Easy Homemade Split Pea Soup With Ham Recipe for Cozy Nights

Crafting a hearty split pea soup with ham brings comfort to chilly evenings and warmth to hungry souls.

Memories of grandmother’s kitchen drift through the aroma of simmering legumes and smoky meat.

Tender green peas meld perfectly with savory ham pieces, creating a rustic dish that speaks of home-cooked traditions.

Pantry staples transform into a rich, creamy concoction that satisfies deep hunger and soothes weary spirits.

Winter’s chill melts away with each spoonful of this classic soup, promising nourishment and pure deliciousness.

Nutrition meets flavor in this simple yet magnificent one-pot wonder that connects you to generations of home cooking.

Let’s uncover the secrets to making this soul-warming meal that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Tasty Variations On Split Pea Soup With Ham

• Vegetarian Pea Soup: Replace ham with smoked tofu or tempeh, using vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a plant-based version that maintains rich, savory flavors.
• Spicy Green Split Pea Soup: Add diced jalapeños, red pepper flakes, and a dash of cayenne to create a fiery, warming soup with extra kick and depth.
• Dairy-Free Creamy Variation: Substitute coconut milk or cashew cream for added smoothness without using traditional dairy, perfect for lactose-intolerant individuals.
• Low-Sodium Option: Use low-sodium chicken broth, omit added salt, and incorporate fresh herbs like rosemary and sage to enhance natural flavor profiles without increasing sodium content.

Perfect Pairings For Split Pea Soup With Ham

• Pair with Rustic Sourdough Bread: Tear into thick, crusty slices that perfectly soak up the rich, hearty soup and complement its creamy texture.
• Complement with Crisp White Wine: Choose a Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio with bright acidity to cut through the soup's richness and refresh the palate.
• Match with Tangy Apple Slaw: Create a light, crunchy side salad with green apples, cabbage, and a zesty vinaigrette to balance the soup's warm, dense flavors.
• Serve alongside Aged Cheddar Cheese: Offer sharp, crumbly cheddar as a garnish or side, adding a salty, complex note that enhances the soup's smoky ham undertones.

How To Store Split Pea Soup With Ham The Smart Way

• Store leftover split pea soup in an airtight container for up to 4-5 days in the refrigerator, ensuring it cools completely before sealing.
• Transfer cooled soup to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags, leaving some space for expansion, and freeze for 2-3 months.
• Pour desired portion into a microwave-safe bowl, cover loosely, and heat in 1-minute intervals, stirring between each interval until thoroughly warmed.
• Gently warm soup in a pot over medium-low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or water to restore original consistency, stirring frequently to prevent scorching.

FAQs For Split Pea Soup With Ham

• Can I make this soup vegetarian?

Replace ham with smoked paprika, liquid smoke, or vegetable ham alternative for similar depth of flavor.

• Is split pea soup nutritious?

Yes, it’s high in protein, fiber, vitamins A and K, and contains iron and potassium from peas and vegetables.

• What type of split peas work best?

Green split peas are traditional and provide classic color and taste, but yellow split peas are equally acceptable.

• How can I prevent split peas from getting mushy?

Use fresh peas, avoid overcooking, and stir occasionally to maintain some texture during simmering.

Why Split Pea Soup With Ham Warms You From The Inside Out

• Craft a Nutritious Meal: Packed with protein-rich split peas and hearty vegetables, this soup delivers a wholesome, balanced dinner that nourishes your body.
• Master Simple Cooking Techniques: Learn to layer flavors by sautéing vegetables, browning ham, and simmering ingredients, developing essential culinary skills with minimal effort.
• Versatile Comfort Food: Perfect for chilly evenings, family gatherings, or meal prep, this soup adapts easily to different dietary preferences and can be stored for later enjoyment.
• Budget-Friendly Cooking: Utilizing affordable ingredients like split peas, ham, and basic vegetables, this recipe provides a cost-effective solution for feeding a hungry crowd without breaking the bank.

What You’ll Need For Split Pea Soup With Ham

• Split Peas: Protein-rich legumes that provide a creamy texture and earthy flavor to the soup.
• Chicken Broth: Creates a flavorful liquid base that enhances the overall taste of the soup.
• Water: Helps achieve the desired consistency and volume of the soup.

• Ham, Ham Bone: Adds rich, smoky flavor and provides additional depth to the soup's taste profile.

• Onions, Carrots, Celery: Classic soup base that builds a foundation of savory and sweet vegetable flavors.
• Garlic: Provides a pungent and aromatic essence that complements the other ingredients.

• Bay Leaves, Dried Thyme, Black Pepper: Blend of herbs and spices that add complexity and warmth to the soup.
• Salt: Enhances and balances the overall flavor of the dish.

• Olive Oil: Helps sauté vegetables and adds a subtle fruity undertone to the soup.

How To Make Split Pea Soup With Ham Step By Step

Step 1: Cleanse Split Peas

Rinse split peas thoroughly under cold water, carefully removing any debris or discolored peas. Allow them to drain completely in a colander.

Step 2: Sauté Aromatic Vegetables

• Chopped onions
• Diced carrots
• Sliced celery

Cook the vegetables until they become soft and release their fragrant aroma, which takes about 5-7 minutes.

Step 3: Enhance With Garlic

Stir in minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds, making sure to keep the garlic moving to prevent burning.

Step 4: Brown Savory Ham

Add diced ham and ham bone to the vegetable mixture. Let the meat brown slightly to develop deep, rich flavors.

Step 5: Build the Soup Base

• Rinsed split peas
• Bay leaves
• Dried thyme
• Black pepper

Step 6: Simmer to Perfection

Bring the mixture to a rolling boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover the pot and let the soup simmer gently for 60-75 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.

Step 7: Finish and Season

Remove the ham bone and bay leaves. Taste the soup and adjust seasoning with salt as needed.

Step 8: Create Creamy Texture

Use an immersion blender to partially puree the soup, leaving some chunks for a delightful texture.

Step 9: Rest and Serve

Allow the soup to rest for 10 minutes, giving the flavors time to meld and reach the perfect serving temperature.

Tips For Thick And Creamy Split Pea Soup With Ham

• Rinse Thoroughly: Carefully clean split peas under cold water to remove debris and ensure pure, high-quality ingredients for the best soup flavor.
• Sauté Softly: Gently cook vegetables until they become soft and release their natural sweetness, creating a rich aromatic base for the soup.
• Brown Meat Carefully: Allow ham to slightly brown, which intensifies its savory flavor and adds depth to the overall soup profile.
• Blend with Purpose: Use an immersion blender to partially puree the soup, maintaining some texture while creating a creamy, satisfying consistency.
• Rest and Develop: Let the soup sit for 10 minutes after cooking to allow flavors to marry and reach the perfect serving temperature.

Split Pea Soup With Ham Recipe

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• Total Time: 85 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Hearty split pea soup with ham delivers comforting warmth straight from classic American kitchens. Rich green depths packed with smoky ham and tender vegetables promise a satisfying meal that connects you to wholesome home cooking traditions.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 2 cups dried split peas
• 1 lb ham, diced
• 1 ham bone (optional)

Vegetables:

• 2 medium onions, chopped
• 3 carrots, diced
• 2 celery stalks, chopped

Seasonings and Liquids:

• 4 cups chicken broth
• 2 cups water
• 2 bay leaves
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• Salt to taste

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Instructions

1. Thoroughly rinse split peas under cold water, removing any debris or discolored peas, and set aside to drain completely.
2. Heat olive oil in a large heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat, adding chopped onions, carrots, and celery; sauté until vegetables become soft and fragrant, approximately 5-7 minutes.
3. Incorporate minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds, stirring constantly to prevent burning.
4. Add diced ham and ham bone (if using) to the vegetable mixture, allowing the meat to slightly brown and release its savory flavors.
5. Pour in chicken broth and water, then introduce rinsed split peas, bay leaves, dried thyme, and black pepper to the pot.
6. Bring the mixture to a rolling boil, then reduce heat to low, covering the pot and allowing the soup to simmer gently for 60-75 minutes, stirring occasionally.
7. Remove the ham bone and bay leaves; taste and adjust seasoning with salt as needed.
8. For a smoother consistency, use an immersion blender to partially puree the soup, leaving some chunks for texture.
9. Let the soup rest for 10 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld and reach an ideal eating temperature.

Notes

• Rinse peas meticulously to remove any stones or discolored legumes, ensuring a clean and high-quality soup base.
• Sauté vegetables slowly to develop a rich, deep flavor foundation that enhances the overall taste of the soup.
• Use low-sodium chicken broth to control salt levels, allowing you to season the soup precisely to your preference.
• For a vegetarian version, swap ham with smoked paprika and additional root vegetables to maintain a robust, smoky profile.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 75 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 250
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 7 g
• Saturated Fat: 2 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 36 g
• Fiber: 12 g
• Protein: 15 g
• Cholesterol: 30 mg