Hearty Split Pea and Ham Soup

🕒 Prep: 15 min
🔥 Cook: 2 hours
🍽 Serves: 6
★★★★★
Be the First to Review!

This hearty Split Pea and Ham Soup is a classic comfort dish that warms both the belly and the soul. Perfect for chilly days, it combines the earthy flavors of split peas with the smoky richness of ham to create a soup that's both satisfying and nutritious.

Ingredients for Hearty Split Pea and Ham Soup

Split peas are the star here, providing a creamy texture and earthy flavor as they cook down. Their natural starchiness helps thicken the soup without any added cream.
Water serves as the base, helping to cook and meld all the ingredients together.
Smoked ham adds a savory, smoky depth to the soup, perfectly complementing the mild peas.
Onion gives a sweet, aromatic base that infuses the soup with flavor.
Carrots contribute a touch of sweetness and a pop of color.
Celery adds a refreshing, subtle crunch and aromatic depth.
Garlic enhances the overall flavor profile with its pungent warmth.
Bay leaf infuses the soup with a subtle, herbal aroma.
Salt and black pepper bring all the flavors together, balancing the sweetness of the vegetables with the savoriness of the ham.

Tips & Tricks

  • If your soup is too thick, simply add a bit more water or broth to reach your desired consistency.
  • For a vegetarian version, skip the ham and use vegetable broth instead of water.
  • If you prefer a smoother soup, use an immersion blender to puree it to your liking right in the pot.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this soup with a slice of crusty bread or a warm, buttery biscuit to soak up the goodness. A simple side salad with a tangy vinaigrette pairs nicely, cutting through the richness of the soup.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I freeze this soup?
Yes, it freezes beautifully! Just let it cool completely before transferring to airtight containers. Freeze for up to 3 months.
Can I make this soup in a slow cooker?
Absolutely! Combine all the ingredients in the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.

Hearty Split Pea and Ham Soup Recipe Walkthrough

Start by rinsing the split peas under cold water until the water runs clear. This is important to remove any dust or debris and helps ensure a smooth texture in the finished soup.

In a large pot, combine the rinsed peas with water. Bring this to a boil over high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for about an hour. Check and stir occasionally to prevent the peas from sticking to the bottom.

After the peas have simmered to a tender state, add in the diced ham, chopped onion, sliced carrots, chopped celery, and minced garlic. Toss in the bay leaf, and season with salt and black pepper.

Let the soup continue to simmer for another 30 minutes, stirring occasionally. You'll know it's ready when the peas are tender and the soup has thickened to your liking. Remember to fish out the bay leaf before serving!

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • It’s a one-pot wonder — minimal cleanup required!
  • Great way to use up leftover ham.
  • Rich in protein and fiber, making it a wholesome meal.
  • Perfect for meal prep — it tastes even better the next day.
  • Simple ingredients that pack a punch of flavor.

Ingredients

1 lb dried split peas
2 quarts water
2 cups diced smoked ham
1 large onion, chopped
2 carrots, sliced
2 celery stalks, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 bay leaf
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper

Step-by-step Instructions

1. Rinse the split peas under cold water until the water runs clear.
2. In a large pot, combine the split peas and water; bring to a boil over high heat.
3. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 1 hour, stirring occasionally.
4. Add the diced ham, chopped onion, sliced carrots, chopped celery, minced garlic, bay leaf, salt, and black pepper to the pot.
5. Continue to simmer the soup for another 30 minutes, or until the peas are tender and the soup has thickened.
6. Remove the bay leaf before serving.

Ratings and Comments

Thank you for your rating!