🍵How I used my Leftover Thanksgiving Ham
Now that Turkey day is over. What are you going to do with all that leftover food?? That quite frankly you’re probably tired of eating 🤔
Well I had ham this year and I chose to make Split Pea Soup with what remains. In my crockpot 🙌🏾 #soupseason #healthyrecipes #leftovers
Ingredients:
2 tablespoons butter
2 ribs celery, diced
½ onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, sliced
1 pound dried split peas, rinsed
1 pound cooked ham, diced (Thanksgiving)
1 bay leaf
1 quart chicken stock
2 ½ cups water
salt and ground black pepper to taste
Leftover holiday ham can be tricky to repurpose, but using it in a classic split pea soup is a delicious and practical solution. Split pea soup is not only comforting but also packed with nutrients like protein and fiber from the dried peas. The addition of ham adds a smoky flavor and boosts the protein content, making it a fulfilling meal. To prepare, start by rinsing one pound of dried split peas, which are the base of the soup, ensuring you remove any debris. Using diced celery, onion, and garlic as aromatic vegetables enhances the flavor profile and adds freshness. Butter is used to sauté these vegetables gently, unlocking their natural sweetness. One pound of cooked ham—like your Thanksgiving leftovers—adds a savory depth. Including a bay leaf during simmering infuses subtle herbal notes. For the cooking liquid, a quart of chicken stock combined with 2 ½ cups of water provides a rich broth that partners well with the smoky ham. Cooking the soup in a crockpot is ideal as it allows the flavors to meld beautifully over several hours. Plus, it's effortless—just set it and forget it. Season the soup with salt and ground black pepper to taste before serving. A tip for wrinkle-free leftovers is to store the soup separately from any added garnishes like fresh herbs or croutons, which can keep your soup fresh longer. Split pea soup also freezes well, making it perfect for meal prepping or future use. Incorporating leftover ham into healthy recipes like this split pea soup is a smart way to reduce food waste and enjoy a hearty meal. With #soupseason and #healthyrecipes trending during colder months, this recipe fits perfectly into your cooking routine, offering warmth and nourishment after Thanksgiving celebrations.