A variation on the traditional Pea and Ham soup, this is Barley Pea and Ham Soup and as delicious!

I usually stick to traditional pea and ham soup but found some barley left in a packet when looking for the split peas so decided to chuck that in too – a much more wholesome meal that doesn’t alter the taste.

Ingredients

• 2 cups split peas
• 1 cup barley
• 1 smoked Eisbein (or ham hock)
• 2 carrots
• 3 potatoes, cut small
• 2 sprigs thyme
• 2 bay leaves
• 2 tsp Greek oregano
• 1 tsp jeera powder (Cumin seeds)
• 1 chicken stockpot
• 2 Litres water
• Freshly cracked black pepper
• Salt to taste

Method

Add split peas and barley to the pot with stock, and cover with water.
Cook on high pressure for 30 minutes till soft.
Add Eisbein, bay leaves, thyme.
Rub oregano between hands to release the oils and add to the pot, add salt and pepper, carrots and potatoes and cook on high pressure for 1 hour.
Remove Eisbein from the pot.
Take a fork and pry the meat from the bone and discard bone and fat.
Check the seasoning.
Return meat to pot.
Cook on high for a further 15 minutes.

Prepared, tried, and tested Melanie Kramar