Split Pea and Ham Soup

A hearty, comforting winter soup made with split peas and leftover ham or a ham bone, simmered to create a rich, savory flavor. This Split Pea and Ham Soup is the perfect dish for chilly days, offering a warm and satisfying meal that the whole family will enjoy.

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The slow simmering process allows the split peas to break down, creating a naturally thick and creamy texture without the need for heavy cream. The combination of smoky ham, earthy peas, and aromatic vegetables results in a deeply flavored soup that tastes even better as leftovers.

Ingredients

• Meats: 1 meaty ham bone or 2 cups diced cooked ham
• Legumes: 1 pound (450 g) dried split peas, rinsed and sorted
• Vegetables: 1 large onion, diced; 2 carrots, peeled and diced; 2 celery stalks, diced; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 bay leaf
• Liquids: 8 cups (2 liters) low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth; 2 cups (480 ml) water
• Seasonings: 1 teaspoon dried thyme; ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper; Salt, to taste

Keeps spices within easy reach while cooking, helping you season dishes quickly during everyday meal prep.

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Instructions

Step 1

In a large stockpot or Dutch oven, heat a splash of oil over medium heat. Add the onion, carrots, and celery. Cook, stirring, for 5–6 minutes until softened.

Step 2

Stir in the garlic and cook for 1 minute more until fragrant.

Step 3

Add the split peas, ham bone (or diced ham), bay leaf, thyme, broth, and water. Stir to combine.

Step 4

Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 1 hour, stirring occasionally.

Step 5

Remove the lid and continue simmering for an additional 20–30 minutes, or until the peas are completely tender and the soup is thickened to your liking.

Step 6

Discard the bay leaf and remove the ham bone. If using a ham bone, pick off any meat, chop it, and return it to the soup.

Step 7

Season with black pepper and salt to taste. For a creamier texture, partially mash the peas or use an immersion blender for a smoother consistency.

Step 8

Serve hot, garnished with fresh herbs if desired.

Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung

Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or frozen for up to 3 months. If the soup thickens too much after cooling, simply add a splash of water or broth when reheating to reach your desired consistency.

Varianten und Anpassungen

For a vegetarian version, omit the ham and use smoked paprika for depth. For extra heartiness, you can add diced potatoes or parsnips during the cooking process.

Serviervorschläge

This soup is delicious served with crusty bread for dipping. You can also garnish the final dish with fresh herbs or a sprinkle of cracked black pepper for added visual appeal and flavor.

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Grind fresh meat, make sausages, and shred vegetables quickly for homemade burgers, meatballs, and everyday recipes.

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Whether you follow the recipe exactly or add your own twist with extra vegetables, this Split Pea and Ham Soup is sure to become a cold-weather staple in your home.

Recipe Questions & Answers

→ Can I make this soup vegetarian?

Yes, simply omit the ham and ham bone, and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. Add smoked paprika or liquid smoke to replicate the smoky depth that ham provides.

→ Do I need to soak split peas before cooking?

No, split peas do not require soaking. Simply rinse and sort them to remove any debris, then add them directly to the pot. They'll cook perfectly in about 1.5 hours of simmering.

→ How do I thicken the soup if it's too thin?

Continue simmering uncovered to allow excess liquid to evaporate. You can also mash some of the peas against the side of the pot or use an immersion blender to partially puree the soup for a thicker consistency.

→ Can I freeze this soup for later?

Absolutely. This soup freezes beautifully for up to 3 months. Let it cool completely, then store in airtight containers. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat on the stovetop, adding a splash of broth if needed.

→ What can I serve with split pea and ham soup?

Crusty bread, cornbread, or dinner rolls pair wonderfully. For a complete meal, serve with a simple green salad or roasted vegetables. The soup is hearty enough to stand alone as a main course.

→ Why is my soup too salty?

Ham and ham bones can be quite salty, so use low-sodium broth and wait until the end to add salt. If it's already too salty, add diced potatoes to absorb excess salt, or dilute with water or unsalted broth.