Hearty Pea and Ham Soup

Name: Hearty Pea and Ham Soup
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 2 h
Total time: 2 h 15 min
Yield: 6 servings
Ingredients: 1 lb dried split peas; 1 meaty ham bone or 2 cups diced ham; 1 large onion, chopped; 2 carrots, diced; 2 stalks celery, diced; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 8 cups chicken stock; 1 bay leaf; 1/2 tsp dried thyme; Salt and pepper to taste

🕒 Prep: 15 min

🔥 Cook: 2 hours

🍽 Serves: 6

★★★★★

Be the First to Review!

Hearty Pea and Ham Soup is the perfect way to warm up on a chilly day. This comforting classic combines rich flavors with simple ingredients for a dish that feels like a hug from the inside. With just a bit of preparation, you'll have a pot of goodness simmering on the stove, ready to nourish body and soul alike.

Save Print Jump to Recipe

Ingredients for Hearty Pea and Ham Soup

The backbone of this dish is dried split peas, which cook down to create a creamy texture without any cream. A meaty ham bone or diced ham infuses the soup with a smoky, savory depth. Onion, carrots, and celery form the classic mirepoix base, adding sweetness and complexity. Garlic lends a subtle pungency, while chicken stock enriches the broth. A bay leaf and dried thyme round out the flavors with herbal notes, and seasoning with salt and pepper ties everything together just right.

Tips & Tricks

If the soup gets too thick, add a bit more chicken stock or water to reach your desired consistency.
For a smoother texture, use an immersion blender to blend part of the soup before serving.
For an added layer of flavor, consider browning the diced ham before adding it to the soup.
Cook the soup a day ahead and let the flavors meld overnight—it’ll taste even better!

Serving Suggestions

This soup pairs wonderfully with crusty bread or a nice rye for dipping. Add a simple green salad on the side with a light vinaigrette to balance the richness of the soup. A sprinkle of fresh parsley or chives on top can add a pop of color and freshness to each bowl.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use fresh peas instead of split peas?: While fresh peas can be used, the texture and cooking time will differ. Split peas are dried, which allows them to thicken the soup as they cook.
How long can I store leftovers?: Store the soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. It can also be frozen for up to 3 months.
What if I don’t have a ham bone?: No worries! Just use diced ham or even a smoked ham hock for flavor.

Hearty Pea and Ham Soup Recipe Walkthrough

Start by rinsing the split peas under cold water to remove any dust or debris. This small step ensures that your soup is clean and ready to go.

Next, in a large pot, heat a splash of olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté until they are softened, about 5 minutes. This not only enhances their natural sweetness but also builds a flavorful base for your soup.

Stir in the garlic and cook for an additional minute. Garlic cooks quickly, so keep an eye on it to prevent burning, which can make it bitter.

Add the ham bone or diced ham to the pot, followed by the rinsed peas, chicken stock, bay leaf, and thyme. Bring everything to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer. Allowing it to simmer for 1.5 to 2 hours gives the flavors time to meld and the peas to become tender.

Once the peas are soft and the soup has thickened, remove the ham bone. Shred any meat that’s left on the bone and return it to the pot for added texture and flavor. Season the soup with salt and pepper to your liking.

Serve the soup hot, garnished with fresh herbs if desired, for an extra touch of freshness.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

Easy to make with minimal prep time.
Rich in flavor, thanks to the slow simmering.
Perfect for batch cooking and freezing.
Uses simple ingredients you likely already have.
Great way to use up leftover ham.

Ingredients

1 lb dried split peas

1 meaty ham bone or 2 cups diced ham

1 large onion, chopped

2 carrots, diced

2 stalks celery, diced

2 cloves garlic, minced

8 cups chicken stock

1 bay leaf

1/2 tsp dried thyme

Salt and pepper to taste

Step-by-step Instructions

1. Rinse split peas under cold water and set aside.

2. In a large pot, heat a splash of olive oil over medium heat, add the onion, carrots, and celery, and sauté until softened, about 5 minutes.

3. Add garlic and cook for an additional minute.

4. Add the ham bone or diced ham to the pot along with the peas, chicken stock, bay leaf, and thyme.

5. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 1.5 to 2 hours, stirring occasionally, until peas are tender and soup has thickened.

6. Remove the ham bone, shred any meat from the bone, and return the meat to the soup.