Slow-Simmered Jamie Oliver Ham and Pea Soup Recipe

Slow cooker ham and pea soup emerges as a culinary symphony that transforms ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary comfort feast.

This rustic marvel whispers tales of homespun kitchens and generations of hearty cooking.

Simmering gently, the soup weaves a tapestry of rich flavors that embrace you like a warm blanket.

Tender ham chunks and velvety peas create a luxurious dance of textures that tantalize your taste buds.

Earthy herbs and robust vegetables elevate this classic recipe from mundane to magnificent.

Every spoonful carries the essence of traditional cooking, promising a nourishing experience that feeds both body and soul.

Grab your slow cooker and let’s embark on a delicious journey that will redefine your soup expectations.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 25 minutes

Cook Time: 3 hours 30 minutes

Total Time: 3 hours 25 minutes

Calories: 350 kcal

Servings: 5

Jamie Oliver Ham and Pea Soup: What You Need

• Ham Hocks: Choose plump, meaty hocks with some fat for rich, deep flavor and tender texture.
• Chicken Stock: Select low-sodium stock for better control of salt levels in the soup.

• Leeks: Pick fresh, firm leeks with bright green tops and white bottoms for maximum sweetness.
• Celery: Look for crisp, bright green stalks without blemishes or wilting.
• Carrots: Select smooth, vibrant orange carrots with firm texture for natural sweetness.
• Bay Leaves: Choose whole, intact dried bay leaves for intense aromatic essence.
• Curly Parsley: Opt for bright green, perky leaves without yellowing for fresh garnish.

• Pearl Barley: Select whole, unbroken pearls for perfect chewy texture and nutritional value.
• Frozen Peas: Pick high-quality, bright green frozen peas for color and sweet burst.
• Mint Sauce: Choose traditional, tangy mint sauce to complement the hearty soup.
• Olive Oil: Use extra virgin olive oil for rich, smooth base flavor.
• English Mustard: Select sharp, robust mustard for serving alongside the soup.

Tools for Slow Cooking Pea and Ham Soup

• Large pot: Essential for soaking and boiling ham hocks, giving them a clean flavor.
• Colander: Perfect for draining and rinsing ham hocks thoroughly.
• Large casserole pan: Ideal for sautéing vegetables and slow-cooking the soup.
• Sharp knife: Crucial for finely slicing leeks, celery, and carrots.
• Wooden spoon: Great for stirring vegetables and mixing ingredients.
• Cutting board: Provides a clean surface for chopping vegetables.
• Measuring cups: Helps accurately measure chicken stock and barley.
• Kitchen tongs: Useful for handling and removing ham hocks from the pan.
• Ladle: Helps serve the hot soup smoothly.

Recipe Directions for Ham and Pea Soup

• Prep Ham Hocks Overnight

Submerge ham hocks in cold water, letting them soak to mellow out intense saltiness and enhance the soup’s overall taste profile.

• Cleanse and Boil Meat

Thoroughly drain and rinse ham hocks, replacing water multiple times to ensure a clean, mild flavor before beginning soup preparation.

• Create Vegetable Foundation

Gently sauté leeks, celery, and carrots in olive oil, allowing them to soften and release their natural sweetness while developing a rich aromatic base for the soup.

• Build Soup Layers

Introduce rinsed ham hocks, pearl barley, and chicken stock into the vegetable mixture, creating a hearty foundation that promises deep, comforting flavors.

• Slow Simmer Magic

Let the soup gently bubble for several hours, allowing ingredients to meld and transform into a luxurious, tender concoction that warms from the inside out.

• Shred and Refresh

Extract ham hocks, carefully separating tender meat from fatty bits, then return succulent shreds back into the bubbling pot.

• Final Flourish

Spark the soup with bright green peas and finish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley and a dollop of mint sauce, bringing vibrant freshness to this rustic dish.

Adjustments for Slow Cooker Ham And Pea Soup

• Salt-Slashing Technique: Soak ham hocks overnight and double-rinse to dramatically reduce sodium content, making the soup more heart-friendly and palatable.
• Vegetable Swap Magic: Replace pearl barley with quinoa or brown rice for a gluten-free alternative. Mix in seasonal vegetables like kale, butternut squash, or parsnips to enhance nutritional value and create exciting flavor profiles.
• Protein Power-Up: Experiment with different meat options like smoked turkey, chicken thighs, or beef short ribs to transform the soup's character while maintaining rich, comforting textures.
• Spice Level Adventure: Kick up the heat by adding red pepper flakes, smoked paprika, or a dash of cayenne. Incorporate fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary to introduce complex, aromatic undertones that elevate the entire dish.

How to Serve Hearty Ham and Pea Soup

• Pair with Hearty Bread: Slice thick, crusty sourdough or rustic whole wheat bread to soak up the rich, flavorful broth and add delightful texture to each spoonful.
• Add Mustard Kick: Set out a small dish of English mustard alongside the soup, allowing diners to stir in a dollop for an extra tangy and warming sensation that complements the ham's smokiness.
• Create Herb Garnish: Sprinkle fresh chopped parsley or mint on top just before serving to brighten the soup's deep flavors and add a pop of fresh green color to the comforting dish.
• Offer Cheese Pairing: Serve with a side of sharp cheddar or crumbly Wensleydale cheese to provide a creamy contrast and enhance the soup's robust and hearty profile.

Save Soup for Later the Right Way

• Meal Planning & Storage Advice
• Batch Cooking Brilliance: Prepare a double batch of soup and freeze portions for quick, delicious meals during busy weeks. Use airtight containers to preserve freshness and flavor.
• Refrigeration Strategy: Store leftover soup in sealed containers for up to 4 days. The flavors will continue to develop, making each subsequent serving even more delectable.
• Smart Freezing Technique: Divide soup into individual serving sizes before freezing. This allows easy thawing and prevents waste, ensuring a convenient meal whenever hunger strikes.
• Reheating Magic: Warm refrigerated or thawed soup slowly over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of chicken stock if the soup seems too thick, restoring its original silky texture and preventing scorching.

Hearty Jamie Oliver Slow Cooker Ham And Pea Soup Recipe

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4.8 from 19 reviews

• Total Time: 3 hours 25 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Rich, hearty jamie oliver slow cooker ham and pea soup celebrates British comfort cuisine with minimal effort. Home cooks can easily prepare this nourishing dish using simple ingredients and a slow cooker for maximum flavor.

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Ingredients

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• 3 ham hocks (2.3 kg / 5.1 lbs)
• 1 liter (4.2 cups) organic chicken stock
• 400 g (14.1 oz) frozen peas
• 100 g (3.5 oz) pearl barley
• 2 leeks
• 1 celery stick
• 3 carrots
• 2 fresh bay leaves
• ½ bunch fresh curly parsley
• 1 heaped tbsp mint sauce
• olive oil

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Instructions

1. Preparation: Soak ham hocks overnight in cold water to extract excess salt, then drain and rinse thoroughly to remove residual saltiness.
2. Vegetable Foundation: Chop leeks, celery, and carrots into fine pieces. Heat olive oil in a large casserole pan, sauté vegetables and bay leaves over medium heat for 15 minutes until softened without browning.
3. Soup Construction: Add rinsed ham hocks, pearl barley, and chicken stock to the vegetable base. Bring to a robust boil, then reduce to a gentle simmer. Cover and cook for 3 hours, periodically checking liquid levels and topping up with stock or water as needed.
4. Meat Preparation: Remove ham hocks, carefully shred meat while discarding fat and bones. Return shredded meat to the simmering soup.
5. Final Touches: Increase heat, add frozen peas and cook until tender. Finely chop curly parsley and mix with mint sauce. Serve steaming hot, accompanied by rustic bread and robust English mustard.

Notes

• Soak Ham Hocks: Overnight soaking removes excess salt, ensuring a perfectly balanced flavor without overwhelming saltiness.
• Vegetable Prep: Uniform, delicate dicing helps vegetables cook evenly and distribute flavors consistently throughout the soup.
• Slow Cooking Technique: Low and slow simmering for 3 hours allows ingredients to meld, creating deep, rich flavor profiles and tenderizing the meat.
• Finishing Touches: Adding peas at the end preserves their bright color and fresh taste, while herb garnish provides a vibrant, aromatic final layer to the dish.

• Prep Time: 25 minutes
• Cook Time: 3 hours 30 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: UK

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 900 mg
• Fat: 12 g
• Saturated Fat: 3 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 40 g
• Fiber: 8 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg