Split Pea Soup with Ham

Introduction

Split Pea Soup with Ham is a timeless comfort dish that has warmed kitchens and hearts for generations. Known for its hearty texture, smoky flavor, and simple ingredients, it’s the kind of soup that makes you feel at home with every spoonful.

Split peas, which are rich in protein, fiber, and essential vitamins, cook down into a creamy, velvety base without needing any cream. When paired with savory ham, aromatic vegetables, and warming herbs, the result is a nourishing and deeply satisfying bowl of goodness.

This dish is especially popular in American and European cuisines, often served during colder months or as a way to use up leftover holiday ham. It’s budget-friendly, packed with nutrition, and incredibly easy to prepare.

Why I Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it perfectly balances comfort and nourishment. The split peas break down into a naturally creamy base, while the smoky ham infuses every spoonful with a rich, savory depth. It’s the kind of soup that warms you from the inside out, making it ideal for chilly evenings or when you just need something cozy and satisfying.

I also love how practical and versatile it is. You can make it with leftover ham from the holidays or a simple ham bone, and it transforms humble ingredients into something truly flavorful. It’s budget-friendly, wholesome, and packed with protein and fiber, which makes it both filling and nourishing.

Most of all, I love that this soup gets better with time—the flavors deepen as it sits, so leftovers are even more delicious. It’s not just a meal, it’s a reminder of home, warmth, and tradition in every bite.

Why It’s a Must-Try Dish

This dish is a must-try because:

• It’s hearty and filling without being heavy.
• It makes excellent use of ham bones or leftovers, reducing waste.
• It’s nutrient-packed—high in protein, fiber, iron, and B vitamins.
• It’s meal-prep friendly—flavors deepen over time.
• It’s a classic comfort food that never goes out of style.

Whether you’re looking for a wholesome family dinner, a way to repurpose holiday ham, or a cozy cold-weather soup, this recipe checks all the boxes.

Preparation & Cooking Time

• Preparation Time: 15 minutes
• Cooking Time: 1 hour 15 minutes (or up to 2 hours if using a ham bone)
• Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes

Servings & Nutrition

• Servings: 6–8 bowls
• Calories: ~300 kcal per serving
• Course: Soup / Main Dish
• Cuisine: American / European

Ingredients

For the Soup:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 2 medium carrots, diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 pound (2 ¼ cups) dried green split peas, rinsed
• 6 cups chicken broth (or vegetable broth)
• 2 cups water (add more as needed)
• 1 ham bone with meat attached (or 2 cups diced cooked ham)
• 2 bay leaves
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme (or 1 tablespoon fresh thyme)
• 1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
• ½ teaspoon black pepper

For Serving:

• Fresh parsley, chopped
• Crusty bread or cornbread
• A drizzle of olive oil or sprinkle of grated Parmesan (optional)

Step-by-Step Preparation Method

1. Prepare the base: Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat.
2. Cook vegetables: Add onion, carrots, and celery. Cook for 6–8 minutes until softened.
3. Add garlic: Stir in garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
4. Add peas & seasonings: Stir in rinsed split peas, thyme, bay leaves, salt, and pepper.
5. Add liquids & ham: Pour in broth, water, and add the ham bone (or diced ham).
6. Simmer: Bring to a boil, then reduce to low heat. Cover and simmer for 1–1.5 hours, stirring occasionally, until peas are tender and soup thickens.
7. Adjust consistency: If too thick, add a splash of water or broth.
8. Remove ham bone: If using a ham bone, remove it, shred any meat, and return meat to the pot.
9. Taste & season: Adjust salt, pepper, and herbs as needed.
10. Serve hot with bread and fresh parsley.

How to Serve

• Ladle into deep bowls and top with fresh parsley for brightness.
• Pair with crusty bread, cornbread, or garlic toast.
• For a richer touch, drizzle with olive oil or sprinkle with Parmesan cheese.
• Serve as a main course with a side salad for a complete meal.

Recipe Tips

• Stir often to prevent peas from sticking to the bottom.
• For a smoother soup, use an immersion blender to partially puree.
• Using a ham bone adds incredible flavor—don’t skip it if you have one.
• Adjust seasoning at the end since ham can be salty.

Variations

• Vegetarian Version: Omit ham and use vegetable broth—add smoked paprika for flavor.
• Spicy Kick: Add red pepper flakes or diced jalapeño.
• Creamy Style: Blend completely for a silky texture.
• Different Meats: Use smoked turkey legs, bacon, or sausage instead of ham.
• Extra Veggies: Add potatoes, parsnips, or kale for more bulk.

Freezing & Storage

• Storage: Refrigerate for up to 4 days in an airtight container.
• Freezing: Freeze in portions for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
• Reheating: Soup thickens as it cools; add a splash of broth or water when reheating.

Special Equipment Needed

• Large soup pot or Dutch oven
• Wooden spoon for stirring
• Ladle for serving
• Immersion blender (optional, for creamy texture)

Conclusion

Split Pea Soup with Ham is the definition of comfort food—warm, hearty, and deeply flavorful. With its rich, smoky ham, creamy split peas, and nourishing vegetables, it’s a dish that satisfies the stomach and the soul.

Whether you’re making it to use up holiday leftovers, preparing a wholesome family dinner, or meal-prepping for the week, this recipe delivers every time. Once you try it, you’ll understand why it’s been a classic for centuries—and why it deserves a place in your kitchen.

Print Recipe

0 Add to Favorites

Split Pea Soup with Ham

Author: admin Cuisine: American Courses: Soup & Drinks

Difficulty: Beginner Prep Time 15 mins Cook Time 75 mins Total Time 1 hr 30 mins

Calories: 300 kcal per serving

Description

Split Pea Soup with Ham is a timeless comfort dish that has warmed kitchens and hearts for generations. Known for its hearty texture, smoky flavor, and simple ingredients, it’s the kind of soup that makes you feel at home with every spoonful.

Ingredients

Scale

1/2x 1x 2x 3x

For the Soup:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 2 medium carrots, diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 pound (2 ¼ cups)
• 6 cups chicken broth (or vegetable broth)
• 2 cups water (add more as needed)
• 1 ham bone with meat attached (or 2 cups diced cooked ham)
• 2 bay leaves
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme (or 1 tablespoon fresh thyme)
• 1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
• ½ teaspoon black pepper

For Serving:

• Fresh parsley, chopped
• Crusty bread or cornbread
• A drizzle of olive oil or sprinkle of grated Parmesan (optional)

Instructions

1. Prepare the base: Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat.
2. Cook vegetables: Add onion, carrots, and celery. Cook for 6–8 minutes until softened.
3. Add garlic: Stir in garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
4. Add peas & seasonings: Stir in rinsed split peas, thyme, bay leaves, salt, and pepper.
5. Add liquids & ham: Pour in broth, water, and add the ham bone (or diced ham).
6. Simmer: Bring to a boil, then reduce to low heat. Cover and simmer for 1–1.5 hours, stirring occasionally, until peas are tender and soup thickens.
7. Adjust consistency: If too thick, add a splash of water or broth.
8. Remove ham bone: If using a ham bone, remove it, shred any meat, and return meat to the pot.
9. Taste & season: Adjust salt, pepper, and herbs as needed.
10. Serve hot with bread and fresh parsley.

Keywords: Split Pea Soup with Ham