Split Pea and Ham Soup

Introduction

There’s nothing quite like a warm, comforting bowl of soup on a chilly day, or any day you need a little hug in a mug. Our Split Pea and Ham Soup is a timeless classic, beloved for its rich, smoky flavor and incredibly satisfying texture. The peas break down beautifully, creating a thick, creamy base that perfectly complements the savory chunks of ham. It’s truly a dish that warms you from the inside out and brings a smile to your face.

What makes this soup so special is not just its delicious taste, but also how wonderfully easy it is to prepare. With just a handful of simple ingredients and mostly hands-off cooking time, you can create a meal that tastes like it simmered for days. It’s a fantastic way to use up leftover ham, turning simple components into something truly extraordinary with minimal effort. Plus, it’s a one-pot wonder, which means less cleanup for you!

So, get ready to fill your kitchen with the most inviting aromas. This recipe is straightforward, forgiving, and utterly delicious. We promise you’ll want to add this hearty Split Pea and Ham Soup to your regular rotation. Let’s get cooking and create some delicious memories!

Cooking Time & Prep Time

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cooking Time: 75 minutes
• Total Time: 95 minutes

Small tip: Soaking your split peas overnight isn’t strictly necessary for this recipe, but it can help reduce cooking time slightly and make them even more digestible. If you forget, don’t worry, they’ll still cook up perfectly!

Ingredients

This recipe makes 6-8 generous servings.

• 1 pound (approximately 2 cups) dried green split peas, rinsed and picked over
• 1 tablespoon olive oil or unsalted butter
• 1 large yellow onion, chopped (about 1 ½ cups)
• 2 medium carrots, peeled and diced (about 1 cup)
• 2 celery stalks, diced (about 1 cup)
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 8 cups (2 quarts) low-sodium chicken broth or vegetable broth
• 2 cups water
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 ½ cups cooked ham, diced (leftover ham, ham hock meat, or good quality deli ham work great)
• ½ teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground
• Salt to taste (start with ¼ teaspoon and adjust later, as ham and broth can be salty)

For Garnish (Optional):

• Fresh parsley, chopped
• Croutons

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Step 1: Rinse the Split Peas and Prepare Vegetables

   Start by thoroughly rinsing your dried split peas under cold running water in a colander. Pick out any small stones or debris you might find. Set them aside to drain. Next, chop your onion, dice your carrots, and slice your celery. Mince your garlic cloves.

   Small tip: Having all your vegetables prepped before you start cooking, also known as “mise en place,” makes the cooking process much smoother and more enjoyable.

2. Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics

   Heat the olive oil or butter in a large, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, diced carrots, and diced celery to the pot. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 5-7 minutes, until the vegetables begin to soften and the onion becomes translucent.

3. Step 3: Add the Garlic and Ham

   Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic. Now, add your diced cooked ham to the pot. If you’re using a ham hock or bone, add it now instead of diced ham, and remove it later to shred the meat.

   Small tip: If using a ham hock, browning it lightly for a few minutes before adding liquids can deepen the smoky flavor of your soup.

4. Step 4: Combine Peas and Liquids

   Add the rinsed split peas to the pot, stirring them in with the vegetables and ham. Pour in the chicken or vegetable broth and the additional water. Add the bay leaf. Give everything a good stir to combine.

5. Step 5: Simmer to Perfection

   Bring the soup to a boil over medium-high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer gently for 60-75 minutes, or until the split peas are very tender and have mostly broken down. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.

   Small tip: Keep the lid slightly ajar if you find the soup is boiling too vigorously, to prevent boil-overs.

6. Step 6: Remove Ham Hock and Mash (Optional)

   If you used a ham hock or bone, carefully remove it from the pot. Let it cool slightly, then pick off all the meat and shred it. Discard the bone and any excess fat. At this point, you can also remove the bay leaf. For a creamier soup, use an immersion blender to blend a portion of the soup directly in the pot, or carefully transfer some to a regular blender (blend in batches and be very careful with hot liquids).

7. Step 7: Final Touches and Seasoning

   Return the shredded ham (if applicable) to the pot. Stir in the freshly ground black pepper. Taste the soup and add salt as needed. Remember that ham and broth contribute to the saltiness, so always taste before adding more. The soup should be thick and hearty.

   Small tip: If your soup is too thick, add a little extra broth or water until it reaches your desired consistency. If it’s too thin, let it simmer uncovered for a few more minutes to reduce.

8. Step 8: Serve and Enjoy!

   Ladle the hot Split Pea and Ham Soup into bowls. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley and a sprinkle of croutons, if desired. Serve immediately and savor every comforting spoonful!

Tips & Variations

• Gluten-Free Option: This soup is naturally gluten-free! Just be sure to double-check that your chicken or vegetable broth is certified gluten-free, as some brands may contain hidden gluten ingredients.
• Vegan/Vegetarian Option: To make this soup plant-based, simply omit the ham entirely. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. For a smoky flavor, you can add 1-2 teaspoons of smoked paprika or a few drops of liquid smoke to the soup. Consider adding extra root vegetables like diced potatoes or sweet potatoes, or even some lentils, for added heartiness.
• Add More Vegetables or Protein: Feel free to boost the nutritional content and texture by adding other vegetables. Diced potatoes or sweet potatoes can be added along with the carrots and celery. A handful of fresh spinach or kale stirred in during the last 10 minutes of cooking will wilt beautifully. For extra protein, cooked shredded chicken or even a can of drained cannellini beans can be added towards the end.
• Spicy Version: For those who love a little heat, add a pinch or two of red pepper flakes along with the garlic in Step 3. A dash of your favorite hot sauce stirred in at the end can also provide a pleasant kick.
• Extra Smoky Flavor: If you don’t have a ham hock but want more smoky depth, try adding a small piece of smoked sausage (like kielbasa, sliced) along with the ham, or a teaspoon of smoked paprika. A tiny bit of bacon fat used instead of olive oil in Step 2 can also enhance the smoky notes.

Nutritional Information

Approximate values per serving (based on 8 servings):

• Calories: 310
• Protein: 22g
• Carbohydrates: 40g
• Fat: 8g

Please note: These values are approximate and may vary depending on the specific brands and amounts of ingredients used.

Health Benefits

Split Pea and Ham Soup isn’t just delicious; it’s packed with wonderful health benefits! Let’s look at some of the stars of this hearty dish.

Split Peas: These little powerhouses are an excellent source of dietary fiber, which is fantastic for digestive health and can help keep you feeling full and satisfied. They are also rich in plant-based protein, making this soup a great choice for muscle repair and growth. Furthermore, split peas provide essential minerals like iron, potassium, and magnesium, along with B vitamins like folate, which is crucial for cell function.

Vegetables (Carrots, Celery, Onion, Garlic): The vibrant medley of vegetables adds a wealth of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants to your bowl. Carrots are loaded with beta-carotene, which converts to Vitamin A and supports vision and immune function. Celery provides Vitamin K and important electrolytes. Onions and garlic are known for their anti-inflammatory properties and immune-boosting compounds, thanks to their sulfur-containing compounds.

Ham (in moderation): Lean ham contributes high-quality protein, which is vital for building and repairing tissues. It also provides B vitamins (like B12 and niacin) that are important for energy metabolism, and minerals such as zinc and selenium, which play roles in immune health.

Overall, this soup is a nutrient-dense meal that provides a good balance of macronutrients and micronutrients. It’s a satisfying way to fuel your body with wholesome ingredients.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve this hearty soup with a slice of warm, crusty bread or a side of cornbread for dipping.
• Pair it with a light, fresh green salad tossed with a simple vinaigrette to balance the richness of the soup.
• This soup is robust enough to be a complete main dish on its own, especially when served with a substantial side.
• Meal Prep Idea: Split Pea and Ham Soup is absolutely perfect for meal prepping! Make a big batch on the weekend, and you’ll have delicious, ready-to-eat lunches or dinners throughout the week.

Storage Tips: Leftover Split Pea and Ham Soup keeps wonderfully. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. This soup also freezes beautifully! Transfer cooled soup to freezer-safe containers or bags and freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge if frozen, then gently warm on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. You might need to add a splash of extra broth or water to reach your desired consistency, as it can thicken in the fridge.

Conclusion

And there you have it – a truly magnificent bowl of Split Pea and Ham Soup! This recipe delivers on all fronts: incredible flavor, satisfying heartiness, and the kind of comforting warmth that just makes everything feel right. It’s a testament to how simple ingredients, when brought together with a little love, can create something truly spectacular.

We really encourage you to give this recipe a try. It’s forgiving, rewarding, and the perfect dish to master for those cozy nights in. Your kitchen will smell amazing, and your taste buds will thank you for the rich, savory goodness.

So gather your ingredients, follow these easy steps, and prepare to enjoy a bowl of pure comfort. Don’t forget to share your delicious creation with family and friends – because good food is always better when shared!