Split pea soup with ham is a comforting and hearty dish that warms the soul. Packed with nutrients and flavors, this soup is perfect for cold days or any time you need a satisfying meal. Its creamy texture, combined with the smokiness of ham, creates an inviting aroma that fills your kitchen, enticing everyone to gather around the table. Whether you enjoy it as a starter or a main course, split pea soup with ham is a timeless classic that’s both simple to make and delicious to eat.
Why We Love This Split Pea Soup with Ham Recipe
This split pea soup with ham recipe stands out not only for its rich flavor but also for its simplicity. You can prepare it with just a handful of ingredients, many of which you probably already have in your pantry. The versatility of the soup allows you to customize it to your liking, whether you prefer chunkier textures or a pureed version. Plus, the use of ham adds a wonderful depth to the dish, making it filling and nourishing. It’s an ideal meal for gatherings, family dinners, or even meal prep for the week. You’ll love how this recipe brings warmth and comfort to your dining experience.
Ingredients about Split Pea Soup with Ham
To prepare this delightful split pea soup with ham, you will need the following ingredients:
List of ingredients with measurements
- 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
- Optional garnish: chopped parsley or croutons
You can also opt for a smoked turkey leg to achieve a leaner flavor. If you’re looking for a vegetarian option, simply omit the ham and use vegetable broth, adding a teaspoon of smoked paprika to give it a hint of smokiness. Feel free to throw in some diced potatoes or frozen peas for additional texture.
How to Make Split Pea Soup with Ham Directions
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, carrots, and chopped celery to the pot. Sauté these vegetables for about 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally until they become softened and fragrant. This step is vital as it builds the essential flavor base for your soup.
Next, stir in the rinsed split peas, the ham bone or the diced ham, along with the thyme and bay leaf. Pour in 7 cups of chicken broth or water, adjusting as needed to achieve your preferred soup thickness. Mix everything together thoroughly and bring the pot to a gentle boil.
Once the soup reaches a boiling point, reduce the heat to low. Position the lid at a slight angle to allow steam to escape and let the soup simmer for 60 to 75 minutes. Stir the soup occasionally to ensure that the peas don’t stick to the bottom of the pot. As the split peas cook, they will naturally break down, creating a thick and creamy texture.
After the cooking time is complete, check the consistency of your soup. It should now appear thick and creamy. For an even smoother texture, you may want to blend a portion of the soup using an immersion blender. If you find the soup is too thick, simply add a splash of broth or water to loosen it up.
If you used a ham bone, carefully remove it from the pot and shred any remaining meat back into the soup, discarding the bone afterward. Taste your soup and adjust the seasoning with salt and freshly ground black pepper as needed.
Now, it’s time to serve! Ladle the delicious split pea soup into bowls and garnish with fresh chopped parsley or crunchy croutons for added flavor. This soup pairs wonderfully with crusty bread or a simple salad to create a well-rounded meal.
How to Serve Split Pea Soup with Ham
Serving split pea soup with ham is as simple as scooping it into bowls and adding a few enhanced touches to elevate the experience. When placing the soup into bowls, give each serving a generous ladle to ensure everyone gets a hearty portion. You can sprinkle chopped parsley on top for a pop of color and a fresh flavor contrast.
Accompany your soup with a side of crusty bread, which is perfect for dipping. A simple green salad can also balance the dish, providing a lighter counterpart to the rich and creamy texture of the soup. Consider a vinaigrette dressing to add a tangy kick. The contrast in flavors will make for an enjoyable meal.
For a cozy presentation, consider using rustic bowls and a wooden serving spoon. This adds a homey touch that complements the comfort food vibe of the split pea soup. Enjoy every bite as you savor this delicious and warming meal.
Expert Tips: Split Pea Soup with Ham
Creating the perfect split pea soup with ham requires simple techniques that can enhance your cooking experience. For starters, rinse your split peas thoroughly before adding them to the pot. This helps remove any dust or debris and ensures a cleaner taste.
If you like a richer flavor, consider using homemade chicken broth instead of store-bought. The freshness of homemade broth makes a noticeable difference. Keep an eye on the cooking time; if you find that the peas are still intact after 60 minutes, let them cook a bit longer until they begin to break down.
Don’t worry about making the soup perfectly smooth unless that’s your preference. The beauty of split pea soup lies in its rustic charm, so a bit of texture adds character. If you’re blending, remember that it’s best to blend only a portion to maintain some heartiness in the soup.
Finally, always taste and adjust seasonings before serving. The flavors need to work harmoniously; a little extra salt or pepper can elevate the overall experience immensely.
How to Store Split Pea Soup with Ham
Storing split pea soup with ham is easy, which is great for meal prep or leftovers. After the soup has cooled slightly, transfer it to an airtight container. Make sure the container is suitable for freezing if you intend to keep it for an extended period.
For short-term storage, you can refrigerate the soup for up to 4 days. If you find you have more soup than you can eat within that time frame, consider freezing it to enjoy later on chilly nights. To freeze, use quart-sized freezer bags or containers, leaving some room for expansion as the soup freezes. When you’re ready to eat, simply thaw it overnight in the refrigerator and reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave.
Remember that the soup may thicken slightly after being stored, so you may need to add a bit more broth or water while reheating to achieve your desired consistency.
Variation of Split Pea Soup with Ham
One of the great things about split pea soup with ham is its versatility. You can easily adapt this recipe to suit your tastes or dietary needs. If you’re looking for a healthier option, you can use a smoked turkey leg in place of ham. The smoky flavor will still come through while being lower in fat.
For a vegetarian version, omit the ham entirely and use vegetable broth. Adding 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika will give the soup a nice smoky flavor without compromising your diet. You can also amp it up with additional vegetables, such as diced potatoes, or even toss in some frozen peas toward the end of cooking for a burst of freshness.
If you enjoy experimenting with spices, consider adding a pinch of cumin or coriander for a different twist. Each variation introduces new flavors, making this an approachable recipe that can be enjoyed in many different ways.
FAQ
What are the health benefits of split pea soup with ham?
Split pea soup with ham is rich in protein, fiber, and essential nutrients. The split peas provide a great source of plant-based protein, while the ham adds additional protein and flavor.
Can I make split pea soup with ham in a slow cooker?
Yes! You can make this soup in a slow cooker by following the same steps to prepare the ingredients. Add everything to the slow cooker and cook on low for 6 to 8 hours or on high for 3 to 4 hours.
What can I use instead of ham?
If you want a leaner option, consider using smoked turkey leg, chicken, or simply omit the meat altogether for a vegetarian version.
How do I thicken my split pea soup with ham?
The soup naturally thickens as the split peas break down during cooking. If you prefer a thicker consistency, blend a portion of the soup with an immersion blender.
How do I enhance the flavor of my split pea soup with ham?
You can enhance the flavor by using homemade chicken broth instead of water. Additionally, add herbs and spices like thyme and bay leaves, and don’t forget to season with salt and pepper to taste.
Split Pea Soup with Ham
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 medium carrots, peeled and chopped
- 2 stalks celery, chopped
- 1 pound dried green split peas, rinsed and sorted (about 2 ¼ cups)
- 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
Optional Garnish
- chopped parsley
- croutons
Instructions
Preparation
- Heat the olive oil in a large soup pot over medium heat.
- Add the diced onion, minced garlic, chopped carrots, and celery. Sauté for 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally until softened.
- Stir in the rinsed split peas, ham bone or diced ham, thyme, and bay leaf.
- Pour in 7 cups of chicken broth or water, adjusting to achieve the desired thickness.
- Bring to a gentle boil.
Cooking
- Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, position the lid slightly ajar to allow steam to escape, and let the soup simmer for 60 to 75 minutes.
- Stir occasionally to prevent the peas from sticking.
- Check the consistency at the end of cooking time. If too thick, add a splash of broth or water.
Serving
- If using a ham bone, remove it and shred any remaining meat back into the soup.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
- Ladle into bowls and garnish with chopped parsley or croutons.