Modern Food Explorer

Pea soup with Ham and Potatoes

One of the most frequent meals I would eat when struggling with money was stews or soups.

They are so incredibly versatile, and can be made even with the simplest of ingredients.

I remember one time in particular my sister and I were on our own for the evening and were thinking, what can we make?

As crazy as it sounds, we made a soup with whatever we could find: chicken stock, Hotdogs, rice, and some onions.

From these fond memories, I decided to recreate a meal that could feed 4-6 people, with minimal ingredients and as little cost as possible. The best part is that you can add or take away as needed, depending on what you have!

Total cost without tax was just 8.84! All ingredients from my favorite store, Aldis. Seasonings I had on hand.

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Ingredients

1 – 12 oz can luncheon meat(Spam)

1- 15 oz can Sliced potatoes

1 – 15 oz can sweet peas

24 oz boxed chicken broth

1.5 cups water

2 tbs cubed margarine

1 yellow onion

Salt

Pepper

Onion powder(if you have it)

Garlic powder(if you got it)

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Instructions

1. Take outer layers of onion off. Cut off ends and then slice long ways.
2. Take each onion half and make 1/4 inch strips. Set aside.
3. Place cubed margarine in a sauce pot on medium- low heat. Once melted, add in roughly 2 tsp of onion powder and garlic powder. Stir until slightly browned
4. Place onions in margarine, stir until slightly translucent. Set aside.
5. Cube the can of luncheon meat into 1 inch cubes. You may need to puncture bottom of can for it to come out after taking off lid.
6. Lightly grease frying pan with margarine. Put cubed meat in pan on medium-high heat. Turn occasionally. Fry the meat until slightly browned(4-6 minutes).
7. While meat is browning, add remaining ingredients (with liquid) into sauce pot. Make sure sauce pot has been turned back on to medium heat.
8. Add in more garlic powder and onion powder, alongside pepper.
9. Once meat is browned, add to pot.
10. Place heat on medium-high until a simmer starts. Move heat down to low. Stir occasionally.
11. Let simmer  until desired consistency is achieved.
12. Let cool, then serve.

**Extra Notes**

1.If you have hungry tummies to feed or need to stretch it out to feed more people, serve over top rice, or with another carb, like bread or rolls.

2. If you have it on hand, when you add the remaining ingredients in the pot, add in 1 tsp dissolved corn starch. To do this mix in 1 tsp cornstarch to 2tbs water. Add to pot and stir consistently for 1 minute. This should also reduce time needed to simmer.