A warm bowl of split pea soup with ham brings back fond memories of chilly days spent cozied up at home. This rustic dish, often associated with frugality and comfort, transforms simple ingredients into a satisfying meal that warms both the body and soul. Whether you’re revisiting a childhood favorite or trying it for the first time, you’ll find that this hearty soup is just right for those gray days when you need something nourishing and soul-soothing.
Split Pea Soup with Ham
- Total Time: 70 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Diet: None
Description
A warm and comforting split pea soup with ham, perfect for chilly days and family gatherings.
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 medium carrots, peeled and chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 1 pound (about 2 ¼ cups) dried green split peas, rinsed and sorted
- 1 ham bone or 1 ½ cups diced cooked ham
- 7–8 cups chicken broth or water (adjust for desired thickness)
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Optional garnishes: chopped parsley or croutons
Instructions
- Heat the olive oil in a large soup pot over medium heat. Add the onion, garlic, carrots, and celery, sautéing for 5–7 minutes until softened.
- Stir in the rinsed split peas, ham (if using), thyme, and bay leaf. Pour in 7 cups of broth or water, mixing well and bringing to a gentle boil.
- Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover slightly with a tilted lid, and let simmer for 60–75 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- For a smoother texture, use an immersion blender to purée part of the soup. Adjust thickness with more broth or water if necessary.
- If using a ham bone, remove it from the pot, shred leftover meat into the soup, discard the bone, and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
- Ladle soup into bowls and top with parsley or croutons. Serve with crusty bread or salad.
Notes
The soup can be frozen in individual portions for up to three months and reheated as needed. Use high-quality broth and fresh vegetables for best flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Why You’ll Love This Dish
There are countless reasons to whip up a pot of split pea soup with ham, but perhaps the most compelling is its incredible flavor that belies its simplicity. Crafted from just a handful of pantry staples, this dish is not only budget-friendly but also effortless to make and deeply satisfying. It’s perfect for a weeknight dinner but is versatile enough to grace your table during family gatherings or holidays.
“This split pea soup with ham was a game-changer for our family dinners. Creamy, rich, and so simple! Even my picky kids ask for seconds!” – Jenna M.
The Cooking Process Explained
Creating a delicious split pea soup may sound daunting, but it’s a straightforward endeavor. Here’s a quick overview of the process:
- Sauté the aromatic vegetables until they’re soft and fragrant.
- Add in your split peas, seasoning, and broth, bringing everything to a simmer.
- Allow it to cook low and slow, letting the flavors meld and the peas break down into a thick, creamy soup.
Prep Time: 10 min | Cook Time: 60 min | Total Time: 70 min
Ingredients
To get started, gather these essential items for your split pea soup:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 medium carrots, peeled and chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 1 pound (about 2 ¼ cups) dried green split peas, rinsed and sorted
- 1 ham bone or 1 ½ cups diced cooked ham
- 7–8 cups chicken broth or water (adjust for desired thickness)
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Optional garnishes: chopped parsley or croutons
For a healthy twist, consider using a smoked turkey leg instead of ham. And if you prefer a vegetarian version, simply omit the ham and opt for vegetable broth complemented by a teaspoon of smoked paprika for a hint of smokiness. Feel free to add diced potatoes or frozen peas to enhance the texture of your soup.
Directions to Follow
- Begin by heating the olive oil in a large soup pot over medium heat. Once hot, toss in the diced onion, garlic, carrots, and celery. Sauté these vegetables for about 5–7 minutes until they soften and release enticing aromas.
- Next, stir in the rinsed split peas, ham (if using), thyme, and bay leaf. Pour in 7 cups of broth or water, mixing well before bringing the mixture to a gentle boil.
- Once boiling, reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot slightly with a tilted lid and let your soup simmer for 60–75 minutes. Be sure to stir occasionally to keep it from sticking.
- After cooking, you should have a thick and creamy soup. If you prefer a smoother texture, use an immersion blender to purée part of the soup. Should it become too thick, simply add a splash more broth or water.
- If you used a ham bone, remove it from the pot, taking care to shred any meat left on the bone into the soup. Discard the bone and taste the soup, adjusting the seasoning with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
- Ladle your delicious soup into bowls and top with fresh chopped parsley or crunchy croutons. Pair with crusty bread or a vibrant salad for a well-rounded meal.
Best Ways to Enjoy It
When serving split pea soup, presentation can elevate the dining experience. Serve in rustic bowls with a sprinkle of fresh parsley for a pop of color. For an added crunch, pile on some croutons or crispy bacon bits. Accompany with crusty sourdough or a zesty side salad for balance.
Storage and Reheating Tips
To ensure your soup stays fresh, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to five days. For longer storage, consider freezing in individual portions for up to three months. When reheating, gently warm on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of water or broth if the soup has thickened too much.
Pro Chef Tips
- Use Quality Ingredients: The flavor of your split pea soup will be greatly enhanced with high-quality broth and fresh vegetables.
- Let it Rest: Allow your soup to sit after cooking; this allows the flavors to meld together even further, making it even more delicious when you reheat the next day.
- Season to Taste: Do not underestimate the importance of seasoning. Taste and adjust your salt and pepper levels before serving.
Creative Twists
This classic soup can be dressed up in various ways to suit your palate. Feel free to introduce smoky chipotle powder for a spicy kick or experiment with different herbs like rosemary or sage for a twist on the flavor profile. Top with crispy fried onions or a drizzle of balsamic reduction for a gourmet touch.
FAQs
Q: Can I use dried peas instead of fresh?
A: Yes, dried split peas are the primary ingredient in this recipe. They break down and create that creamy texture while cooking.
Q: How do I know when the soup is done?
A: Your soup is ready when the split peas have softened and begun to break apart, creating a thick consistency.
Q: Is it safe to freeze split pea soup?
A: Absolutely! Split pea soup freezes well for up to three months. Just ensure it’s stored in an airtight container.
Now that you have this easy and nourishing recipe at your fingertips, enjoy your cooking adventure and share it with loved ones!