Easy Split Pea Soup With Ham Recipe: A Cozy Classic Reimagined

My grandma’s secret split pea soup with ham recipe always brings comfort during chilly evenings.

Memories of her kitchen flood back with each spoonful of this hearty dish.

Tender ham chunks nestle among creamy green peas, creating a bowl of pure warmth.

Smooth and rich, the soup carries deep flavors that whisper of home-cooked traditions.

Fragrant herbs and slow-simmered ingredients blend into a symphony of deliciousness.

Nutritious and satisfying, this classic recipe promises to chase away winter blues.

You’ll want to savor every single spoonful of this soul-warming classic.

Why Split Pea Soup With Ham Is Pure Comfort In A Bowl

• Conquer Complexity: A beginner-friendly recipe that transforms simple ingredients into a restaurant-quality soup with minimal cooking skills required.
• Streamline Meal Prep: One-pot wonder that minimizes kitchen cleanup while delivering maximum flavor, perfect for busy home cooks seeking nutritious meals.
• Customize with Ease: Flexible recipe allows simple protein swaps or vegetable additions, making it adaptable to dietary preferences and pantry availability.
• Nourish and Comfort: Packed with protein-rich ham and fiber-filled split peas, this soup provides a warming, satisfying meal that supports healthy eating goals.

The Ingredients That Bring Split Pea Soup With Ham To Life

• Olive Oil: A foundational ingredient that helps sauté vegetables and develop rich flavors.

• Onions, Carrots, Celery: A classic mirepoix that provides a deep, aromatic base with layers of flavor and nutrition.
• Garlic: Adds a pungent and intense flavor that enhances the overall taste of the soup.

• Ham: Offers a smoky, salty element that complements the earthy split peas and adds substantial protein.
• Split Peas: The star ingredient that creates a thick, creamy texture and provides hearty plant-based protein.

• Chicken Broth, Water: Create the liquid base that helps cook and blend the soup ingredients.
• Bay Leaf, Dried Thyme, Black Pepper: Herbs and spices that contribute depth and complexity to the soup's flavor profile.
• Salt: A final seasoning that helps balance and enhance the overall taste of the dish.

Easy Instructions For Homemade Split Pea Soup With Ham

Step 1: Create Flavor Foundation

Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. This initial step builds a delicious base that will carry all the wonderful flavors of your soup.

Step 2: Develop Vegetable Layers

• Onions
• Carrots
• Celery

Cook until they become soft and translucent, releasing their amazing aromas. This process takes about 5-6 minutes and creates depth in your soup.

Step 3: Boost Aromatic Intensity

Add minced garlic and quickly stir for 30 seconds. The garlic will release its incredible fragrance without burning, elevating the entire soup’s flavor profile.

Step 4: Introduce Protein Power

Toss diced ham into the vegetable mixture. Stir thoroughly to distribute the meat and allow slight caramelization, which adds rich, savory notes to your soup.

Step 5: Build Liquid Landscape

• Split peas
• Chicken broth
• Water
• Bay leaf
• Dried thyme
• Black pepper

Mix all ingredients to create a harmonious liquid base.

Step 6: Bring to Boil and Simmer

Raise heat to create a robust boil, then immediately reduce to a gentle simmer. Cover the pot with a tight lid to trap all those incredible flavors.

Step 7: Develop Creamy Texture

Let the soup simmer for 45-50 minutes. Stir occasionally as the split peas break down, transforming the soup into a thick, luxurious consistency.

Step 8: Perfect the Seasoning

Remove the bay leaf and taste. Adjust salt levels to enhance the overall flavor experience.

Step 9: Rest and Settle

Allow the soup to rest for 5-10 minutes. This magical pause lets flavors meld and the texture become even more luscious.

Step 10: Serve with Joy

Ladle the steaming soup into warm bowls. Each spoonful promises comfort, warmth, and pure deliciousness.

Tips For A Creamier Split Pea Soup With Ham

• Boost Ham Flavor: Select high-quality, smoky ham for deeper, richer taste that elevates the entire soup's profile.
• Prevent Burning: Stir vegetables frequently during sautéing to avoid scorching and maintain even cooking temperature.
• Texture Control: Mash some peas against pot sides midway through cooking to create a creamier, more luxurious soup consistency.
• Low-Sodium Option: Use reduced-sodium chicken broth and limit added salt to manage sodium intake without compromising flavor.
• Freezer-Friendly Tip: Store soup in airtight containers for up to 3 months, ensuring maximum flavor preservation and convenient meal prep.

Tasty Twists To Try In Your Split Pea Soup With Ham

• Vegetarian Pea Soup: Replace ham with smoked tofu or tempeh, using vegetable broth for a plant-based protein alternative that maintains rich flavor complexity.
• Spicy Southwest Variation: Add diced green chiles, cumin, and jalapeños to create a zesty southwestern-inspired soup with increased heat and depth.
• Gluten-Free Green Split Pea: Ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free, using homemade or verified gluten-free chicken broth to accommodate dietary restrictions.
• Low-Sodium Option: Reduce salt content by using low-sodium broth, eliminating added salt, and incorporating fresh herbs like rosemary or parsley for enhanced flavor without sodium.

Great Pairings For Split Pea Soup With Ham

• Pair with Rustic Crusty Bread: Tear into a thick slice of artisan sourdough or rustic whole grain bread, perfect for soaking up the soup's rich, creamy texture and capturing every delicious drop.
• Match with Crisp White Wine: Select a dry Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio to cut through the soup's richness, providing a refreshing counterpoint that cleanses the palate between spoonfuls.
• Complement with Tangy Side Salad: Toss together a light green salad with sharp vinaigrette, featuring mixed greens, cucumber slices, and a zesty lemon dressing to balance the soup's hearty warmth.

How To Store Leftover Split Pea Soup With Ham

• Store leftovers in an airtight container and keep in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Cool soup completely before sealing to prevent bacterial growth.
• Transfer soup to freezer-safe containers, leaving 1-inch headspace for expansion. Freeze for up to 3 months. Label with date and contents for easy tracking.
• Pour desired portion into microwave-safe bowl. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each to ensure even warming. Add splash of water or broth if soup seems too thick.
• Pour soup into saucepan over medium-low heat. Stir occasionally and add small amounts of water or broth to restore original consistency. Warm until heated through, typically 5-7 minutes.

Split Pea Soup With Ham — All Your Questions Covered

• What are split peas and why are they used in this soup?

Split peas are dried, peeled legumes that cook quickly and break down naturally, creating a creamy texture without needing cream. They’re packed with protein, fiber, and nutrients, making them perfect for hearty soups.

• Can I make this soup without ham?

Yes, you can substitute ham with smoked turkey, bacon, or make it vegetarian by using vegetable broth and adding extra vegetables like potatoes or mushrooms for depth of flavor.

• How can I prevent split peas from burning or sticking to the bottom of the pot?

Stir the soup occasionally during simmering and ensure the heat is low. If needed, add a bit more liquid and use a heavy-bottomed pot to distribute heat evenly and prevent scorching.

Split Pea Soup With Ham Recipe

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4.9 from 31 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Hearty split pea soup with ham brings rustic comfort from traditional kitchens, blending smoky pork and creamy legumes into a soul-warming bowl. Rich flavors and nourishing ingredients invite you to savor each spoonful of this classic winter favorite.

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Ingredients

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Protein:

• 1 lb ham, diced
• 2 cups chicken broth

Vegetables:

• 2 cups split peas
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 2 carrots, diced
• 2 celery stalks, chopped

Seasonings and Extras:

• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 bay leaf
• 1/2 tsp dried thyme
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 4 cups water
• Salt to taste

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Instructions

1. Prepare a large pot and heat olive oil over medium heat, creating a sizzling base for your aromatic soup foundation.
2. Sauté chopped onions, carrots, and celery until vegetables become translucent and release their fragrant essence, approximately 5-6 minutes.
3. Add minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds, allowing the garlic to become wonderfully aromatic without burning.
4. Introduce diced ham to the vegetable mixture, stirring to distribute the protein evenly and allow slight caramelization.
5. Pour in split peas, chicken broth, water, bay leaf, dried thyme, and black pepper, creating a rich liquid landscape for the soup.
6. Bring the mixture to a robust boil, then immediately reduce heat to a gentle simmer, covering the pot with a tight-fitting lid.
7. Allow soup to simmer for 45-50 minutes, stirring occasionally, until split peas become tender and begin to break down, creating a thick, creamy consistency.
8. Remove bay leaf and taste the soup, adjusting seasoning with salt as needed to enhance the overall flavor profile.
9. Let the soup rest for 5-10 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld and thicken slightly.
10. Ladle into warm bowls and serve immediately, enjoying the hearty, comforting essence of this classic split pea soup.

Notes

• Boost protein by adding extra ham or shredded chicken for a more substantial meal.
• Create a vegetarian version by replacing ham with smoked paprika and using vegetable broth to maintain deep, rich flavor layers.
• Control soup thickness by adjusting liquid quantities: less liquid creates a thicker stew-like consistency, while more liquid produces a lighter soup texture.
• Enhance nutritional value by incorporating additional vegetables like parsnips or sweet potatoes during the sautéing stage for extra vitamins and complexity.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 50 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 250
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 10 g
• Saturated Fat: 2 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 10 g
• Protein: 15 g
• Cholesterol: 40 mg