Split Pea Soup with Ham
This hearty and nourishing split pea soup combines the earthy taste of peas with the savory depth of ham, making it a perfect comforting meal for any season.
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.
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Notes
Rinse split peas before use. Experiment with different herbs and vegetables for unique flavors. Use homemade chicken broth for richer flavor.