split pea ham soup recipe

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The Best split pea ham soup recipe

I’m so excited to share with you one of my family’s favorite recipes – split pea ham soup. This hearty soup is a staple in our household, especially during the colder months. My kids love it because it’s a comforting, warm bowl of goodness that never fails to hit the spot.

As for me, I love how easy it is to make and how versatile it is – we can enjoy it as a main course or serve it as a side dish. Plus, it’s packed with nutritious ingredients like split peas, ham, and vegetables, making it a great option for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion meal. The best part?

It’s incredibly easy to customize to suit your taste preferences. Whether you like your soup thick and creamy or thin and brothy, this recipe adapts perfectly. I’ve even added some diced carrots and celery for extra flavor and texture – feel free to get creative!

One thing’s for sure – this split pea ham soup recipe will become a new favorite in your household too. The origins of this recipe are unclear, but I suspect it dates back to the days when hearty stews and soups were a staple in many European households. The key to making a great split pea soup lies in using high-quality ingredients and not overcooking the peas.

You want them to retain their texture and color throughout the cooking process. I also recommend using a good quality ham that’s not too salty or overpowering – you want the flavors of the peas and vegetables to shine through. To make this soup truly shine, don’t skimp on the aromatics – sautéing onions, garlic, and carrots in butter before adding the peas creates an incredible depth of flavor.

And let’s not forget about the liquid – use chicken broth instead of water for added richness and body. Now that you know my secret recipe for split pea ham soup, get ready to cozy up with a delicious bowl of comfort food that’s perfect for any occasion.

4.9 from 1434 votes

A hearty and comforting split pea ham soup recipe, perfect for a cold day. This classic dish combines tender split peas and savory ham for a rich and flavorful soup.

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Prep Time15 mins

Cook Time1 hr 30 mins

Resting Time0 mins

Total Time1 hr 45 mins

Servings: 6Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 350 kcal

🥘Ingredients

Ingredients

2 tbsp butter

1 large onion, diced

2 medium carrots, diced

2 stalks celery, diced

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 lb split peas, rinsed and picked over

4 cups low-sodium chicken broth

4 cups water

2 bay leaves

1 tsp dried thyme

1 tsp salt

1/2 tsp black pepper

2 cups diced ham

2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley, for garnish

👨‍🍳Directions

1In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat.

2Add the diced onion, carrots, and celery.

3Cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are softened and the onions are translucent, about 5-7 minutes.

4Add the minced garlic to the pot and cook for an additional 1 minute, stirring frequently to prevent burning.

5Add the split peas, chicken broth, water, bay leaves, thyme, salt, and black pepper to the pot.

6Stir well to combine.

7Bring the mixture to a boil over high heat.

8Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let the soup simmer for about 45-60 minutes, or until the split peas are tender and the soup has thickened.

9Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.

10You may need to add more water or broth if the soup becomes too thick.

11Stir in the diced ham and cook for an additional 5-10 minutes, until the ham is heated through and the flavors are well combined.

12Taste and adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.

13Remove the bay leaves.

14Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with chopped fresh parsley.

15Serve hot with crusty bread or a side salad.

🔧Equipment

Large pot

Wooden spoon

Measuring cups and spoons

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 350 kcal🧈Total Fat: 10g💛Saturated Fat: 4g❤️Cholesterol: 35mg🧂Sodium: 1200mg🌾Total Carbs: 40g🥦Dietary Fiber: 15g🍬Sugars: 6g🥩Protein: 25g

📝Notes

Tips: For a smoother soup, you can use an immersion blender to partially blend the soup before adding the ham. Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or freeze for up to 3 months.

Watch Video Of How Split Pea Ham Soup Recipe Works

This split pea ham soup recipe is always a good idea for any occasion – whether you’re looking for a comforting meal on a chilly day or want something easy to serve at family gatherings.

The beauty of this recipe lies in its versatility: you can customize it however you like by adding your favorite vegetables or spices.

Plus, it makes excellent leftovers that store well in the fridge or freezer.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Split Pea Ham Soup

What is the best type of ham to use in this recipe?

The best type of ham to use is one that’s not too salty or overpowering – you want the flavors of the peas and vegetables to shine through. Look for a good quality smoked or cured ham that’s been trimmed of excess fat.

Can I use canned split peas instead of dried?

While canned split peas are convenient, they can be too soft and mushy for this recipe. Dried split peas are preferred because they hold their texture better after cooking.

How long does this soup keep in the fridge?

This soup will keep in the fridge for up to 5 days – just store it in an airtight container after cooling completely.

Can I freeze this soup for later?

Yes, you can freeze this soup for up to 3 months – just transfer it to an ice cube tray or freezer-safe container after cooling completely.

Do I need to soak the dried split peas before cooking?

No soaking is required – simply rinse the dried split peas with water before adding them to the pot.

split pea ham soup recipe

The Best split pea ham soup recipe