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Pea and Ham Soup

An eternal favourite! Traditionally a Winter staple in homes. Nothing says warm and cosy like this soup.

Source: Queensland Meals on Wheels
Entree Lactose Free Gluten Intolerance and Coeliac Disease
Difficulty: Easy
Servings: 4
Preparation time: 30 minutes
Cooktime: 120 minutes

Ingredients

  • 600g ham hock/bones
  • 1.5L water (enough to cover ham hock in saucepan)
  • 100g onions, peeled and diced
  • 100g carrots, peeled and diced
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 1/2 sticks of celery (50g), trimmed and chopped
  • 250g frozen peas
  • Ground white pepper
  • Crusty bread with butter, to serve - disregard for Gluten Free and Lactose Free option

Method

  1. Place the ham in a large saucepan, cover with plenty of water and bring to the boil. Ensure the ham is submerged below the water at all times during cooking.
  2. Remove from the heat and drain the water away. This will help to remove any lingering salt flavour.
  3.  Re-cover the ham in the saucepan with fresh cold water. Place remaining ingredients (except frozen peas) into the pan and bring to the boil. Reduce to a simmer and cook for 1½ to 2 hours, topping up the water as and when required when it reduces away. When the ham is tender enough to tear into shreds, it is ready.
  4. Remove the ham, allow to cool until it can be safely handled, then peel off and discard the skin. While the meat it is still warm, shred the meat.
  5. Remove bay leaves and stir in the frozen peas. Simmer for 5 minutes, then blend with a hand-blender until smooth. If the mixture is too thick, add some more warm water until a smooth consistency is achieved.
  6. Add the ham back into the soup and add some pepper if required.
  7. Reheat to boiling before serving with crusty bread and butter.
Handy Tips
Soup can be made with diced ham in place of the ham hock(s) if preferred.
Use smaller ham bones if you can so that it will remain submerged under the water throughout cooking.
The soup does not contain any gluten or dairy products, simply serve without bread and butter to
make suitable for both Gluten Free (GF) and Lactose Free (LF) diets.
NSW meals on wheels chef

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