Ham and Split Pea Soup: Cozy, Delicious Bowl
Want to know what makes winter better? A big bowl of Ham and Split Pea Soup! This soup is one of my favorites because it’s so warm and filling.
When it’s cold outside, nothing beats this. The smoky ham and tender peas mix together perfectly. Your whole house will smell amazing while it cooks. Plus, it’s really easy to make!
My family loves this soup, and I bet yours will too. It’s the kind of meal that makes everyone happy. Trust me, you’ll want to make this again and again during the chilly months.
Ingredients You’ll Need
You only need a few simple things to make this yummy soup. Look at the recipe card for the full ingredients list and amounts.
- Split peas: These little green peas get super creamy and thick when you cook them.
- Ham: The smoky flavor makes this soup taste SO good and rich
- Onions: These add sweetness and make the soup smell wonderful while cooking.
- Carrots: They’re sweet and colorful, plus they’re really good for you, too.
- Celery: This veggie adds a nice earthy taste that goes great with ham
- Garlic: Fresh garlic makes everything taste better with its strong, yummy flavor.
- Chicken or ham broth: This is the liquid that brings all the flavors together nicely.
- Bay leaves: These leaves add a gentle herb flavor to make it extra special.
- Thyme: This herb tastes earthy and warm, perfect with the smoky ham flavor.
How to Make Ham and Split Pea Soup
Ready to cook? This soup is really easy, and you’ll love how it turns out!
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics
Put 2 tablespoons olive oil in your pot and heat it on medium. Add 1 diced onion, 2 diced carrots, and 2 diced celery stalks. Cook for 5-7 minutes until soft. Then add 4 minced garlic cloves and cook for 1 more minute. Smells good already, right?
Step 2: Add Split Peas and Liquid
Now pour in 1 pound dried split peas (make sure you rinse them first), 8 cups chicken or ham broth, and 2 cups water. Add your ham bone or 2 cups diced ham, 2 bay leaves, and 1 teaspoon dried thyme. Give everything a good stir!
Step 3: Simmer the Soup
Turn the heat to high and let it boil. Then turn it down to low and let it simmer for 60-90 minutes. Stir it now, and then so nothing sticks. The peas will get soft, and the soup will get nice and thick. DELICIOUS!
Step 4: Remove Ham Bone and Shred Meat
Carefully take out the ham bone and let it cool a bit. Pull off any meat from the bone. Throw away the bone and any fat. Put the meat back in the soup. Easy peasy!
Step 5: Season and Serve
Take out the bay leaves and toss them away. Add salt and pepper until it tastes just right to you. Pour it into bowls while it’s hot. Serve with some crusty bread or croutons. Yum!
Tips for the Best Ham and Split Pea Soup
- Rinse your split peas before you cook them to get rid of any dirt.
- Let it simmer long enough so the peas get really soft and creamy.
- Use a ham bone because it makes the soup taste way better than just ham pieces.
- Stir it every once in a while so nothing sticks to the bottom.
- Add more broth if your soup gets too thick when it sits.
Variations and Substitutions
Want to mix things up? Here are some fun ways to change this soup and make it your own!
- Smoked turkey: Try turkey instead of ham if you want something a bit lighter.
- Add potatoes: Throw in 2 cups diced potatoes to make it even more filling.
- Vegetarian version: Skip the meat and use veggie broth plus smoked paprika for flavor.
- Spicy kick: Add some red pepper flakes or hot sauce if you like heat.
Love hearty soups? You’ve got to try Ham and Bean Soup or Ham and Potato Soup next!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use yellow split peas instead of green?
Yes! Yellow split peas work great. They taste almost the same but are a tiny bit sweeter and milder.
How do I make this soup thicker?
Let it simmer longer with no lid. Or blend some of it with a blender and mix it back in.
Can I make this in a slow cooker?
You bet! Cook the veggies first. Then put everything in your slow cooker on low for 6-8 hours.
How should I store leftover soup?
Put it in containers with lids. Keep it in your fridge for up to 5 days or freeze it.
Can I make this soup ahead of time?
Yes! It actually tastes even better the next day. Make it early and reheat it when you’re ready.
Why is my soup too thin?
Keep cooking it with no lid on. Or mix a little cornstarch with water and stir it in.
Can I add other vegetables to this soup?
Sure! Parsnips, turnips, or kale taste great in this soup. They add more nutrition and flavor, too.
Ham and Split Pea Soup: Cozy, Delicious Bowl
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 large onion, diced
- 2 large carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 pound dried green split peas, rinsed
- 8 cups chicken or ham broth
- 2 cups water
- 1 ham bone (or 2 cups diced ham)
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Garlic croutons for serving (optional)
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in your pot on medium heat, then cook onion, carrots, and celery for 5-7 minutes until soft.
- Add minced garlic and cook for 1 more minute until it smells really good and turns a bit golden.
- Stir in split peas, broth, water, ham bone, bay leaves, and thyme until everything is mixed together really well.
- Turn the heat to high and bring to a boil, then turn to low and simmer for 60-90 minutes, stirring sometimes.
- Take out the ham bone, pull the meat off the bone, throw away the bone, and put the shredded ham back in the pot.
- Take out bay leaves and throw them away, then add salt and pepper until it tastes good to you.
- Pour hot soup into bowls and serve right away with crusty bread or croutons if you want. ENJOY!!!
Notes
- The soup gets thicker when it sits, so add more broth or water when you reheat it.
- A ham bone gives the best flavor, but you can use diced smoked ham instead, too.
- Keep leftovers in containers with lids in your fridge for up to 5 days or freeze them.
- This soup freezes really well for up to 3 months. Just thaw it overnight in your fridge.
- For creamier soup, blend some of it with a blender, but leave some chunks for texture.
