The Heartiest Split Pea Soup with Ham Recipe for Cozy Nights

Warm, hearty soups always bring comfort during chilly days, and this split pea soup with ham recipe delivers pure culinary magic.

Rich, smoky ham mingles perfectly with tender green peas in a classic winter dish.

Chunks of savory meat and creamy legumes create a delightful texture that warms you from the inside out.

Generations of home cooks have perfected this traditional recipe, passing down techniques that make each spoonful extraordinary.

Slow-simmered to develop deep, complex flavors, this soup transforms simple ingredients into a memorable meal.

Fresh herbs and a touch of seasoning elevate the entire dish beyond basic expectations.

You’ll want to ladle this soul-satisfying soup into bowls and savor every delicious moment.

Everything Needed for Split Pea Soup with Ham

• Split Peas: Protein-packed legumes that provide the hearty base and thickening for the soup.
• Ham Hock: A flavorful meat cut that adds rich, smoky depth to the soup's overall taste.
• Chicken Broth: A liquid base that enhances the soup's savory profile and provides additional flavor.

• Onion, Celery, Carrots: A classic mirepoix combination that creates a robust and aromatic foundation for the soup.
• Garlic: A pungent ingredient that adds a delightful depth of flavor to the vegetable base.
• Potato: A starchy vegetable that provides additional texture and helps thicken the soup.

• Bay Leaf: An herb that contributes a subtle, earthy undertone to the soup's flavor profile.
• Salt, Pepper: Basic seasonings that help balance and enhance the soup's overall taste.
• Olive Oil: A cooking fat used to sauté the vegetables and develop their natural flavors.
• Crackers or Crusty Bread: Optional accompaniments that complement the soup's texture and warmth.

Tools for Cozy Pea Soup Prep

• Large pot: Essential for sautéing vegetables and cooking the entire soup.
• Cutting board: Needed for chopping onions, celery, carrots, and potatoes.
• Sharp knife: Perfect for dicing vegetables and shredding ham.
• Wooden spoon or spatula: Great for stirring and mixing ingredients while cooking.
• Measuring cups: Helpful for accurately measuring broth and ingredients.
• Tongs: Useful for handling and removing the ham hock.
• Ladle: Convenient for serving the soup.

Making Split Pea Soup at Home

Step 1: Awaken the Vegetables

Grab a large pot and warm it up over medium-high heat.

• Diced onions
• Chopped celery
• Sliced carrots

Cook these veggie friends for about 4 minutes until they soften up and start to look friendly.

Sprinkle in minced garlic and let it dance around for 30 seconds until its aroma fills the kitchen.

Step 2: Launch the Soup Base

• Split peas
• Ham hock
• Bay leaf
• Chicken broth

Give everything a gentle stir, making sure all the ingredients get to know each other.

Step 3: Gentle Bubble Time

Pop a lid on the pot and bring to a soft boil.

Turn down the heat to medium-low and let the soup simmer peacefully.

Stir occasionally and flip the ham hock to ensure even cooking.

Let it bubble away for about an hour.

Step 4: Pea Performance Check

After an hour, peek at the peas.

They should look wonderfully mushy.

If they’re not quite there, let them simmer for another 10 minutes.

Step 5: Potato Power

Rescue the ham hock from the pot.

Toss in diced potatoes and let them cook until they’re tender and ready to melt in your mouth, about 12 minutes.

Step 6: Ham Transformation

While the potatoes are getting cozy, cool down the ham hock.

Once it’s comfortable to handle, shred the meat into bite-sized pieces.

Step 7: Final Flavor Fusion

Return the shredded ham to the pot and give everything a loving stir.

Season with salt and pepper until it tastes just right.

Ladle into bowls and serve with crispy crackers or a chunk of crusty bread for the ultimate comfort meal.

Tips for Rich Split Pea Soup Flavor

• Dice vegetables uniformly for even cooking and consistent texture in every spoonful.
• Choose a meaty ham hock for richer flavor and more protein-packed soup.
• Adjust chicken broth quantity based on desired soup thickness; add more for thinner consistency.
• Maintain gentle simmer to help split peas break down completely and develop deep, comforting flavors.
• Cut potatoes into small, bite-sized cubes to ensure quick and even cooking throughout the soup.

Split Pea Soup Fun Variations

• Vegetarian Pea Soup: Replace ham hock with smoked tofu or tempeh for a protein-packed meatless version. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for deeper flavor.
• Gluten-Free Option: Ensure chicken broth is gluten-free certified. Skip crackers or use gluten-free bread alternatives like rice crackers or corn tortillas.
• Instant Pot Express: Convert the recipe by sautéing vegetables, then adding remaining ingredients to pressure cook for 20 minutes instead of traditional simmering method.
• Low-Sodium Adaptation: Use low-sodium chicken broth, eliminate added salt, and swap ham for lean ham with reduced sodium content. Add herbs like thyme or rosemary for enhanced taste without extra sodium.

Pea Soup Ready for Serving

• Cozy Comfort Bowl: Ladle this hearty soup into deep ceramic bowls for maximum warmth and rustic charm.
• Winter Meal Companion: Pair with a slice of toasted sourdough bread or crispy cornbread to soak up the rich broth.
• Fresh Herb Finale: Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley or chives on top for a bright, green garnish that adds color and extra flavor.
• Protein Power-Up: Add a dollop of sour cream or crumbled crispy bacon bits for extra texture and richness.

Split Pea Soup Storage Guide

• Transfer cooled soup to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Seal tightly to prevent absorption of other food odors.
• Pour soup into freezer-safe containers, leaving 1-inch space at the top for expansion. Freeze for up to 3 months. Label with date and contents.
• Place soup in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat in 1-minute intervals, stirring between each interval until thoroughly warmed. Add a splash of chicken broth if soup seems too thick.
• Pour soup into a saucepan. Reheat over medium-low heat, stirring frequently. Add extra broth if needed to restore original consistency. Warm until steaming hot throughout.

FAQs

• What type of ham works best for this soup?

Country ham or smoked ham hock are ideal because they provide rich, deep flavor and help create a hearty base for the split pea soup.

• Can I make this soup vegetarian?

Yes, simply replace ham hock with smoked paprika or liquid smoke for depth, and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth to maintain a similar flavor profile.

• How do I prevent split peas from becoming too mushy?

Avoid over-stirring and cook on low, steady heat. Check consistency periodically and remove from heat once peas are soft but still retain some texture.

• Is split pea soup nutritionally beneficial?

Absolutely! Split peas are high in protein, fiber, and essential minerals like iron and potassium, making this soup a nutritious and filling meal option.

Split Pea Soup with Ham Comfort Factors

• A hearty, warm soup that wraps you in cozy comfort with its rich, satisfying flavors and tender ingredients.
• Loaded with protein from ham and split peas, plus vitamins from fresh vegetables, making it a nutritionally balanced meal.
• Uses affordable ingredients like split peas and ham hock to create a delicious, filling dish that feeds a crowd without breaking the bank.
• Minimal cleanup required with everything prepared in a single pot, perfect for busy home cooks wanting a delicious meal without extensive kitchen work.

Split Pea Soup with Ham Recipe

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4.6 from 9 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Hearty split pea soup with ham delights diners seeking comfort in a classic bowl. Simmering ham hock, green peas, and vegetables create a rich, satisfying meal you’ll savor to the last spoonful.

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Ingredients

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Base Ingredients:

• 1 lb (0.45 kg) split peas
• 1 smoked ham hock
• 6 cups (1.4 liters) chicken broth
• 1 russet potato, peeled and diced
• 2 tablespoons (30 ml) olive oil

Vegetables & Aromatics:

• 1 yellow onion, diced
• 3 stalks celery, diced
• 3 carrots, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced

Seasonings:

• 1 bay leaf
• Salt to taste
• Freshly cracked black pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Prepare a large pot and warm it over medium-high heat. Drizzle olive oil and introduce diced onions, celery, and carrots. Sauté for approximately 4 minutes until vegetables become tender and translucent.
2. Quickly incorporate minced garlic and allow it to release its aromatic essence for about 30 seconds, stirring continuously to prevent burning.
3. Introduce split peas, ham hock, bay leaf, and chicken broth into the pot. Gently mix all ingredients to ensure even distribution.
4. Secure the pot with a lid and bring contents to a gentle boil. Reduce heat to medium-low, allowing the mixture to simmer for 60 minutes. Periodically stir and rotate the ham hock to promote uniform cooking.
5. Evaluate the pea consistency after one hour. If peas have not completely disintegrated, continue simmering for an additional 10 minutes.
6. Extract the ham hock from the soup. Add diced potatoes and cook for roughly 12 minutes until they reach a soft, easily pierced texture.
7. While potatoes are cooking, carefully separate meat from the cooled ham hock, shredding it into small, bite-sized pieces.
8. Return shredded ham to the pot, stirring to integrate. Season with salt and pepper according to personal preference. Serve piping hot, accompanied by crackers or rustic bread.

Notes

• Swap ham for a vegetarian-friendly protein like smoked tofu or tempeh to create a delicious plant-based version of the soup.
• Reduce sodium by using low-sodium chicken broth and limiting added salt during seasoning.
• For a thicker consistency, mash some of the cooked potatoes directly in the pot to create a creamier texture without adding cream.
• Freeze leftovers in airtight containers for up to 3 months, ensuring a quick and convenient meal for busy days.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch, Snacks
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 220
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 6 g
• Saturated Fat: 1 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 36 g
• Fiber: 12 g
• Protein: 13 g
• Cholesterol: 15 mg