag of Split Peas
1 Onion, Diced
3 Carrots, Peeled and Sliced
4 Potatoes, Peeled and Diced

The evening before, rinse dried peas well.  There is dust from the splitting and drying process.  Soak the peas in water over night, have about three inches of water over the peas, no need to put in the refrigerator.

When you are ready the next day, drain the water off and rinse one more time.  It is kind of stinky.  You will be glad you rinsed them.

Place peas, ham bone, and enough water to cover them by an inch or two in a heavy bottom pot.  Bring to a simmer and stir occasionally for one hour.  The water may foam, don't let that scare you.

Add the carrots, onions, potatoes, and diced ham to the simmering pea mixture.  Let simmer for one more hour, the peas will start to break down and become pasty in this second simmer.   If the soup gets too thick add a tablespoon of water at a time until it reaches the desired consistency.  Salt and pepper to taste.   The peas and the potatoes required more salt than you would think.  You can also add Parsley, like Grandma Virginia did, or a little bill of dill gives it a special flavor.

Serve with a crusty loaf of bread.

Just a note, it may separate in the fridge, don't pour off the liquid, you will need this to thin it out when you are reheating it, otherwise you could use it to plaster your walls. This soup can be frozen.


And yes, my boys refuse to eat it.  They had grilled cheese for dinner.  However sweet Claire loved it! Maybe one day the boys will develop a taste for soup, I can hope!