Ham And Split Pea Soup

Introduction

There’s nothing quite like a warm, comforting bowl of Ham and Split Pea Soup. It’s a classic for a reason! This hearty soup brings together the savory goodness of ham with the earthy, sweet flavor of split peas. Each spoonful is rich, satisfying, and full of delicious, wholesome ingredients that warm you from the inside out.

What makes this soup truly special is its incredible depth of flavor, which comes from slowly simmering humble ingredients. It tastes like a labor of love, but here’s a secret: it’s surprisingly easy to make! With just a little bit of chopping and some patient simmering, you’ll have a fantastic meal that feels gourmet but is totally fuss-free.

So, get ready to fill your kitchen with the most wonderful aromas. This recipe is perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner, a comforting lunch, or a special gathering. We promise, once you try this homemade Ham and Split Pea Soup, it will become a cherished favorite in your recipe collection!

Cooking Time & Prep Time

• Prep Time: 25 minutes
• Cooking Time: 90 minutes
• Total Time: 115 minutes

Small tip: You can save time by chopping your vegetables the day before. Store them in an airtight container in the fridge!

Ingredients

This recipe makes 8 generous servings.

Main Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 large yellow onion, chopped
• 2 carrots, peeled and chopped
• 2 celery stalks, chopped
• 1 pound dried green split peas, rinsed and picked over
• 8 cups (64 oz) low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth
• 2 cups water
• 1 ham hock (about 1 to 1.5 pounds) or 2 cups cooked ham, diced (if using cooked ham, you might need an extra ham bone for flavor, or just use more broth)
• 2 bay leaves
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon salt (or to taste, ham is salty!)

For Serving (Optional)

• Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
• Crusty bread or croutons

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Step 1: Rinse the Split Peas

   Start by placing your dried green split peas in a fine-mesh sieve. Rinse them thoroughly under cold running water. This removes any dust or small debris. Also, quickly look through them to pick out any tiny stones or shriveled peas.

   Small tip: Rinsing is important for cleanliness and helps ensure even cooking.

2. Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics

   Heat the olive oil in a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery. Cook these vegetables for about 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they soften and become fragrant.

   Small tip: Don’t rush this step! Softening the vegetables builds a great flavor base for your soup.

3. Step 3: Add Ham and Peas

   If using a ham hock, add it to the pot with the sautéed vegetables. If using diced cooked ham, you’ll add it later, but you can add a discarded ham bone now for flavor if you have one. Stir in the rinsed split peas, bay leaves, dried thyme, and black pepper.

   Small tip: A ham hock gives the most authentic, rich flavor, but leftover holiday ham works wonderfully too!

4. Step 4: Pour in Liquids and Season

   Pour in the chicken or vegetable broth and the water. Give everything a good stir to combine. Add the initial 1/2 teaspoon of salt, but remember ham can be quite salty, so we’ll adjust later.

   Small tip: Using low-sodium broth gives you more control over the final saltiness of the soup.

5. Step 5: Simmer the Soup

   Bring the soup to a boil over medium-high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer gently for 60 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent the peas from sticking to the bottom.

   Small tip: A gentle simmer is key to tender peas and a creamy texture, not a rolling boil.

6. Step 6: Continue Simmering and Check Peas

   After 60 minutes, check the tenderness of the peas. They should be starting to break down. Continue to simmer, covered, for another 30 minutes, or until the split peas are very tender and have mostly disintegrated into a thick, creamy soup. Stir more frequently now.

   Small tip: The longer it simmers, the creamier your soup will become. If it gets too thick, add a little more water or broth.

7. Step 7: Remove Ham and Shred

   Carefully remove the ham hock (or ham bone) from the pot. Place it on a cutting board and let it cool slightly. Once cool enough to handle, shred the meat from the bone, discarding any skin, fat, or gristle. If you’re using diced cooked ham, now is the time to add it.

   Small tip: Tongs are very helpful for safely removing the hot ham hock.

8. Step 8: Final Touches and Serve

   Return the shredded ham (or diced cooked ham) to the pot. Stir well. Taste the soup and adjust seasonings as needed, adding more salt or pepper if desired. Remove the bay leaves before serving. Ladle the hot soup into bowls and garnish with fresh chopped parsley, if using.

   Small tip: A squeeze of lemon juice or a dash of apple cider vinegar at the end can brighten the flavors beautifully!

Tips & Variations

• Gluten-Free Option: This recipe is naturally gluten-free! Just ensure your broth is certified gluten-free.
• Vegan/Vegetarian Option: Omit the ham entirely. Use vegetable broth and add a smoky flavor with a teaspoon of smoked paprika or a dash of liquid smoke. You can also add some sautéed mushrooms for extra umami.
• Add More Vegetables or Protein: Feel free to add diced potatoes, sweet potatoes, or spinach in the last 20 minutes of cooking. For extra protein, stir in some cooked, shredded chicken or white beans.
• Spicy Version: For a kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes with the aromatics, or a dash of your favorite hot sauce at the end. A diced jalapeño or serrano pepper can also be added with the onions.
• Creamier Texture: For an even smoother, creamier soup, you can use an immersion blender to blend a portion of the soup directly in the pot. Just be careful not to blend it all if you prefer some texture.

Nutritional Information

Approximate values per serving (based on 8 servings):

• Calories: 350 kcal
• Protein: 28g
• Carbohydrates: 40g
• Fat: 9g

Please note: Nutritional values are approximate and can vary based on specific brands and ingredients used.

Health Benefits

Ham and Split Pea Soup isn’t just delicious; it’s packed with wonderful health benefits!

Hearty Legumes: Split peas are a fantastic source of plant-based protein and dietary fiber. Fiber is essential for digestive health, helping to keep things moving smoothly. It also contributes to a feeling of fullness, which can aid in weight management.

Vitamins and Minerals: Split peas are rich in B vitamins, particularly folate, which is crucial for cell growth and function. They also provide important minerals like iron, magnesium, and potassium, all vital for various bodily processes, including energy production and muscle function.

Lean Protein from Ham: While ham can be higher in sodium, using a lean ham hock or trimmed ham provides a good source of high-quality protein. Protein is essential for building and repairing tissues, and it helps you feel satisfied after your meal.

Nutrient-Rich Vegetables: The carrots, celery, and onion in our soup add a wealth of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Carrots are known for their beta-carotene (Vitamin A), important for vision, while celery and onion contribute to overall vegetable intake, supporting a healthy immune system.

Serving Suggestions

• Classic Pairing: Serve this soup with warm, crusty bread or garlic bread for dipping. It’s perfect for soaking up every last bit of that delicious broth!
• Light Lunch: Enjoy a bowl as a main dish for a satisfying and wholesome lunch. It’s filling enough on its own.
• Hearty Dinner: Pair it with a simple side salad tossed with a light vinaigrette to add some freshness and balance to the meal.
• Meal Prep Powerhouse: This soup is fantastic for meal prepping. Make a big batch at the beginning of the week and portion it out for quick, healthy lunches or dinners.

Storage Tips:

Leftover Ham and Split Pea Soup stores beautifully. It will keep well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. It also freezes exceptionally well! Transfer cooled soup into freezer-safe containers or bags, leaving a little headspace, and freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge if frozen, then gently warm on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. You might need to add a splash of broth or water if it’s too thick.

Conclusion

And there you have it – a truly comforting and incredibly flavorful Ham and Split Pea Soup! This recipe proves that simple ingredients, cooked with a little love and patience, can create something truly spectacular. The rich, savory ham, combined with the creamy, wholesome split peas and aromatic vegetables, makes for a meal that feels like a warm hug in a bowl.

We absolutely encourage you to try making this soup. It’s a wonderful way to use up leftover ham, or simply enjoy a timeless classic. Don’t be intimidated by the simmering time; most of it is hands-off, letting the magic happen on its own.

So, gather your ingredients, set aside a little time, and prepare to fill your home with the most inviting aromas. This soup is perfect for sharing with family and friends, creating cherished memories around the dinner table. Happy cooking!