Split Pea Soup with Ham Recipe
If you’re craving a bowl of comfort food that warms your soul and fills your kitchen with incredible aroma, this Split Pea Soup with Ham Recipe is exactly what you need. It’s a classic homemade soup that balances creamy split peas with savory ham, fresh vegetables, and fragrant herbs, creating a hearty dish perfect for chilly days or anytime you want a satisfying meal. Whether you’re using a ham bone from a holiday dinner or just want to whip up a tasty soup from scratch, this recipe brings out the best flavors with simple ingredients and straightforward steps that anyone can follow.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To make this Split Pea Soup with Ham Recipe, you only need a handful of simple but essential ingredients. Each one plays a crucial role in building layers of flavor, texture, and color that make this soup truly unforgettable.
- 1 lb. dry split peas: The creamy base of the soup that thickens beautifully and adds earthy flavor.
- 1 ham bone: Loads the broth with rich, smoky goodness; perfect for infusing the soup with savory depth.
- 2 cups ham (cut from the bone): Tender chunks to add meaty texture and boost protein.
- 2 cups onions (diced): Bring sweetness and body to the soup as they soften during cooking.
- 1 ½ tablespoons onion powder: Enhances the onion flavor for extra savory notes.
- 1 tablespoon butter: Adds richness and smooth mouthfeel.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: Helps sauté ingredients for a well-rounded flavor foundation.
- 1 tablespoon garlic (minced): Infuses the soup with subtle warmth and aromatic charm.
- 2 bay leaves: Infuse the broth with an herby, slightly floral note.
- 2 sprigs thyme: Add an earthy, aromatic lift that complements the ham perfectly.
- 8 cups water: The cooking liquid that melds all the flavors together into one delicious pot.
- 2 cups carrots (diced): Offer a pop of color and gentle sweetness to balance the savory ingredients.
- 2 russet potatoes (peeled and diced): Give the soup body and creaminess as they soften and break down.
How to Make Split Pea Soup with Ham Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients
Begin by rinsing the split peas thoroughly under cold water to remove any dirt or debris. There’s no need to soak them for this recipe, so you can dive right into the cooking process. Dice your onions, carrots, and potatoes, and mince the garlic. Having all these ready before you heat the pot makes everything flow smoothly.
Step 2: Build Your Flavor Base
In a large soup pot, heat the butter and olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onions and minced garlic, cooking them gently until they’re softened and fragrant—this step unlocks their sweet, savory potential, setting the tone for the entire soup. Then, add the onion powder, bay leaves, and thyme sprigs to start layering in those classic herby notes.
Step 3: Combine Peas and Ham Bone
Next, add the rinsed split peas and the meaty ham bone to the pot. Pour in the water and bring the mixture to a boil. Once bubbling, reduce the heat to a low simmer, leaving the lid slightly cracked to allow steam to escape while concentrating flavors. Let this cook gently for about 2.5 hours — the slow simmer will soften the peas until they break down, creating the soup’s lush, velvety texture.
Step 4: Add the Vegetables
About 40 minutes before you’re ready to eat, toss in the diced carrots and potatoes. These vegetables soften in the lingering cooking time, balancing the richness of the peas and ham with fresh, tender bites of sweetness and creaminess. Stir occasionally to prevent settling, making sure nothing sticks to the bottom.
Step 5: Finish with Ham
Once the vegetables are fork-tender, carefully remove the ham bone, bay leaves, and thyme stems. Slice off 2 cups of cooked ham from the bone and return it to the pot, stirring it in to add smoky, hearty chunks to the soup. This finishing touch turns the soup into a fulfilling, standout meal you’ll want to enjoy again and again.
How to Serve Split Pea Soup with Ham Recipe
Garnishes
To add a little extra flair and flavor, sprinkle chopped fresh parsley or chives on top of your soup. A dollop of sour cream or a swirl of plain yogurt can also brighten the bowl with creamy coolness, balancing the deep savory notes beautifully.
Side Dishes
Split pea soup pairs wonderfully with crusty bread, warm dinner rolls, or even garlic toast. These sides soak up every last drop of the delicious broth, making each bite even more satisfying. A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette is a crisp contrast that rounds out the meal nicely.
Creative Ways to Present
For a cozy, inviting presentation, serve your soup in rustic bowls with a sprinkle of crispy bacon bits or shredded cheese on top. You might also try serving it in a hollowed-out sourdough bread bowl for a fun, edible container that ups the comfort factor — your guests will love it.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This Split Pea Soup with Ham Recipe keeps beautifully in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Transfer leftovers to an airtight container to preserve freshness and flavor. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply reheat gently on the stove.
Freezing
You can freeze this soup for up to 3 months. Allow it to cool completely before portioning it into freezer-safe containers or bags. Remember to leave some room at the top of containers to allow for expansion during freezing.
Reheating
Reheat the soup in a saucepan over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through. If it’s too thick, add a splash of water or broth to reach your preferred consistency. Microwave reheating works too, but stirring halfway through is key for even warming.
FAQs
Can I use a different meat instead of a ham bone?
Absolutely! While a ham bone adds incredible flavor, you can substitute with smoked turkey bones or even add diced cooked ham or bacon for a similar smoky taste.
Do I really need to use bay leaves and thyme?
Bay leaves and thyme are classic herbs that deepen the flavor profile of the soup, but if you don’t have them on hand, you can omit them or substitute with dried herbs like rosemary or oregano for a different twist.
Can I make this recipe in an Instant Pot or slow cooker?
Yes! This Split Pea Soup with Ham Recipe adapts perfectly to both an Instant Pot and a slow cooker. The Instant Pot cuts down cooking time dramatically, while the slow cooker allows for hands-off, all-day simmering with rich results.
Should I soak the split peas before cooking?
No soaking is necessary in this recipe, as the long simmering time softens the peas thoroughly. This makes the preparation quick and easy with no extra steps.
How thick should the soup be when it’s done?
The soup should be creamy and thick but still spoonable. If it becomes too thick, simply thin it out with a bit of water or broth. The soup will thicken more as it cools, so keep that in mind when estimating final consistency.
Final Thoughts
There’s nothing quite like a bowl of homemade Split Pea Soup with Ham Recipe to bring comfort and joy to your table. Whether you’re enjoying it as a cozy weeknight dinner or a satisfying lunch, this recipe’s rich flavors and hearty ingredients will quickly make it a beloved favorite. So go ahead, gather your ingredients, and treat yourself to something truly special today!
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Split Pea Soup with Ham Recipe
- Total Time: 2 hours 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
This hearty Split Pea Soup recipe offers a comforting, flavorful meal made with dry split peas, a savory ham bone, fresh vegetables, and aromatic herbs. Simmered to perfection on the stovetop, or alternatively prepared using an Instant Pot or slow cooker, this soup is perfect for a nourishing lunch or dinner. Rich in protein and fiber, it’s a classic dish that warms the soul and satisfies the appetite.
Ingredients
Peas & Meat
- 1 lb. dry split peas (equal to 2 cups)
- 1 ham bone (meaty, uncleaned)
- 2 cups ham (cut from the ham bone at the end)
Vegetables & Herbs
- 2 cups onions (diced)
- 2 cups carrots (diced)
- 2 russet potatoes (peeled and diced)
- 2 bay leaves
- 2 sprigs thyme
- 1 tablespoon garlic (minced)
Seasonings & Oils
- 1 ½ tablespoons onion powder
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 8 cups water
Instructions
- Prepare Ingredients: Rinse the dry split peas thoroughly but note they do not need soaking. Dice onions, carrots, and peel and dice potatoes. Mince the garlic.
- Stovetop Cooking: In a large soup pot, add the ham bone, rinsed split peas, diced onions, onion powder, butter, olive oil, minced garlic, bay leaves, and thyme. Pour in 8 cups of water. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce heat to a simmer. Keep the lid slightly cracked to allow steam to escape.
- Simmer the Soup: Let the soup simmer gently for about 2.5 hours or until the peas are tender and the soup thickens to your preference. Stir occasionally to prevent peas from settling and sticking to the pot bottom. Adjust simmer time if in high altitude, potentially increasing to 5 hours.
- Add Vegetables: Approximately 40 minutes before serving, add the diced carrots and potatoes to the pot. Continue to simmer until vegetables are fork-tender.
- Finish and Serve: Once cooked, remove the ham bone, bay leaves, and thyme stems from the soup. Shred or cut 2 cups of ham meat from the ham bone and stir it back into the soup. Ladle into bowls and enjoy!
- Instant Pot Option: Place all ingredients except carrots and potatoes into a 6+ quart Instant Pot, ensuring the pot is no more than two-thirds full. Seal the lid and cook on high pressure for 25 minutes. Allow pressure to release naturally for 10-15 minutes, then quick release remaining pressure.
- Instant Pot Add Veggies: Add the carrots and potatoes after pressure cooking and set to ‘Sauté’ or keep warm until vegetables are tender. Remove ham bone and herbs, add shredded ham as above, and serve.
- Slow Cooker Method: Combine all ingredients in a large (5 quart or bigger) slow cooker. Cook on low for 8+ hours or on high for about 6 hours until peas and vegetables are tender, and soup is thickened.
- Finish Slow Cooker Soup: Remove ham bone and herbs, shred the ham meat from the bone, stir it into the soup, and serve hot.
Notes
- The ham bone adds deep, smoky flavor but can be substituted with smoked turkey leg or smoked sausage for a different twist.
- Do not soak the split peas; the slow cooking or pressure cooking methods soften them properly.
- Stir soup occasionally when simmering on stovetop to prevent sticking.
- Adjust water amount if you prefer soup thinner or thicker during cooking.
- High altitude may increase cooking times significantly.
- For a vegetarian version, omit ham bone and ham, and substitute vegetable broth for water, adding smoked paprika for depth.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 hours 20 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
