In Trinidad and Tobago, as well as throughout the Caribbean, the festive season is marked by the joy of sharing a sumptuous Christmas ham. Once the celebrations wind down, the ham bone is a cherished treasure, saved to infuse flavor into hearty dishes in the days that follow. This Beef and Split Pea Soup embodies that tradition, transforming leftover ham and its bone into a nourishing meal. As the ham bone simmers alongside tender chunks of ham, beef, and a medley of vibrant vegetables, the soup develops a rich, savory depth that comforts the soul. The addition of dumplings offers a delightful texture, making this dish not only a feast for the senses but also a warm embrace of Caribbean culinary heritage. Perfect for nourishing both body and spirit, this soup is a delicious way to carry the flavors of the holiday season into the new year.
Ingredient Details
Beef
- 1/2 lb Beef (cleaned): The foundation of the soup, beef adds a rich, meaty flavor and protein. Choosing a cut that becomes tender when cooked
Green Seasoning
- 6 tbsp Green Seasoning: A staple in Trinidadian cuisine, this vibrant blend typically includes celery, chives, thyme, pimento peppers, garlic, . It provides a fresh, herbaceous flavor that enhances the dish and embodies the essence of Caribbean cooking.
Salt
- 2 tsp Salt: Essential for seasoning, salt enhances the natural flavors of the ingredients. Adjust to taste, especially considering the saltiness of the ham.
Black Pepper
- 1 tsp Black Pepper: Adds warmth and a subtle heat that complements the other flavors.
Split Peas (Dhal)
- 2 cups Split Peas (washed): These legumes are a key ingredient, providing a creamy texture and earthy flavor as they cook down. They are also high in protein and fiber, making the soup hearty and nutritious.
Cubed Ham (optional)
- 1 1/2 cups Cubed Ham: While optional, adding ham enriches the soup with a smoky, savory depth. It plays well with the other flavors and adds additional protein.
Ham Bone
- 1 Ham Bone: This is the star of the dish when it comes to flavor. Simmering the bone releases savory juices and collagen, deepening the soup’s richness and adding complexity.
Maggi Soup Mix
- 1 pk Maggi Soup mix: This seasoning mix is often used to enhance the flavor profile of soups with a blend of spices and seasonings.
Corn
- 2 small ears of Corn (cut into slices): Corn adds sweetness and a delightful crunch, enhancing the soup’s texture and flavor.
Sweet Potato
- 1 medium Sweet Potato (diced and peeled): This brings a natural sweetness and creamy texture to the soup, balancing the savory elements.
Pumpkin
- 1 1/2 cups diced Pumpkin: Adds a subtle sweetness and vibrant color, along with vitamins and a creamy consistency as it cooks down.
Ochroes (Okra)
- 5 Ochroes (sliced): Known for their unique texture and slight mucilage, ochroes contribute a fresh flavor and help thicken the soup slightly.
Carrot
- 1 medium Carrot (sliced): Carrots add sweetness and color, along with essential nutrients.
Onion
- 1 large Onion (sliced): Onions provide a foundational flavor, adding sweetness and depth as they caramelize during cooking.
Turmeric Powder
- 2 tsp Turmeric Powder: This spice not only lends a warm, golden hue to the soup but also imparts earthy tones and health benefits.
Pimento Peppers
- 3 Pimento (chopped): Also known as allspice or Scotch bonnet, these peppers add a mild heat and aromatic flavor, characteristic of Caribbean dishes.
Garlic
- 5 cloves Garlic (minced): Garlic enhances the overall flavor profile with its pungent, aromatic quality, contributing to the dish’s savory depth.
Hot Pepper
- Hot Pepper (to taste): Adds a kick of heat, allowing you to customize the spice level according to your preference.
Water
- 3 1/2 liters of Water (divided): Used to create the broth of the soup, the amount can be adjusted based on your desired thickness.
Flour (for Dumplings)
- 2 cups Flour: The base for the dumplings, providing substance and texture.
Water (for Dumplings)
- 3/4 cup Water: Binds the flour into a dough, which is then shaped into dumplings.
Salt (for Dumplings)
- 1/4 tsp Salt: Enhances the flavor of the dumplings, making them a delicious addition to the soup.
Ingredient Alternatives
Beef
- Alternative: Chicken, Turkey, or Pork
- Note: Chicken or turkey can provide a lighter option, while pork can add a different flavor profile.
Green Seasoning
- Alternative: Fresh herbs like parsley, cilantro, or basil; garlic and onion powder can also be used for convenience.
- Note: If you have no access to green seasoning, creating a fresh herb blend with these alternatives can still yield delicious results.
Salt
- Alternative: Sea salt, kosher salt, or low-sodium options.
- Note: Adjust the amount based on personal preference, especially if using salty meats.
Black Pepper
- Alternative: White pepper or a pinch of cayenne for added heat.
- Note: Each alternative has a slightly different flavor profile; adjust to taste.
Split Peas (Dhal)
- Alternative: Lentils (green or yellow) or chickpeas.
- Note: Cooking times may differ; lentils cook faster than split peas.
Cubed Ham (optional)
- Alternative: Smoked sausage, turkey bacon, or omit entirely for a vegetarian option.
- Note: These alternatives can offer a similar smoky flavor.
Ham Bone
- Alternative: Chicken ham bone or smoked turkey bone.
- Note: Using a chicken ham bone will impart a lighter flavor, while a smoked turkey bone adds depth.
Maggi Soup Mix
- Alternative: Homemade seasoning blend (e.g., garlic powder, onion powder, and mixed herbs).
- Note: You can also use bouillon cubes or low-sodium broth for flavor.
Corn
- Alternative: Canned or frozen corn.
- Note: If fresh corn isn’t available, canned or frozen options work well and are convenient.
Sweet Potato
- Alternative: Butternut squash or regular potatoes.
- Note: Each alternative will change the sweetness and texture slightly.
Pumpkin
- Alternative: Carrots or butternut squash.
- Note: Both alternatives can provide sweetness and creaminess.
Ochroes (Okra)
- **No Alternative:
Carrot
- Alternative: Parsnips or turnips.
- Note: Both alternatives will add a different flavor but still provide sweetness.
Onion
- Alternative: Shallots, leeks, or green onions.
- Note: These alternatives can provide similar aromatic qualities with slight flavor variations.
Turmeric Powder
- Alternative: saffron (for color).
Pimento Peppers
- ** No Alternative:**
Garlic
- Alternative: Garlic powder
- Note: Garlic powder can be used in a pinch, but fresh garlic will provide a more robust flavor.
Hot Pepper
- Alternative: Red pepper flakes, hot sauce, or omit for a milder dish.
- Note: Adjust the amount based on your spice tolerance.
Water
- Alternative: Low-sodium vegetable or chicken broth.
- Note: Using broth can enhance the flavor of the soup.
Flour (for Dumplings)
- Alternative: Whole wheat flour, cornstarch, or gluten-free flour blends.
- Note: Adjust the amount of water according to the type of flour used.
Water (for Dumplings)
- Alternative: Broth (chicken or vegetable) for more flavor.
- Note: Using broth can enhance the flavor of the dumplings.
Salt (for Dumplings)
- Alternative: Garlic salt or onion salt.
- Note: Use these alternatives for a different flavor in the dumplings.
These alternatives allow for flexibility based on dietary preferences, ingredient availability, or personal taste while still aiming to create a delicious and hearty soup.
SPLIT PEA HAM BONE SOUP
Description
This hearty HamBone Split Pea Soup is a comforting blend of rich culture and savory flavors that warms the soul. Tender pieces of marinated beef simmer alongside creamy split peas, creating a luscious base that’s both wholesome and satisfying. The addition of sweet potatoes, pumpkin, and vibrant vegetables infuses the soup with natural sweetness and a hint of earthiness, while aromatic herbs and spices, including turmeric and garlic, elevate the dish with their fragrant warmth. A touch of ham adds a smoky depth, making each spoonful a delightful balance of flavors.This soup is nothing short of a nourishing bowl of home-cooked goodness.
season beef
Instructions
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Wash and soak split peas for 2-3 hours or overnight.
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Add soaked peas to a large soup pot with 2 liters of water and bring to a boil. Cook for approximately 30-40 minutes or until the peas are very soft and breaking apart.
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While the peas are cooking, combine the green seasoning, 2 tsp salt, and 1 tsp black pepper with the cubed beef in a bowl and set aside to marinate.
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Once the peas have softened, use a dhal gutney or swizzle stick to further break them down. Then, add the marinated beef, ham bone, and ham chunks to the pot. Add 1 1/2 liters of water, cover with a lid, lower the heat to medium, and allow to simmer for 20 minutes.
-
Stir in the turmeric powder, then add the sweet potato, carrot, and pumpkin. Cook for an additional 15-20 minutes.
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Once the sweet potatoes have softened, remove the ham bone from the soup then the ochroes, onions, garlic, pimento, Maggi soup mix, thyme, and hot pepper. Lower heat and let simmer while preparing the dumplings.
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To make the dumplings, combine flour, water, and salt to form a ball of dough. Cut the dough into 4-5 pieces, roll each piece into a log shape, and cut into several smaller pieces.
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Add the remaining 1/2 liter of water or more based on your preferred soup thickness, allow the soup to cook for another 10-15 minutes.
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Add salt and black pepper to taste, remove from heat, and serve hot.
Note
Preparation Tips:
- Soaking Split Peas: Soaking the split peas for 2-3 hours or overnight helps to reduce cooking time and ensures they cook evenly. If you're short on time, a quick soak in hot water for an hour can also work.
- Green Seasoning: This is a key flavor component and a step i suggest you do not skip. Check out my recipe for Green Seasoning.
- Marinating Beef: Allow the beef to marinate for at least 30 minutes for better flavor absorption. You can also marinate it overnight in the refrigerator.
- Ham Bone and Ham: The ham bone adds depth of flavor to the soup. If you’re using cubed ham, it can be added at the same time as the beef. Adjust the salt accordingly since ham can be salty.
Cooking Tips:
1 Vegetable Variations: Feel free to add or substitute other vegetables based on what you have on hand. Vegetables like potatoes, celery, or bell peppers can be great additions.
- Flavor Adjustments: Taste the soup as it cooks and adjust the seasoning. The amount of salt and black pepper can vary based on personal preference and the saltiness of the ham.
Dumpling Tips:
- Dumpling Texture: Ensure the dough is not too sticky. If it is, add a little more flour until you achieve the right consistency.
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve the soup hot, garnished with fresh herbs if desired.
Storage Tips:
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors tend to deepen as it sits.
- Reheat gently on the stove, adding a splash of water if it has thickened too much.
With these notes, you should be well-equipped to make a delicious beef and split pea soup. Enjoy your cooking.
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