Split Pea Soup with Smoked Ham
This recipe is my version of the ideal, traditional split pea soup. It’s the same version I’ve been making, without amendment, since I developed it and scribbled it into my recipe notebook back in 2004, under the heading, “As It Should Be Split Pea Soup.” It looks and tastes like split pea soup is supposed to taste, and contrary to my usual creative bent, I never change a thing. Split Pea Soup is a classic. I say, don’t mess with it!
The flavor secrets in this bowl of smoky, sweet, satisfying goodness are marjoram, and three kinds of onions: yellow onion, shallot, and leek. Also, plenty of sweet and tender carrots complement this soup like, well, peas and carrots!
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The Best Way to Prepare Split Peas
As a super-affordable source of protein, iron, and fiber, split peas are hard to beat. But if you are on a gut-healing diet like AIP or Paleo, peas fall into a gray area for compatibility. The science behind this is best left to the experts, but if you want to look more deeply into the whys of legume-avoidance, I recommend this article from Dr. Sarah Ballantyne, Ph.D. (aka The Paleo Mom): The Green Bean Controversy and Pea-Gate
On the bright side, it sounds like the levels of phytates (an anti-nutrient found in dried legumes) are substantially lower in green beans and peas than they are in other types of dried beans. More good news: There are simple measures you can take to diminish any digestive downside to eating split peas. Soaking them for a few hours and then cooking gently over low heat is a time-honored way to do the trick.
Instructions for soaking your split peas are included in the recipe. Remember to allow extra prep time for soaking.
Thyroid-healthy Highlights:
- 1 cup of cooked split peas provides 16 grams of protein, 14% DV for Iron, and 16 grams of dietary fiber (this can help alleviate constipation).
- 1 cup of carrots provides 428% DV of Vitamin A, which may be a key factor in preventing hypothyroidism.
- Bone broth is one of the most highly recommended foods for anyone suffering from an autoimmune disease. The collagen and glycine can help repair cell damage in the intestinal tract. It also supports hair, skin, and nail health, as well as our body's detox pathways.
Happy cooking, happy thriving, and enjoy the recipe (below)!
P.S. Need more thyroid-friendly recipe inspiration? I’ve got you covered. My Thyroid-friendly Everyday eCookbook features over 50 quick and easy, thyroid-friendly recipes your whole family will love. To take a peek at what’s inside, CLICK HERE.
More Thyroid-Healthy Soup Recipes:
- Beef Borscht
- Red Lentil Rainbow Soup
- Italian Sausage Minestrone
- Creamy Carrot Coconut Soup
- Thai Chicken Soup with Coconut Milk
- Tomato, Sausage, and Fennel Soup
- Turkey Albondigas Soup
