Julia Child's Exquisite Split Pea Soup
Indulge in a warm, comforting bowl of Julia Child's Exquisite Split Pea Soup, a timeless classic that elevates the humble split pea to a dish of unparalleled flavor and sophistication. With a clean and fresh taste, this recipe makes use of homemade ham stock, infusing the soup with rich depth while avoiding the murky notes often found in one-pot recipes. Though it requires some effort, the process rewards you with a vibrant soup that can be frozen for future enjoyment. Perfect for gatherings or a cozy meal at home, this soup combines the nutritious benefits of split peas with the savory goodness of slow-cooked ham hocks, making it a delightful centerpiece in any meal.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
15
Ingredients
Ingredients
Split ham hocks
2 (well-washed and scrubbed)
Water
3 quarts (as needed for stock)
Carrot
1 cup (chopped (coarse is fine))
Onion
1 cup (chopped)
Celery
1 stalk (chopped)
Bay leaves
3 (whole)
Thyme
1 teaspoon (dried)
Whole cloves or allspice berries
5 (whole)
Butter
3 tablespoons (unsalted)
Celery
2/3 cup (diced)
Onion
2/3 cup (diced)
Carrot
1/2 cup (diced)
Flour
3 tablespoons (all-purpose)
Ham stock
2 quarts (heated)
Split peas
1 1/2 cups (or yellow split peas)
Instructions
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Julia Child's Exquisite Split Pea Soup?
This recipe is a timeless classic that elevates the humble split pea into a sophisticated dish with a clean, fresh taste, using homemade ham stock.
What makes this split pea soup recipe unique?
Unlike one-pot recipes that can taste murky, this version uses a separate homemade ham stock to infuse the soup with a rich, vibrant depth.
Can I freeze Julia Child's split pea soup?
Yes, this soup is specifically noted as being freezable for future enjoyment.
What kind of peas can I use for this recipe?
You can use either green split peas or yellow split peas for this soup.
How are the ham hocks prepared for the stock?
The recipe calls for two split ham hocks that are well-washed and scrubbed before use.
What ingredients are used to make the ham stock?
The stock is made with split ham hocks, 3 quarts of water, chopped carrots, onions, celery, bay leaves, thyme, and whole cloves or allspice berries.
What vegetables are added to the soup base?
The soup base includes diced celery, diced onions, and diced carrots.
How much butter is used in the recipe?
The recipe requires 3 tablespoons of unsalted butter.
Is flour included in this split pea soup?
Yes, the recipe uses 3 tablespoons of all-purpose flour.
What is the recommended amount of split peas?
The recipe calls for 1 and 1/2 cups of split peas.
How much ham stock is needed for the final assembly?
You will need 2 quarts of heated ham stock.
What spices provide the aromatic profile of the stock?
The stock is flavored with 3 bay leaves, 1 teaspoon of dried thyme, and 5 whole cloves or allspice berries.
Why is the taste of this soup described as clean and fresh?
The taste remains clean because the peas are cooked in a separately prepared, refined ham stock rather than being boiled down with raw meat in one pot.
How much water is initially used for the stock?
The recipe starts with 3 quarts of water to prepare the ham stock.
What is the preparation for the carrots and onions in the stock?
For the stock, 1 cup of carrot and 1 cup of onion should be chopped; coarse chopping is fine for this step.
Does the recipe specify salted or unsalted butter?
It specifies using 3 tablespoons of unsalted butter.
How many bay leaves are required?
The recipe requires 3 whole bay leaves.
Can I use allspice instead of cloves?
Yes, you can use either 5 whole cloves or 5 allspice berries.
Is this soup suitable for a formal gathering?
Yes, its sophisticated flavor and vibrant appearance make it a perfect centerpiece for gatherings.
What is the primary protein source in this soup?
The primary protein and flavor source comes from the slow-cooked ham hocks and the split peas.
How much celery is used in the stock versus the soup?
The stock uses 1 chopped stalk, while the soup base uses 2/3 cup of diced celery.
How much onion is used for the soup base?
The soup base requires 2/3 cup of diced onion.
What is the quantity of carrots for the final soup base?
The soup base requires 1/2 cup of diced carrots.
What kind of thyme should be used?
The recipe specifies 1 teaspoon of dried thyme.
Is the ham stock used cold or hot?
The 2 quarts of ham stock should be heated before being added to the soup.
How many ingredients are in this recipe in total?
The recipe consists of 15 total ingredients.
Is this recipe considered a comfort food?
Yes, it is described as a warm, comforting bowl and a timeless classic.
What is the texture of the soup?
While not explicitly detailed, the use of a flour-and-butter base (roux) with split peas and rich stock suggests a smooth yet hearty texture.
Does this recipe use pre-made ham stock?
No, the recipe emphasizes making your own homemade ham stock from ham hocks for unparalleled flavor.
How many ham hocks do I need to buy?
You need 2 split ham hocks for this recipe.