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Weeknight Split Pea Pasta

  • Prep Time:
  • 15 mins
  • Cook Time:
  • 15 mins
  • Total Time:
  • 0 hour(s)
  • 30 mins

This twist on split pea soup transforms all the flavors of the slow-cooked classic—carrots, celery, onions and smoky ham—into a quick-fix meal that’s on the table in just 30 minutes.

Recipe by Asha Loupy

Serves 2-4

Ingredients

  • 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil, like Katz Chef's Pick
  • 1-2 small carrots, peeled and cut into 1/4-inch cubes (about a 1/2 cup)
  • 1-2 stalks celery, cut into 1/4-inch cubes (about a 1/2 cup)
  • 1/2 small white onion cut into 1/4-inch cubes (about a 1/2 cup)
  • 1/4 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves, chopped
  • 1/2 cup cooked ham, cut into 1/4-inch cubes (you can also use prosciutto cotto, cooked pancetta or bacon here)
  • 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
  • Grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese, for garnishing

Instructions

In a large skillet, heat extra virgin olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced carrots, celery and onions and cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables start to caramelize and turn a light golden color, about 8-10 minutes. Add the thyme and diced ham and continue to cook until the ham is heated through, about another 2 minutes. Reduce heat to low and keep warm.

While the vegetables are cooking, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil over high heat. Add the pasta and cook until the pasta is just al dente about 5 minutes. Drain the pasta, reserving about half a cup of the pasta cooking water.

Return the vegetable and ham mixture to medium heat and add the drained pasta, butter and a quarter cup of the reserved pasta cooking liquid and toss to coat (if it’s looking a little dry, add another splash of the pasta cooking liquid). Season to salt and pepper, to taste. Transfer the finished pasta to a warm serving bowl or individual serving bowls and serve with grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese for garnishing.