Split pea soup with ham is a comforting classic that evokes warm memories of family gatherings and cozy nights at home. This hearty dish is not only delicious but also nourishing, making it a perfect choice for any season. Rich in flavor and nutrients, this soup combines the earthy taste of split peas with the savory depth of ham, creating a bowl of goodness that warms the soul. Ready to dive in and make your own batch? Let’s get started!
Why We Love This Split Pea Soup with Ham Recipe
One of the many reasons you’ll love split pea soup with ham is its simplicity. With minimal ingredients and straightforward directions, you’ll find yourself whipping up this delicious meal in no time. The combination of lentils, fresh vegetables, and savory ham creates a harmonious blend of textures and flavors that is both satisfying and filling. Not only does it provide a comforting meal, but it’s also an excellent way to utilize leftover ham, making it a favorite for resourceful cooks. Perfect for chilly days, this soup is a versatile dish that can be customized to your taste, allowing for endless variations that suit your preferences.
Ingredients about Split Pea Soup with Ham
List of ingredients with measurements
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 medium carrots, peeled and chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 1 pound (about 2 ¼ cups) dried green split peas, rinsed and sorted
- 1 ham bone or 1 ½ cups diced cooked ham
- 7–8 cups chicken broth or water (adjust for desired thickness)
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Optional garnish: chopped parsley or croutons
How to Make Split Pea Soup with Ham Directions
Making split pea soup with ham is a straightforward process that requires only a few steps. Begin by heating the olive oil in a large soup pot over medium heat. Add the diced onion, minced garlic, chopped carrots, and chopped celery, and cook for about 5 to 7 minutes until the vegetables soften. This initial sautéing enhances the flavors and gives your soup a rich foundation.
Next, stir in the rinsed split peas, along with your choice of ham—whether it’s a flavorful ham bone or diced cooked ham. Add the bay leaf and dried thyme, and then pour in your chicken broth or water. Mix everything together thoroughly and bring the mixture to a gentle boil.
Once boiling, reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot slightly and let it simmer for 60 to 75 minutes. Remember to stir occasionally to prevent the soup from sticking. You’ll want to keep an eye on the cooking process until the split peas are softened and the soup reaches your desired thickness.
For those who prefer a smoother texture, consider using an immersion blender to purée part of the soup. You can add additional broth or water at this stage to adjust the thickness according to your liking. If you decided to use a ham bone, be sure to remove it carefully after cooking. Shred any remaining meat off the bone and return it to the pot.
Once everything is well combined and heated through, season your soup with salt and black pepper to taste. The flavors will blossom beautifully during this stage.
How to Serve Split Pea Soup with Ham
Serving split pea soup with ham is where the real fun begins. Ladle the hot soup into warm bowls. For a delightful touch, consider garnishing each bowl with freshly chopped parsley. The vibrant green color adds visual appeal and a hint of freshness to the hearty soup. Alternatively, you can top the soup with croutons for a crunchy texture that contrasts beautifully with the smoothness of the peas.
This soup pairs excellently with crusty bread or a light salad, creating a balanced meal that can be enjoyed any day of the week. It’s the kind of dish that invites sharing, making it perfect for family dinners or gatherings with friends.
Expert Tips: Split Pea Soup with Ham
When preparing split pea soup with ham, a few expert tips can elevate your cooking experience. First, always rinse your split peas thoroughly before use. This step helps remove any impurities or debris, ensuring a clean flavor in your final dish.
Second, feel free to experiment with the herbs and vegetables you include. Adding ingredients like bay leaves, rosemary, or even diced potatoes can enhance the flavor profile, giving you a unique twist on this classic recipe.
Lastly, if you want a richer flavor, consider using homemade chicken broth. Store-bought options may work too, but homemade broth brings a depth of flavor that is hard to beat. Always taste the soup as it simmers, adjusting any seasonings to suit your personal preference.
How to Store Split Pea Soup with Ham
After enjoying your delicious split pea soup with ham, you may find yourself with leftovers—great news for meal prepping! To store your soup, allow it to cool completely in a pot. Once cooled, transfer the soup into an airtight container. Make sure to store it in the refrigerator if you plan to eat it within a few days.
If you wish to enjoy your soup later on, the freezer is an excellent option. Place the cooled soup into freezer-safe containers or resealable bags, leaving a little space for expansion. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply thaw the soup overnight in the fridge and reheat it on the stove until warm.
Variation of Split Pea Soup with Ham
There are several exciting ways to personalize your split pea soup with ham to make it your own. For those who enjoy a kick of heat, adding a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce can liven things up. You can also enhance the texture by including chopped potatoes or even sweet potatoes, which add natural sweetness and additional heartiness.
If you want a more vegetarian approach, you could substitute ham with smoked paprika or liquid smoke to impart a similar smokiness without using meat. This variation caters to vegetarians while still remaining satisfying.
Furthermore, consider adding different vegetables, such as diced bell peppers or kale, towards the end of the cooking process for an extra dose of flavor and nutrition. The beauty of split pea soup lies in its versatility, allowing you to explore various combinations that delight your taste buds!
FAQ
What is split pea soup with ham?
Split pea soup with ham is a hearty soup made from dried green split peas, vegetables, and ham, cooked to create a rich, flavorful dish.
How long does split pea soup take to cook?
This soup typically takes about 60 to 75 minutes to simmer until the split peas are tender.
Can I make split pea soup with ham in a slow cooker?
Yes, you can prepare this soup in a slow cooker. Simply sauté the vegetables, add all the ingredients to the slow cooker, and cook on low for 6 to 8 hours.
Is split pea soup healthy?
Absolutely! Split pea soup is high in protein, fiber, and essential vitamins, making it a nutritious meal option.
How do I adjust the thickness of my split pea soup?
You can adjust the thickness by adding more broth or water if it is too thick, or cooking it longer to thicken if it is too thin.
Split Pea Soup with Ham
Ingredients
For the soup base
- 1 tablespoon olive oil For sautéing vegetables
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 medium carrots, peeled and chopped
- 2 stalks celery, chopped
Main ingredients
- 1 pound dried green split peas, rinsed and sorted About 2 ¼ cups
- 1 piece ham bone or 1 ½ cups diced cooked ham Either option works
- 7-8 cups chicken broth or water Adjust for desired thickness
- 1 leaf bay leaf
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Optional garnish
- chopped parsley or croutons For serving
Instructions
Preparation
- Heat the olive oil in a large soup pot over medium heat.
- Add the diced onion, minced garlic, chopped carrots, and chopped celery, cooking for about 5 to 7 minutes until the vegetables soften.
Cooking
- Stir in the rinsed split peas, and your choice of ham. Add the bay leaf and dried thyme, then pour in the chicken broth or water.
- Mix everything together thoroughly and bring the mixture to a gentle boil.
- Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover slightly, and let it simmer for 60 to 75 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
- For a smoother texture, use an immersion blender to purée part of the soup and adjust thickness with additional broth or water.
- If using a ham bone, remove it carefully after cooking, shred any remaining meat, and return it to the pot.
Final seasoning
- Season your soup with salt and black pepper to taste and mix well.
Serving
- Ladle the hot soup into warm bowls and garnish with freshly chopped parsley or croutons if desired.
- This soup pairs excellently with crusty bread or a light salad.
Send me this recipe!
Just enter your email below and get it sent straight to your inbox!