Potaje de Chicharos

Name: Potaje de Chicharos
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 65 min
Total time: 80 min
Yield: 6 servings
Cuisine: Cuban
Ingredients: 1 lb yellow split peas, rinsed; 6 cups water; 1 smoked ham hock; 2 tbsp olive oil; 1 medium yellow onion, diced; 1 green bell pepper, diced; 4 garlic cloves, minced; 1 cup calabaza squash, cubed; 1 large russet potato, cubed; 1 tsp ground cumin; 1 tsp dried oregano; 1 bay leaf; 1 tsp salt

A rich Cuban split pea stew simmered with smoked ham, potatoes, calabaza squash, and a garlic-onion sofrito.

80 minEasyServes 6380 cal/serving

CubanSoupStovetopStandardHigh FiberGluten-FreeNut-FreeDairy-FreeSoy-FreeEgg-FreeShellfish-FreeSesame-FreeAlcohol-FreeCorn-Free

Ingredients

1 lb yellow split peas, rinsed
6 cups water
1 smoked ham hock
2 tbsp olive oil
1 medium yellow onion, diced
1 green bell pepper, diced
4 garlic cloves, minced
1 cup calabaza squash, cubed
1 large russet potato, cubed
1 tsp ground cumin
1 tsp dried oregano
1 bay leaf
1 tsp salt

Instructions

1

In a large pot, combine 1 lb rinsed yellow split peas, 6 cups water, 1 smoked ham hock, and 1 bay leaf.
2

Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 30 minutes.
3

Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
4

Add 1 medium diced yellow onion, 1 diced green bell pepper, and 4 minced garlic cloves, sautéing for 5 minutes until soft.
5

Stir 1 tsp ground cumin and 1 tsp dried oregano into the skillet and cook for 1 minute.
6

Transfer skillet contents to soup pot with 1 cup cubed calabaza squash, 1 large cubed russet potato, and 1 tsp salt.
7

Simmer uncovered for 25 minutes until squash and potato are tender and meat on 1 smoked ham hock reaches 145 F.
8

Remove 1 bay leaf and 1 smoked ham hock, shred meat from bone, and stir meat back into soup.

Questions

How long does Potaje de Chicharos keep?

Refrigerate it up to four days, or freeze it in portions for up to three months. Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of water or stock to loosen it.

Can I halve or double Potaje de Chicharos?

Yes. As written it serves 6. Every ingredient in this entry carries precomputed half and double quantities, and the app's batch dial rewrites them inside each step. When doubling on the stovetop, use your widest pan or work in two batches so the food sears instead of steaming.

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