split pea with ham soup recipe

Written ByJenny Smyth Posted on
split pea with ham soup recipe
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The Best split pea with ham soup recipe

I’ve been making split pea with ham soup for years, and it’s always a hit with my family. This recipe is a staple in our household, and I love it because it’s so easy to make and packed with nutrients. The combination of tender split peas, salty ham, and aromatic spices is just perfect.

My kids love helping me in the kitchen, and this recipe is one of their favorites because it’s so simple and fun to make. I like that it’s a hearty, comforting soup that’s perfect for a chilly day or as a main course for a family gathering. This recipe has its roots in traditional European cuisine, where split peas were a common ingredient in many soups and stews.

The addition of ham gives the soup a rich, savory flavor that’s hard to resist. When I’m cooking for a crowd, I like to make a big batch of this soup and serve it with some crusty bread or over rice. It’s also a great way to use up leftover ham or bacon bits.

One of the best things about this recipe is how versatile it is. You can make it with either green or yellow split peas, depending on your preference. If you like a bit of heat in your soup, you can add some diced jalapeños or red pepper flakes to give it an extra kick.

And if you’re watching your sodium intake, you can use low-sodium ham or omit the salt altogether. The key to making this soup is to use high-quality ingredients and cook it slowly over low heat. This allows the flavors to meld together and the peas to become tender without becoming mushy.

I like to add some chopped fresh herbs like parsley or thyme towards the end of cooking time to give the soup a bright, fresh flavor.

Split Pea and Ham Soup

Split Pea and Ham Soup

4.6 from 1286 votes

A hearty and comforting soup made with split peas, ham, and vegetables. Perfect for a cozy meal on a cold day.

Prep Time15 mins
Cook Time1 hour 30 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time1 hour 45 mins
Servings: 6Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 350 kcal

🥘Ingredients

Ingredients

2 cups dried split peas
4 cups ham bone or diced ham
1 large onion, diced
2 medium carrots, diced
2 stalks celery, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
2 cups water
1 bay leaf
1 tsp dried thyme
Salt and pepper to taste
2 tbsp olive oil

👨‍🍳Directions

1Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
2Add the diced onion, carrots, and celery.
3Cook until the vegetables are softened, about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally.
4Add the minced garlic to the pot and cook for an additional 1 minute, stirring frequently to prevent burning.
5Add the split peas, ham bone or diced ham, chicken or vegetable broth, water, bay leaf, and thyme 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 it simmer for about 1 hour and 15 minutes, or until the split peas are tender and the soup has thickened.
9Stir occasionally to prevent the peas from sticking to the bottom of the pot.
10Remove the bay leaf from the soup.
11If using a ham bone, remove it from the pot and let it cool slightly.
12Once cool enough to handle, shred the ham from the bone and return the shredded ham to the pot.
13If using diced ham, simply stir the soup to ensure the ham is well distributed.
14Season the soup with salt and pepper to taste.
15Stir well to combine.
16Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
17Ladle the soup into bowls and serve hot.
18Enjoy your hearty split pea and ham soup.

🔧Equipment

Large pot
Wooden spoon
Ladle

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 350 kcal🧈Total Fat: 10g💛Saturated Fat: 3g❤️Cholesterol: 45mg🧂Sodium: 1200mg🌾Total Carbs: 35g🥦Dietary Fiber: 12g🍬Sugars: 6g🥩Protein: 30g

📝Notes

Tips: For a smoother soup, use an immersion blender to blend a portion of the soup before serving. You can also add a pinch of smoked paprika for an extra smoky flavor.

Watch Video Of How Split Pea and Ham Soup Works

This split pea with ham soup recipe is always a crowd-pleaser and is a great option for family gatherings or potlucks. It’s easy to make in large batches and can be frozen for later.

Just be sure to store it properly in an airtight container. I recommend reheating it on the stove or in the microwave, adding a little water or broth to help thin it out if needed.

You can also add some extra vegetables or herbs to the soup when reheating it to add some extra flavor. Split pea with ham soup is a versatile and delicious dish.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Split Pea and Ham Soup

Q1: What type of split peas should I use for this recipe?

I recommend using either green or yellow split peas for this recipe. Both types will give you a delicious result, but green split peas have a slightly sweeter flavor while yellow split peas are more neutral-tasting.

Q2: Can I make this soup with other types of protein?

Yes, you can substitute other types of protein like bacon bits, cooked chicken, or even tofu for the ham in this recipe.

Q3: How do I store leftover soup?

You can store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze it for up to 2 months.

Q4: Can I reheat the soup multiple times without compromising its quality?

No, reheating the soup multiple times can cause the flavors to break down and the texture to become unappetizing.

Q5: Are there any specific cooking techniques I should avoid when making this recipe?

Avoid overcooking the peas, as they can become mushy and unappetizing. Also, be careful not to add too much liquid at once, as this can cause the soup to become too thin.

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