Thermomix Pea and Ham Soup
Introduction
Pea and ham soup is a classic comfort food that combines the rich, savory flavor of ham with the natural sweetness of peas. Using a Thermomix makes the preparation process simple while still producing a deeply flavorful soup with a smooth texture and hearty character. This version is intentionally detailed, providing extensive guidance for every stage, from ingredient selection and preparation to cooking, blending, serving, storing, and variations.
Preparation Time
Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Cooking Time: 45–60 minutes
Total Time: Approximately 1 hour 20 minutes
Serves: 6–8 people
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
500 grams dried green split peas
300 grams smoked ham hock, ham bone, or diced cooked ham
1 large onion, peeled and quartered
2 medium carrots, peeled and cut into chunks
2 celery stalks, cut into chunks
2 cloves garlic, peeled
1 tablespoon olive oil
1.5 litres chicken stock
500 millilitres water
2 bay leaves
1 teaspoon dried thyme
½ teaspoon black pepper
½ teaspoon salt, or to taste
Optional Ingredients
1 potato, peeled and diced
1 leek, washed and sliced
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1 tablespoon parsley, finely chopped
1 tablespoon chives, finely chopped
Extra diced ham for serving
Freshly ground black pepper for garnish
Crusty bread for serving
Choosing the Ingredients
The quality of the ingredients significantly affects the final soup. Dried green split peas are ideal because they break down during cooking and create a naturally creamy texture without requiring cream. Yellow split peas may also be used, though the flavor will be slightly different.
Smoked ham hock provides the deepest flavor because it slowly releases smoky, meaty richness into the broth. If a ham hock is unavailable, a leftover ham bone from a roast ham can be used. Diced cooked ham is convenient and still produces excellent results, though the flavor may be somewhat milder.
Fresh vegetables contribute sweetness and balance the saltiness of the ham. Onion, carrot, and celery form a traditional flavor base that works particularly well in soups.
Preparing the Split Peas
Carefully inspect the split peas before cooking. Spread them on a tray or plate and remove any small stones or damaged peas. Place the peas into a large bowl and rinse thoroughly under cold running water until the water appears mostly clear.
Although split peas do not require soaking, some cooks prefer soaking them for two to four hours. Soaking can slightly reduce cooking time and may improve texture. If soaking is used, drain and rinse the peas before adding them to the Thermomix.
Preparing the Vegetables
Peel the onion and cut it into quarters.
Peel the carrots and cut them into large chunks.
Wash and trim the celery before cutting into chunks.
Peel the garlic cloves.
If using a leek, slice it and rinse carefully to remove any trapped dirt.
If using a potato, peel and dice it into small cubes.
Having all ingredients prepared before cooking ensures a smooth workflow.
Step 1: Chopping the Aromatics
Place the onion, carrots, celery, and garlic into the Thermomix bowl.
Chop for 5 seconds on speed 5.
Scrape down the sides of the bowl with the spatula.
The vegetables should be finely chopped but not pureed.
Step 2: Sautéing the Base
Add the olive oil.
Cook for 5 minutes at 120°C on speed 1 without the measuring cup to allow excess moisture to evaporate.
This stage develops sweetness in the vegetables and creates a richer soup flavor.
If using leek, add it during this stage.
Step 3: Adding the Main Ingredients
Add the rinsed split peas.
Add the ham hock, ham bone, or diced ham.
Pour in the chicken stock and water.
Add the bay leaves.
Add the dried thyme.
Add the black pepper.
Add the potato if using.
Stir gently using the Thermomix spatula.
Step 4: Initial Cooking
Cook for 30 minutes at 100°C on reverse speed soft.
This allows the peas to soften gradually while extracting flavor from the ham.
During cooking, check occasionally to ensure the mixture is not becoming too thick.
If necessary, add a little extra water.
Step 5: Extended Simmering
Continue cooking for another 20 to 30 minutes at 100°C on reverse speed soft.
By the end of this stage:
The peas should be very soft.
The vegetables should be tender.
The ham should be flavorful and succulent.
The soup should have a naturally thick consistency.
Step 6: Removing Ham and Bay Leaves
Carefully remove the ham hock or ham bone.
Remove the bay leaves and discard them.
Allow the ham to cool slightly.
Separate any meat from bones, skin, or connective tissue.
Shred the meat into bite-sized pieces.
Set aside.
Step 7: Blending the Soup
For a smooth soup:
Blend gradually, increasing speed from 5 to 8 over 30 seconds.
Blend for 1 minute on speed 8.
For a partially textured soup:
Blend for only 10 to 15 seconds on speed 5.
For a rustic soup:
Skip blending entirely.
Choose the texture according to personal preference.
Step 8: Returning the Ham
Return the shredded ham to the Thermomix bowl.
Cook for 5 minutes at 90°C on reverse speed soft.
Taste the soup.
Adjust seasoning as needed.
Add extra pepper if desired.
Add salt carefully because ham often contributes significant saltiness.
Step 9: Final Consistency Adjustment
Pea soup naturally thickens as it cools.
If the soup is too thick:
Add additional stock or hot water.
Mix for 20 seconds on speed 3.
If the soup is too thin:
Cook for another 5 to 10 minutes at Varoma temperature with the measuring cup removed.
Serving Suggestions
Ladle the soup into warmed bowls.
Top with additional diced ham.
Sprinkle with chopped parsley or chives.
Add freshly cracked black pepper.
Serve with:
Crusty artisan bread
Butter rolls
Garlic toast
Cheese scones
Whole-grain bread
The combination of thick soup and fresh bread creates a satisfying meal suitable for lunch or dinner.
Chef’s Tips
Slow cooking develops deeper flavor.
Smoked ham hock creates the most traditional taste.
Do not over-salt early in the cooking process.
Blend carefully because hot liquids expand.
The soup often tastes even better the next day after the flavors have had time to develop.
Storage Instructions
Allow the soup to cool completely before storing.
Refrigerator Storage:
Store in airtight containers for up to 4 days.
Freezer Storage:
Freeze in portions for up to 3 months.
Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating Instructions
Thermomix Method
Place soup in the Thermomix bowl.
Heat for 8 to 10 minutes at 90°C on speed 2.
Stovetop Method
Transfer to a saucepan.
Heat gently over medium-low heat.
Stir regularly until hot.
Add extra water or stock if the soup has thickened excessively.
Variations
Creamy Pea and Ham Soup
Add 100 millilitres cream after blending.
Mix for 20 seconds on speed 3.
Chunky Country Style Soup
Blend only a small portion of the soup and leave the rest chunky.
Vegetable-Rich Version
Add:
Sweet potato
Parsnip
Leek
Zucchini
Spinach
Extra Smoky Version
Use smoked paprika and smoked ham hock together.
Herb Garden Version
Add fresh parsley, thyme, rosemary, and chives near the end of cooking.
Nutritional Overview
Pea and ham soup provides:
Protein from ham and peas
Dietary fibre from split peas
Iron and minerals
Complex carbohydrates
Long-lasting satiety
It is a wholesome meal that can be enjoyed throughout colder months but remains satisfying year-round.
Conclusion
This Thermomix Pea and Ham Soup is a hearty, rich, and deeply satisfying dish built from simple ingredients. The combination of split peas, aromatic vegetables, savory ham, and gentle cooking creates a soup with excellent texture and robust flavor. Whether served smooth and elegant or thick and rustic, it is a timeless recipe that is economical, nourishing, and ideal for family meals, meal preparation, and cozy gatherings.
