split pea hambone soup recipe

Written ByJenny Smyth Posted on
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The Best split pea hambone soup recipe

I’m so glad you’re here to learn about my favorite split pea hambone soup recipe. This hearty and comforting soup has been a staple in our household for years, and I’m excited to share it with you.

The dish originated in the Southern United States, where it was often served at family gatherings and special occasions. It’s a perfect recipe for a cold winter’s night or a cozy family dinner.

The combination of tender split peas, smoky ham bone, and rich broth is truly satisfying. I love how this soup can be made ahead of time and reheated for a quick and easy meal.

My kids adore it, and I know yours will too! One of the best things about this recipe is that it’s incredibly versatile – you can serve it as a main course, side dish, or even as a comforting snack.

Plus, it’s packed with nutritious ingredients like protein-rich ham and fiber-rich split peas. I’ve learned that the key to making this soup truly shine is to use high-quality ingredients and to let the flavors simmer together for at least an hour.

This allows the flavors to meld together beautifully and creates a depth of flavor that’s simply unbeatable. I’ve experimented with various spices and seasonings over the years, but I find that keeping it simple with onion, garlic, thyme, and salt is always the best approach.

Split Pea Hambone Soup

4.6 from 1359 votes

A hearty and comforting soup made with split peas and a flavorful hambone. This soup is perfect for a cold day and is packed with protein and vegetables.

Prep Time15 mins
Cook Time2 hours 30 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time2 hours 45 mins
Servings: 4Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 350 kcal

🥘Ingredients

Ingredients

1 lb split peas
1 large hambone
2 carrots, diced
2 celery stalks, diced
1 large onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 bay leaf
1 tsp dried thyme
1 tsp salt
½ tsp black pepper
4 cups water
4 cups vegetable broth

👨‍🍳Directions

1Place the hambone in a large stockpot and cover with water.
2Bring to a boil over high heat.
3Reduce heat to medium and simmer for 1 hour, skimming off any foam that rises to the top.
4The water should be clear and the meat should be tender and falling off the bone.
5Add the split peas, carrots, celery, onion, garlic, bay leaf, thyme, salt, and pepper to the pot.
6Stir well to combine.
7Add the water and vegetable broth, and bring to a boil over high heat.
8Reduce the heat to low and let the soup simmer for 1 hour, stirring occasionally.
9The peas should be tender and the vegetables should be soft.
10Remove the bay leaf and discard it.
11Once the soup is done, remove the hambone from the pot and let it cool.
12Once cool enough to handle, remove the meat from the bone and shred it.
13Return the shredded meat to the pot and stir well to combine.
14Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed.
15Ladle the soup into bowls and serve hot.
16The soup should be thick and hearty, with a rich flavor from the hambone and vegetables.

🔧Equipment

Large stockpot
Wooden spoon
Ladle

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 350 kcal🧈Total Fat: 8g💛Saturated Fat: 2g❤️Cholesterol: 25mg🧂Sodium: 800mg🌾Total Carbs: 45g🥦Dietary Fiber: 15g🍬Sugars: 8g🥩Protein: 25g

📝Notes

Tips: You can add additional vegetables like potatoes or spinach to the soup for extra nutrition. For a spicier soup, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a diced jalapeño pepper.

Watch Video Of How Split Pea Hambone Soup Works

One of my favorite things about this split pea hambone soup recipe is how well it stores and reheats. Once cooled completely, you can transfer it to an airtight container or zip-top bag and store it in your fridge for up to 5 days or freeze it for up to 3 months.

When reheating, simply add some water or broth if needed to maintain the desired consistency. And don’t forget to serve with some crusty bread or crackers on the side – trust me, your family will love it!

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Split Pea Hambone Soup

Q: What type of ham should I use for this recipe?

I recommend using a smoked or cured ham bone for this recipe, as it adds a rich depth of flavor to the broth. If you can’t find a ham bone, you can also use diced cooked ham or bacon as a substitute.

Q: Can I make this soup in advance?

Yes! This soup freezes beautifully, so feel free to make it ahead of time and store it in your freezer for up to 3 months. Simply thaw it overnight in the fridge or reheat it from frozen on the stovetop or in the microwave.

Q: How do I prevent the peas from becoming mushy?

To prevent the peas from becoming mushy, make sure to soak them overnight before cooking them. You can also add them towards the end of cooking time to preserve their texture.

Q: Can I use fresh instead of dried split peas?

Yes! Fresh split peas will have a slightly different texture than dried ones, but they’ll still turn out delicious. Just keep in mind that fresh peas may not hold up as well when reheated.

Q: Is this soup suitable for vegetarians?

Nope! This recipe features ham as one of its main ingredients, so unfortunately, it’s not vegetarian-friendly.

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