Split Pea and Spam
Savor the comforting flavors of this hearty Split Pea and Spam soup, a deliciously unexpected twist on a classic dish. Packed with protein-rich dried split peas and savory bites of crispy, golden-browned Spam, this recipe combines kitchen staples with a touch of nostalgia. Fragrant vegetables like carrots, celery, and onions are sautéed to perfection, creating a flavorful base alongside aromatic garlic, thyme, and a hint of bay leaf. Simmered slowly in a rich blend of vegetable broth and water, the split peas break down into a naturally creamy texture, while the crispy Spam adds smoky, meaty bursts that perfectly complement the soup’s hearty consistency. Ready in just over an hour and perfect for chilly evenings, this comforting dish serves up wholesome, satisfying flavors in every spoonful. Garnish with fresh herbs and reserved Spam cubes for a finishing touch that’s sure to delight!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 1 cup dried split peas
- 1 can Spam
- 1 medium yellow onion
- 2 medium carrot
- 2 celery stalks
- 2 cloves garlic
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 2 cups water
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 bay leaf
- 0.5 teaspoons salt
- 0.5 teaspoons black pepper
Instructions
Rinse the split peas thoroughly under cold running water and set aside.
Dice the yellow onion, carrots, and celery. Mince the garlic cloves.
Cut the Spam into small cubes, about 1/2-inch in size.
Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat.
Add the diced Spam to the pot and cook for 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until browned and crispy. Remove the Spam with a slotted spoon and set aside.
In the same pot, add the diced onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté for 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables soften.
Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
Add the rinsed split peas, vegetable broth, water, dried thyme, bay leaf, salt, and black pepper to the pot. Stir well to combine.
Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Simmer uncovered for 45-50 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking, until the split peas break down and the soup thickens.
Remove the bay leaf from the soup. Use an immersion blender to blend the soup slightly if you prefer a smoother texture, but leave some chunks for a hearty consistency.
Stir in the crispy Spam cubes, reserving a few for garnish if desired. Heat for an additional 2-3 minutes.
Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper, if needed.
Serve hot, garnished with the reserved crispy Spam and fresh herbs, if desired.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
2275 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 110.5 g | 142% | |
| Saturated Fat | 34.5 g | 172% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 13.3 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 258 mg | 86% | |
| Sodium | 7119 mg | 310% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 216.4 g | 79% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 70.1 g | 250% | |
| Total Sugars | 40.4 g | ||
| Protein | 114.1 g | 228% | |
| Vitamin D | 2.0 mcg | 10% | |
| Calcium | 389 mg | 30% | |
| Iron | 18.0 mg | 100% | |
| Potassium | 6273 mg | 133% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
