When you think of comforting meals that warm your soul, split pea soup with ham stands out as a classic choice. The delightful combination of tender split peas, savory ham, and aromatic vegetables creates a hearty soup that not only fills your belly but also brings a sense of nostalgia. This recipe is perfect for those chilly evenings or when you seek a healthy and satisfying meal. Let’s explore why this dish is so beloved and how you can make it at home.
Why We Love This Split Pea Soup with Ham Recipe
There’s something undeniably satisfying about a steaming bowl of split pea soup with ham. Whether it’s the nutty flavor of the split peas, the depth provided by the ham, or the vibrant colors of the vegetables, this soup has it all. It’s easy to prepare and offers a wonderful balance of texture and flavor. With every spoonful, you experience the rich taste of a dish that warms you from the inside out. Plus, this soup is versatile and can be adjusted to fit various dietary needs. It’s a dish that not only nourishes your body but also your spirit.
Ingredients about Split Pea Soup with Ham
Here’s what you’ll need to create a delicious pot of split pea soup with ham. Gather these ingredients before you start cooking:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 medium carrots, peeled and chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 1 pound (about 2 ¼ cups) dried green split peas, rinsed and sorted
- 1 ham bone or 1 ½ cups diced cooked ham
- 7–8 cups chicken broth or water (adjust for desired thickness)
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
How to Make Split Pea Soup with Ham Directions
Let’s walk through the steps to create your soup. The following directions guide you from prep to serving:
- Sauté the Vegetables: Start by heating the olive oil in a large soup pot over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the diced onion, minced garlic, chopped carrots, and celery. Cook for about 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are softened and fragrant. This step builds the base flavor for your soup.
- Add the Split Peas and Ham: Next, stir in the rinsed split peas, your ham bone or diced ham, dried thyme, and bay leaf. Pour in 7 cups of chicken broth or water—adjust this to achieve your desired soup thickness. Mix everything well and bring the pot to a gentle boil.
- Simmer the Soup: Once it reaches a boil, reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot slightly with a tilted lid, allowing the soup to simmer for 60–75 minutes. Remember to stir occasionally to prevent sticking. During this time, the split peas will break down and naturally thicken the soup.
- Blend for Texture (Optional): After simmering, check the consistency of your soup. It should be thick and creamy. If you prefer a smoother texture, consider blending part of the soup with an immersion blender. If it’s too thick for your liking, simply add a splash of water or broth to loosen it up.
- Finish and Serve: If you used a ham bone, remove it from the pot and shred any remaining meat back into the soup, discarding the bone. Taste your creation and adjust the seasoning with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
- Garnish and Enjoy: Ladle the soup into bowls and add a sprinkle of chopped parsley or crunchy croutons for an added touch. Pair it with crusty bread or a simple salad to complete your meal.
How to Serve Split Pea Soup with Ham
Serving your split pea soup with ham can elevate the dining experience. Here’s how to do it:
- Bowl Presentation: Choose deep, wide bowls for a generous serving. The soup’s rich green color contrasts beautifully with croutons or fresh herbs sprinkled on top, creating a visual feast.
- Accompaniments: Pair your soup with some hearty crusty bread, perfect for dipping. A simple green salad tossed with a light vinaigrette can provide a refreshing balance to the meal.
- Temperature: Serve the soup hot. You could optionally provide extra pepper or herbs on the side, allowing guests to customize their bowls to their liking.
Expert Tips: Split Pea Soup with Ham
To ensure your split pea soup turns out amazing every time, keep these expert tips in mind:
- Quality of Ingredients: Use high-quality olive oil and fresh vegetables. The better your ingredients, the richer your soup will taste.
- Don’t Rush the Cooking: Allow the soup to simmer gently. This slow cooking time lets the flavors meld beautifully. Rushing can result in a less developed flavor profile.
- Adjust for Thickness: Depending on your preference, you can control the thickness by adjusting the broth or water. Remember that leftover soup will thicken more in the fridge, so make it a bit thinner if you plan to store some.
- Storage Hacks: If you make a large batch, consider freezing individual portions. This makes for an easy meal on busy days!
How to Store Split Pea Soup with Ham
Storing your split pea soup correctly ensures you can enjoy it for days to come. Here are some steps to follow:
- Cooling: Allow the soup to cool at room temperature for about 30 minutes before storing. This step helps avoid condensation in your storage containers, which can make the soup watery.
- Refrigerating: Once cooled, transfer the soup to airtight containers. It will keep well in the refrigerator for 3–4 days. Simply reheat on the stove or in the microwave when you’re ready to enjoy it again.
- Freezing: For longer storage, freeze the soup. Portion it into freezer-safe bags or containers, ensuring you leave some space for expansion. It can last for up to 3 months in the freezer. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Variation of Split Pea Soup with Ham
While the classic split pea soup with ham is hard to beat, consider these variations to mix things up:
- Vegetarian Delight: Omit the ham and use vegetable broth instead. Add smoked paprika for a hint of that smoky flavor typical in ham-based soups.
- Add Extra Veggies: For an added nutritional punch, mix in diced potatoes, green peas, or even kale. These additions provide variety in texture and flavor.
- Spicy Kick: If you enjoy a bit of heat, consider adding a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños.
- Herb Variations: Fresh herbs like dill or parsley can be added at the end for brightness. You can also experiment with spices like cumin for a different flavor profile.
FAQ
What is the best way to prepare split pea soup with ham?
To prepare split pea soup with ham properly, ensure you sauté your vegetables for flavor, simmer the soup long enough to let the peas break down, and adjust the thickness to your preference by modifying the amount of broth or water.
How long does it take to cook split pea soup with ham?
The total cooking time for split pea soup with ham is about 60-75 minutes. This includes the time for sautéing the vegetables and simmering the soup.
Can you freeze split pea soup with ham?
Yes, split pea soup with ham freezes beautifully. When properly stored in airtight containers, it can last up to 3 months in the freezer.
How can I make split pea soup with ham thicker?
If you want your split pea soup thicker, reduce the amount of broth you add, or blend part of the soup to achieve a creamier texture.
Is split pea soup with ham healthy?
Yes, split pea soup with ham can be a healthy meal choice as it’s packed with protein from the peas and ham, as well as nutrients from the vegetables. Just be mindful of the salt content in pre-packaged broth.
Split Pea Soup with Ham
Ingredients
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 1 tablespoon olive oil For sautéing the vegetables
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 medium carrots, peeled and chopped
- 2 stalks celery, chopped
Main Ingredients
- 1 pound dried green split peas, rinsed and sorted About 2 ¼ cups
- 1 piece ham bone or 1 ½ cups diced cooked ham
- 7-8 cups chicken broth or water Adjust for desired thickness
- 1 leaf bay leaf
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- to taste Salt and black pepper
Instructions
Preparation
- Start by heating the olive oil in a large soup pot over medium heat.
- Add the diced onion, minced garlic, chopped carrots, and celery. Cook for about 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are softened and fragrant.
Cooking
- Stir in the rinsed split peas, ham bone or diced ham, dried thyme, and bay leaf.
- Pour in 7 cups of chicken broth or water. Adjust this to achieve your desired soup thickness. Mix everything well and bring to a gentle boil.
- Once it reaches a boil, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot slightly with a tilted lid, allowing the soup to simmer for 60–75 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Check the consistency; if you prefer a smoother texture, blend part of the soup with an immersion blender.
- If it’s too thick, add a splash of water or broth to loosen it.
Finishing Touches
- If using a ham bone, remove it and shred any remaining meat back into the soup, discarding the bone.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
- Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish as desired with chopped parsley or croutons.