This Skillet Split Pea Dinner is a satisfying and budget-friendly meal that can be made in under an hour. It’s a one-pan dish featuring split peas, cubed ham, and green peppers, seasoned with basil, salt, and pepper. The split peas simmer until tender, creating a rich and flavorful base, while the ham and green peppers add protein and crunch. It’s an easy dinner option for busy weeknights, and it’s a great way to incorporate split peas, which are packed with protein and fiber. Plus, everything is cooked in a single skillet, making cleanup quick and easy.
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Skillet Split Pea Dinner
Food History
Split peas have been a staple in many cuisines for centuries due to their affordability, nutritional value, and long shelf life. Historically, peas were dried and stored to provide a year-round source of nutrition, especially in colder climates where fresh vegetables weren’t always available. In European kitchens, split peas were often used to make soups and stews, providing a hearty base for meals. Pea soup, especially, has roots in both English and French cooking, dating back to medieval times.
By the mid-20th century, split peas became a common ingredient in American kitchens, especially for soups and stews. Split peas are simply dried peas that have been split in half, which helps them cook faster. This recipe takes advantage of their quick cooking time, making it a simple and nutritious meal. Adding ham to split peas is a tradition that enhances the flavor with a smoky, savory richness. Green peppers, which gained popularity in the early 20th century in the U.S., provide a fresh crunch and slight sweetness to balance the dish.
Timeline
- Ancient times: Dried peas are widely used in various cultures for soups and stews.
- Middle Ages: Split pea soup becomes a staple in European diets, especially in England and France.
- 19th century: Split peas become popular in American households due to their affordability and nutritional value.
- Mid-20th century: Recipes like Skillet Split Pea Dinner, combining split peas with ham, emerge as quick, hearty meals.
Recipe Discussion
This recipe starts with simple ingredients but builds flavor as the dish simmers. The base of the dish is split peas, which are cooked with water, salt, basil, and pepper. Split peas become soft and creamy when cooked, providing a rich texture that’s perfect for absorbing the flavors of the ham and spices. Unlike whole peas, split peas don’t need to be soaked, which makes this a time-saving ingredient.
After the peas simmer for about 35 minutes, you add the ham and sliced green pepper. Ham is an ideal partner for split peas because its smoky, salty flavor complements the natural earthiness of the peas. The green pepper adds a fresh and slightly sweet contrast to the savory ham and peas, giving the dish some texture and crunch.
This dish is perfect for anyone looking for a filling, protein-packed meal with minimal effort. The basil adds an herbaceous note, and the pepper gives just the right amount of kick. By simmering the peas slowly, the flavors meld together beautifully, making this dinner both comforting and nutritious.
Preparation Tips
- Use dried split peas directly from the package; they don’t require soaking, but be sure to rinse them before cooking.
- If you’re short on time, use pre-cooked ham or leftover ham from another meal to speed up the process.
- For added depth of flavor, you can sauté the ham in the skillet before adding it to the split peas.
- Keep an eye on the water level as the peas simmer; if they absorb too much liquid, add a little more water to prevent them from sticking.
- Feel free to add other vegetables like carrots or celery for extra nutrition and texture.
- Make sure the peas are fully tender before serving. If they’re still a bit firm after 35 minutes, let them simmer a little longer with the ham and peppers.
- Serve with crusty bread to soak up the savory broth.
Recommended Kitchen Products
The links below lead to top-rated products on Amazon—if you use our links, we can save more recipes.
- Heavy-Duty Skillet: A good quality skillet is essential for cooking this recipe evenly. Choose one with a thick bottom for even heat distribution.
- Splatter Screen: As the split peas simmer, they can sometimes splatter. A splatter screen keeps your stovetop clean without trapping steam.
- Vegetable Chopper: A vegetable chopper is a handy tool for quickly and evenly slicing green peppers. It saves time and ensures uniform pieces.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve alongside a slice of hearty bread or cornbread for a complete meal.
- A light green salad with a simple vinaigrette would add a fresh contrast to the rich flavors of the split peas and ham.
- Add a dollop of sour cream or plain yogurt on top for extra creaminess.
- Pair with steamed green beans or roasted vegetables for a side of additional greens.
- Serve with pickles or a side of coleslaw to balance the hearty flavors with something crunchy and tangy.
A Simple, Nutritious Dinner
Skillet Split Pea Dinner is an easy and nourishing meal that you can whip up with just a few basic ingredients. The combination of split peas, ham, and green peppers makes for a hearty, filling, and flavorful dinner. The split peas provide plant-based protein, while the ham adds savory richness, making it a balanced meal in one pan. Plus, with the simplicity of using just a skillet, this dish is perfect for those nights when you need something comforting and quick. Serve it with crusty bread or a fresh salad for a complete dinner that will satisfy the whole family.
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Skillet Split Pea Dinner
Split Pea Dinner
Skillet Split Pea Dinner is a simple, hearty one-pan meal featuring tender split peas, savory ham, and fresh green peppers. Simmered with basil and pepper, this dish offers a balanced combination of flavors, making it a nutritious and easy dinner option. Perfect for weeknights, this vintage recipe is ready in under an hour and packed with protein and fiber, ideal for a filling family meal.
Ingredients
- 1 cup split peas
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon basil
- Dash pepper
- 1½ cups cubed cooked ham (about ½ pound)
- 1 medium green pepper, sliced in thin strips
- 3 cups water
Instructions
- In a 10-inch skillet over medium-high heat, combine water, split peas, salt, basil, and pepper. Bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 35 minutes.
- Add ham and green pepper to the skillet. Cover and cook for an additional 10 minutes, or until peas are tender.
- Serve hot.