Homemade Creamy Split Pea Soup with Ham Recipe

A comforting split pea soup with ham can warm your soul on chilly evenings.

Hearty ingredients blend together in a delightful culinary symphony.

Rich green peas simmer gently with tender meat chunks.

Aromatic spices dance through the broth, creating layers of incredible flavor.

Thick and velvety textures promise a satisfying meal in every spoonful.

This classic recipe brings rustic charm to your kitchen table.

You’ll want to savor each delicious bite of this nourishing soup.

Why Creamy Split Pea Soup With Savory Ham And Aromatic Spices Is So Comforting

• Savor Hearty Comfort: This split pea soup delivers deep, satisfying flavors that warm your soul and bring family together around the dinner table.
• Customize with Ease: Swap ham for smoked turkey or skip meat entirely to create a vegetarian version that doesn't compromise on rich, robust taste.
• Master Complex Cooking Technique: Learn professional-level blending skills by partially pureeing the soup, transforming simple ingredients into a restaurant-quality dish with creamy, luxurious texture.
• Nutritional Powerhouse: Packed with protein from ham and split peas, this soup provides essential nutrients while offering a delicious way to enjoy vegetables and legumes in one incredible meal.

What’s Inside Creamy Split Pea Soup With Savory Ham And Aromatic Spices

• Split Peas: A nutritious legume that provides hearty texture and earthy flavor to the soup.
• Ham Bone: Adds rich, smoky depth and provides tender meat pieces throughout the soup.
• Chicken Broth: Creates a flavorful liquid base that enhances the overall soup's taste and consistency.

• Onion, Carrot, Celery: A classic flavor base that provides sweet and savory undertones to the soup.
• Garlic: Introduces a pungent and aromatic element that deepens the soup's flavor profile.

• Italian Seasoning, Cumin, Thyme, Red Pepper Flakes, Bay Leaves: A blend of herbs and spices that create complex and warming flavors in the soup.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings that balance and enhance the overall taste of the dish.

• Olive Oil: Used for sautéing vegetables and creating a smooth cooking base.

Step-By-Step Creamy Split Pea Soup With Savory Ham And Aromatic Spices

Step 1: Sizzle Aromatic Vegetables

• Onions
• Carrots
• Celery
• Salt
• Pepper

Cook these beautiful veggies for 5-8 minutes until they soften and onions turn golden brown, releasing their sweet fragrance.

Step 2: Awaken Spice Sensations

• Garlic
• Italian seasoning
• Cumin
• Thyme
• Red pepper flakes

Stir and let these spices dance and become wonderfully aromatic for about one minute.

Step 3: Simmer Liquid Gold

• Rinsed split peas
• Ham bone
• Bay leaves
• Chicken broth

Bring the mixture to a rolling boil, then reduce heat to low.

Let the soup gently simmer uncovered for 60-90 minutes, occasionally stirring and watching magic happen.

Step 4: Transform Texture

Confirm peas are tender and soup has thickened.

Pull out the ham bone, shred the meat, and return it to the pot. Discard bay leaves.

Step 5: Create Silky Smoothness

Scoop out two cups of soup and blend until velvety smooth. Pour back into the pot, creating a luxurious, creamy consistency.

Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.

Step 6: Serve with Love

Ladle into bowls, garnish with fresh thyme.

Serve alongside crusty buttered bread for a comforting meal that hugs your soul.

Top Tips For Creamy Split Pea Soup With Savory Ham And Aromatic Spices

• Rinse split peas thoroughly to remove any debris and ensure a clean, pure flavor in your soup.
• Control soup thickness by adjusting chicken broth quantity; add more liquid for a thinner consistency or reduce for a heartier texture.
• Remove ham bone carefully to extract maximum meat, enhancing the soup's rich, savory profile without leaving tough pieces.
• Experiment with different herbs like rosemary or parsley to personalize the soup's aromatic taste and complement the ham's saltiness.
• Consider freezing leftovers in airtight containers for up to 3 months, making meal prep easier and preserving the soup's delicious flavors.

Switch Things Up With Creamy Split Pea Soup With Savory Ham And Aromatic Spices

• Vegetarian Green Pea Delight: Replace ham bone with smoked tofu or roasted mushrooms for a rich, plant-based protein alternative. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth to maintain deep flavor complexity.
• Spicy Southwestern Split Pea Bowl: Add diced green chilies, swap cumin for chili powder, and top with crispy tortilla strips. Garnish with fresh cilantro and a dollop of Greek yogurt for extra zest.
• Mediterranean Herbed Pea Soup: Incorporate fresh mint, swap Italian seasoning for oregano, and finish with crumbled feta cheese. Drizzle extra virgin olive oil before serving for authentic Mediterranean flair.
• Nordic-Inspired Pea Fusion: Use diced bacon instead of ham, add diced potatoes, and season with fresh dill.

Best Pairings For Creamy Split Pea Soup With Savory Ham And Aromatic Spices

• Rustic Bread Pairing: Slice hearty sourdough or rustic rye bread, toasted and brushed with garlic-infused olive oil to complement the soup's rich, smoky ham flavors.
• Wine Companion Selection: Choose a medium-bodied Pinot Noir or crisp Sauvignon Blanc that cuts through the soup's creamy texture while enhancing its savory spice profile.
• Garnish Enhancement: Top the soup with crispy pancetta bits, fresh thyme leaves, and a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil to add depth and textural contrast to each spoonful.
• Herbal Side Salad: Create a light arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette and shaved parmesan to provide a fresh, bright counterpoint to the soup's deep, warming qualities.

How To Store Creamy Split Pea Soup With Savory Ham And Aromatic Spices

• Refrigeration: Store leftover soup in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days. Cool completely before sealing to prevent bacterial growth and maintain flavor integrity.
• Freezing: Transfer soup to freezer-safe containers, leaving 1-inch headspace for expansion. Freeze for 2-3 months. Ensure containers are tightly sealed to prevent freezer burn.
• Reheating (Stovetop): Pour soup into a pot, add a splash of chicken broth to restore moisture. Warm over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally until heated thoroughly. Stir gently to prevent split peas from breaking down.
• Reheating (Microwave): Place soup in a microwave-safe bowl, cover loosely with a lid or microwave-safe plastic wrap.

Creamy Split Pea Soup With Savory Ham And Aromatic Spices Q&A

• Can I make this soup vegetarian?

Yes, replace ham bone with smoked paprika, use vegetable broth, and add extra herbs for depth of flavor.

• Are split peas nutritious?

Absolutely! Split peas are high in protein, fiber, and essential minerals like iron and potassium, making them a super healthy ingredient.

• What if I don't have a ham bone?

Use diced ham, ham hock, or smoked bacon as alternatives to add rich, meaty flavor to the soup.

• How do I prevent split peas from getting mushy?

Rinse peas before cooking, avoid overcooking, and stir occasionally to maintain a perfect texture.

Creamy Split Pea Soup with Savory Ham and Aromatic Spices Recipe

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• Total Time: 80-108 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Hearty Creamy Split Pea Soup brings comfort and warmth to winter tables with its rich blend of tender ham and fragrant spices. Smooth, satisfying spoonfuls invite hungry diners to savor each delicious mouthful of this classic comfort recipe.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 1½ cups dried green split peas, rinsed
• 1 meaty ham bone or ham hocks
• 8 cups reduced-sodium chicken broth

Vegetables and Aromatics:

• 2 medium onions, finely diced
• 2–3 large carrots, finely diced
• 3–4 celery stalks, finely diced
• 4 cloves garlic, minced

Seasonings and Extras:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon dried Italian seasoning
• 1½ teaspoons ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• ⅛ teaspoon red pepper flakes
• 2 small bay leaves (or 1 large)
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Fresh thyme leaves (optional, for garnish)
• Crusty buttered bread, for serving

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Instructions

1. Prepare a robust pot and warm olive oil over medium heat, creating a sizzling base for the aromatic vegetables. Introduce diced onions, carrots, and celery, seasoning with salt and pepper. Allow the mixture to dance and caramelize for 5-8 minutes until vegetables soften and onions turn golden brown.
2. Infuse the pot with minced garlic, Italian seasoning, cumin, thyme, and red pepper flakes. Toast the spices for 60 seconds, releasing their vibrant essences and creating a fragrant foundation.
3. Incorporate thoroughly rinsed split peas, ham bone, bay leaves, and chicken broth. Elevate the temperature to a rolling boil, then immediately reduce to a gentle simmer. Allow the soup to transform for 60-90 minutes, occasionally stirring to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
4. Assess the soup’s texture when peas become tender and liquid thickens. Extract the ham bone, meticulously shred the meat, and return succulent pieces to the pot. Discard bay leaves and bone remnants.
5. Transform the soup’s consistency by carefully blending two cups into a silky puree. Reintegrate the smooth mixture, creating a luxurious, creamy texture. Fine-tune seasoning with additional salt and pepper to harmonize flavors.
6. Ladle the steaming soup into bowls, garnishing with delicate fresh thyme sprigs. Accompany with crusty, butter-slathered bread for a comforting dining experience.

Notes

• Enhance protein content by adding extra ham or diced chicken for a meatier texture.
• Make it vegetarian by swapping ham bone with smoked paprika, liquid smoke, or vegetable broth for depth of flavor.
• Control soup thickness by adjusting liquid; add more broth for thinner consistency or let it simmer longer for a heartier soup.
• Freeze leftovers in airtight containers for up to 3 months, ensuring smooth reheating by stirring occasionally and adding splash of broth.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 70-98 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 250
• Sugar: 4g
• Sodium: 600mg
• Fat: 7g
• Saturated Fat: 1g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 40g
• Fiber: 14g
• Protein: 15g
• Cholesterol: 20mg