The Coziest Pea and Ham Soup Recipe for Hearty Comfort

Memories of cozy winter evenings spark this hearty pea and ham soup that promises warmth and comfort.

Grandmother’s kitchen always smelled incredible when she prepared this classic dish.

Rustic and satisfying, the recipe brings together simple ingredients that blend into something magical.

Smoky ham chunks nestled among soft green peas create a robust flavor profile that feels like a culinary hug.

Rich broth carries deep, savory notes that transport you to countryside kitchens.

Fragrant herbs and tender vegetables contribute layers of complexity to this traditional favorite.

You’ll want to ladle this soul-warming soup into deep bowls and savor every comforting spoonful.

Why Pea and Ham Soup Is a Cold Weather Must-Have

• Hearty Comfort Meal: A soul-warming soup packed with rich flavors and tender ham that wraps you in delicious comfort on any day.
• One-Pot Wonder: Minimal kitchen cleanup with everything cooked in a single pot, saving time and reducing dishwashing hassle.
• Nutrient-Packed Delight: Loaded with protein from ham, fiber from split peas, and vitamins from vegetables, making it a nutritionally balanced meal.
• Budget-Friendly Cooking: Uses affordable ingredients like split peas and ham hock to create a filling soup that feeds multiple people without breaking the bank.

What Goes into Comforting Pea and Ham Soup

• Split Peas: Hearty legumes that provide the soup's thick and creamy base.
• Ham Hock: Rich, flavorful meat that adds depth and smoky essence to the soup.
• Chicken Broth: Liquid base that enhances the overall flavor and provides moisture.

• Onion, Garlic, Carrots, Celery: Classic vegetable blend that creates a robust flavor foundation for the soup.

• Bay Leaves: Herb that infuses a subtle, earthy flavor during cooking.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings that balance and enhance the soup's taste.
• Fresh Parsley: Bright green herb that adds a fresh garnish and light flavor accent.

How to Make Hearty Pea and Ham Soup

Step 1: Warm Up the Cooking Vessel

Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat, creating a perfect base for your soup adventure.

Step 2: Sauté Vegetable Medley

• Diced onion
• Minced garlic
• Chopped carrots
• Chopped celery

Cook and stir for 5-7 minutes until the vegetables become soft and fragrant.

Step 3: Build the Soup Foundation

• Ham hock
• Split peas
• Chicken broth
• Bay leaves

Mix everything thoroughly to distribute the flavors evenly.

Step 4: Simmer and Transform

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

Cover the pot and let it simmer gently for 1.5-2 hours. During this time, the peas will break down and create a rich, creamy texture.

Step 5: Prepare the Ham

Remove the ham hock from the soup. Carefully shred the meat using two forks, discarding the bone.

Return the shredded ham to the pot and stir.

Step 6: Final Flavor Boost

Season the soup with salt and pepper to your liking.

Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Ladle the hot soup into bowls.

Sprinkle fresh chopped parsley on top for a burst of color and fresh flavor. Serve immediately and savor the comforting warmth of this classic soup.

Tips for Rich, Smoky Pea and Ham Soup

• Soak split peas overnight to reduce cooking time and improve digestibility, making the soup more tender and quick to prepare.
• Substitute ham hock with smoked turkey or bacon for a lighter protein option, catering to different dietary preferences.
• Add a splash of white wine or apple cider vinegar during sautéing to enhance the depth of flavor and brighten the soup's taste profile.
• Use a hand blender to partially puree the soup for a creamier texture, creating a smoother consistency while maintaining some pea chunks.
• Store leftovers in airtight containers for up to 4 days, and the soup often tastes even better the next day as flavors continue to develop and meld together.

Flavorful Variations on Classic Pea and Ham Soup

• Green Goddess Pea Soup: Replace ham hock with fresh spinach and add Greek yogurt for a creamy vegetarian version with extra green nutrients.
• Spicy Southwest Pea Soup: Incorporate diced jalapeños, cumin, and smoked paprika. Top with crispy tortilla strips and cilantro for a zesty Mexican-inspired variation.
• Smoky Bacon Pea Soup: Swap ham hock with crispy bacon pieces and add a splash of liquid smoke for an intense smoky flavor profile.
• Mediterranean Pea Soup: Mix in diced tomatoes, oregano, and crumbled feta cheese. Finish with a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil for a Mediterranean touch.

What Pairs Well with Pea and Ham Soup

• Slice Crusty Sourdough Bread: Pair this hearty soup with thick slices of tangy sourdough bread for a perfect texture contrast and rich flavor complement.
• Pour Full-Bodied Red Wine: Select a robust Pinot Noir or Merlot that matches the soup's deep, savory notes and cuts through its rich, meaty profile.
• Create Green Salad Side: Prepare a crisp mixed green salad with light vinaigrette to balance the soup's heaviness and add refreshing brightness to the meal.
• Add Sharp Cheddar Cheese: Sprinkle aged cheddar cheese on top or serve alongside as a sharp, creamy accompaniment that enhances the soup's smoky ham flavor.

The Best Way to Store Pea and Ham Soup

• Refrigerator Storage: Transfer cooled soup to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Cover tightly to prevent absorption of other food odors.
• Freezer Storage: Pour soup into freezer-safe containers or freezer bags, leaving some space for expansion. Freeze for up to 3 months. Avoid freezing soup with potatoes or cream for best texture.
• Microwave Reheating: Place soup in a microwave-safe bowl, cover loosely, and heat in 1-minute intervals. Stir between intervals to distribute heat evenly. Check temperature before serving.
• Stovetop Reheating: Pour soup into a pot, add a splash of chicken broth to restore moisture. Warm over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally until heated through. Avoid boiling to maintain soup's creamy texture.

Pea and Ham Soup FAQs, Solved

• Are split peas the same as green peas?

No, split peas are different from green peas. They are dried, peeled, and split peas that cook faster and create a creamier texture in soups.

• Can I use other types of meat instead of ham hock?

Yes, you can substitute ham hock with bacon, smoked turkey, or leftover roasted ham for similar flavor profiles.

• How do I know when the soup is properly cooked?

The soup is ready when split peas have completely broken down, creating a thick, creamy consistency and the ham meat is tender and easily shredded.

• Is this soup nutritious?

Absolutely! Pea and ham soup is rich in protein from the ham, fiber from split peas, and provides essential vitamins from vegetables like carrots and celery.

Savory Pea and Ham Soup Recipe

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4.8 from 31 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 40 minutes – 2 hours 10 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Hearty Pea and Ham Soup brings rustic warmth to dinner tables with its rich, comforting blend of smoky ham and tender green peas. Simmered slowly and seasoned perfectly, this classic soup offers pure satisfaction that connects home cooks to generations of delicious tradition.

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Ingredients

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Main Protein:

• 1 smoked ham hock (or 1 pound diced ham)

Vegetables and Aromatics:

• 1 onion, diced
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 carrots, diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced

Soup Base and Seasonings:

• 1 pound dried green split peas
• 7 cups chicken broth
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 2 bay leaves
• Salt to taste
• Pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

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Instructions

1. In a large pot, warm the olive oil over medium heat and gently sauté the onion, garlic, carrots, and celery until they become soft and fragrant, approximately 5-6 minutes.
2. Introduce the ham hock, split peas, chicken broth, and bay leaves into the pot, stirring thoroughly to ensure even distribution of ingredients.
3. Elevate the liquid to a rolling boil, then immediately reduce the temperature to low, cover the pot, and allow the mixture to simmer gently for 1.5-2 hours, periodically checking that the peas are breaking down and the soup is developing a rich, thick consistency.
4. After simmering, carefully extract the ham hock from the soup and remove the meat from the bone, shredding it into tender pieces using two forks.
5. Return the shredded ham to the pot, incorporating it evenly throughout the soup.
6. Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper, ensuring a balanced flavor profile.
7. Ladle the hot soup into serving bowls and garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a vibrant, aromatic finish.

Notes

• Choose a meaty ham hock with plenty of connective tissue for richer, more flavorful soup.
• Consider soaking split peas overnight to reduce cooking time and improve digestibility.
• For a lighter version, swap ham hock with smoked turkey or lean ham to reduce fat content.
• Vegetarian adaptation possible by replacing ham with smoked paprika, liquid smoke, and additional root vegetables for depth of flavor.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 1.5-2 hours
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: British

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 210
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 6 g
• Saturated Fat: 1 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 10 g
• Protein: 12 g
• Cholesterol: 20 mg