Love a bowl of cozy soup on a chilly day? The Hairy Bikers Pea and Ham Soup Recipe hits the spot. It’s hearty and smoky and full of flavor. This classic dish warms your soul.
Learn how to make Hairy Bikers Pea and Ham Soup at home. Simple steps, fresh ingredients. Perfect for beginners. Grab your pot and let’s cook! (75 words)
My Story With This Comforting Pea and Ham Soup
I first tried pea and ham soup years ago. Rainy winter in Rawalpindi. I craved something hot and simple. A friend shared her gran’s version. It reminded me of home comforts.
Now I tweak it like the Hairy Bikers style. Rich ham, sweet peas. One pot wonder. My kids beg for seconds. It’s my go-to for lazy Sundays. What’s your fave comfort food?
Equipment List
- Large soup pot or Dutch oven
- Wooden spoon
- Sharp knife
- Chopping board
- Colander or sieve
- Immersion blender or regular blender
- Measuring jug
- Ladle
Recipe Overview
- Recipe Name: Hairy Bikers Pea and Ham Soup Recipe
- Servings: 6
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 50 mins
- Total Time: 65 mins
- Course: Soup
- Cuisine: British
- Calories: 280 kcal per serving
Ingredients for Hairy Bikers Pea and Ham Soup
- 500g dried split green peas (rinsed well)
- 1 large smoked ham hock (about 800g)
- 1 large onion (chopped)
- 2 carrots (peeled and diced)
- 2 celery sticks (chopped)
- 2 garlic cloves (minced)
- 2 bay leaves
- 1.5 liters vegetable stock
- 1 liter water
- Salt and black pepper (to taste)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Fresh parsley (chopped, for garnish)
- Squeeze of lemon juice (optional)
These are the key ingredients for Hairy Bikers Pea and Ham Soup. Easy to find.
Instructions for Hairy Bikers Pea and Ham Soup
1. Prep the Ham Hock
Place the ham hock in a large pot. Cover with cold water. Bring to a boil. Skim off any foam. Simmer for 10 minutes. Drain and rinse under cold water. This removes excess salt. Pat dry. Set aside. Takes about 15 minutes total.
2. Sauté the Veggies
Heat olive oil in the pot over medium heat. Add chopped onion, carrots, and celery. Cook for 5-7 minutes until soft. Stir in minced garlic. Cook 1 more minute until fragrant. Don’t let it brown. This builds sweet flavor base. Veggies should glisten nicely.
3. Add Peas and Ham
Tip in rinsed split peas. Stir for 1 minute to coat. Add the prepped ham hock, bay leaves, stock, and water. Bring to a gentle boil. Reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 40 minutes. Peas will soften. Ham infuses smoky taste. Stir occasionally.
4. Blend the Soup
Remove ham hock and bay leaves. Let ham cool slightly. Pull off meat in shreds. Discard bone and fat. Return meat to pot. Use immersion blender to puree soup smooth. Or blend in batches. Add a splash of water if too thick. Season with salt, pepper, and lemon juice.
5. Simmer and Serve
Return to low heat. Simmer 5 more minutes. Taste and adjust seasoning. Ladle into bowls. Garnish with fresh parsley. Enjoy hot. Your kitchen smells amazing now!
Cooking Tips and Simple Recipe Variations
- Soak peas overnight for creamier texture.
- Use leftover ham instead of hock for quicker prep.
- Add a potato for extra thickness.
- Make it vegan: Swap ham for smoked paprika and mushrooms.
- Spice it up with thyme or chili flakes.
- Freeze half the batch for busy nights.
- Blend only halfway for chunky texture.
Little History Behind This Comfort Food
Pea and ham soup dates back to medieval times. Peas were cheap and stored well. Ham added richness for peasants and kings alike.
The Hairy Bikers, Dave Myers and Si King, made it famous on TV. Their 2000s show celebrated simple British grub.
They traveled and cooked hearty meals. This recipe nods to their style—rustic, flavorful, no fuss. A true UK winter staple.
What to Serve With This Dish
Pair with crusty bread and butter. Crusty rolls soak up the goodness. Add cheese scones for a treat. Fresh green salad balances the richness. Warm it with oatcakes.
For kids and serve with grilled cheese sandwiches. Simple sides make it a meal.
Occasion or Event Ideas
Perfect for family game nights. Cozy winter dinners. Post-hike fuel. Birthday soup parties. Church potlucks. Rainy day gatherings. Holiday leftovers fix. Tailgate warm-up. It’s versatile!
Storage and Reheating Tips
- Fridge: Cool completely. Store in airtight container up to 4 days.
- Freezer: Portion into bags. Freeze up to 3 months.
- Reheat: Simmer on stove with splash of water. Stir often. Microwave in bursts, covered.
- Don’t refreeze thawed soup.
- Always check ham is hot through.
Nutrition Information
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 280 kcal |
| Protein | 22g |
| Carbohydrates | 35g |
| Fiber | 12g |
| Fat | 8g |
| Sodium | 850mg |
| Vitamin A | 45% DV |
| Iron | 15% DV |
Values based on 6 servings. Approximate.
Is This Dish Good for You?
Yes, Hairy Bikers Pea and Ham Soup is nutritious. Peas pack fiber for digestion. Ham gives protein for muscles. Veggies add vitamins. Low fat if you trim it. Helps with weight control.
High fiber keeps you full. Great for cold season immunity. Balance with sides. Eat in moderation for sodium.
Hairy Bikers Pea and Ham Soup Recipe
Ingredients
- 500 g dried split green peas rinsed well
- 1 large smoked ham hock about 800g
- 1 large onion chopped
- 2 carrots peeled and diced
- 2 celery sticks chopped
- 2 garlic cloves minced
- 2 bay leaves
- 1.5 liters vegetable stock
- 1 liter water
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Fresh parsley chopped, for garnish
- Squeeze of lemon juice optional
Instructions
Prep the Ham Hock
- Place the ham hock in a large pot. Cover with cold water. Bring to a boil. Skim off any foam. Simmer for 10 minutes. Drain and rinse under cold water. This removes excess salt. Pat dry. Set aside. Takes about 15 minutes total.
Sauté the Veggies
- Heat olive oil in the pot over medium heat. Add chopped onion, carrots, and celery. Cook for 5-7 minutes until soft. Stir in minced garlic. Cook 1 more minute until fragrant. Don’t let it brown. This builds sweet flavor base. Veggies should glisten nicely.
Add Peas and Ham
- Tip in rinsed split peas. Stir for 1 minute to coat. Add the prepped ham hock, bay leaves, stock, and water. Bring to a gentle boil. Reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 40 minutes. Peas will soften. Ham infuses smoky taste. Stir occasionally.
Blend the Soup
- Remove ham hock and bay leaves. Let ham cool slightly. Pull off meat in shreds. Discard bone and fat. Return meat to pot. Use immersion blender to puree soup smooth. Or blend in batches. Add a splash of water if too thick. Season with salt, pepper, and lemon juice.
Simmer and Serve
- Return to low heat. Simmer 5 more minutes. Taste and adjust seasoning. Ladle into bowls. Garnish with fresh parsley. Enjoy hot. Your kitchen smells amazing now!
Notes
- Soak peas overnight for creamier texture.
- Use leftover ham instead of hock for quicker prep.
- Add a potato for extra thickness.
- Make it vegan: Swap ham for smoked paprika and mushrooms.
- Spice it up with thyme or chili flakes.
- Freeze half the batch for busy nights.
- Blend only halfway for chunky texture.
FAQs about Hairy Bikers Pea and Ham Soup
Can I use fresh peas instead of dried?
Fresh peas work but change texture. They cook faster—only 20 minutes simmer. Dried split peas give thicker, creamier soup like the original Hairy Bikers style. Rinse well either way.
What if I can’t find ham hock?
Use smoked bacon or gammon. Or leftover holiday ham diced up. Simmer same way. It adds that smoky flavor key to how to make Hairy Bikers Pea and Ham Soup authentic.
Is this soup gluten-free?
Yes, naturally gluten-free. Check stock for additives. Use fresh veggies. Perfect for gluten-sensitive friends.
How spicy can I make it?
Add chili flakes or fresh ginger. Start mild. Families love gentle heat.
Can I make it in a slow cooker?
Yes! Sauté veggies first. Then low for 6-8 hours. Shred ham at end. Super easy.
Final Thoughts
There you have it—your own Hairy Bikers Pea and Ham Soup Recipe. Simple, soul-warming, and packed with love. Next time it’s cold, whip this up.
Share with neighbors or family. It’ll become your tradition. Cooking brings joy. What’s stopping you? Try it tonight and tell me how it turns out. Happy souping!
Hi! I’m Livy Lane, the creator of LivyCooks.com. I share easy, delicious recipes anyone can make at home. Let’s cook, taste and enjoy every bite together!