Split Pea and Ham Soup (Printable)

Hearty winter soup with split peas, ham bone, and vegetables simmered to create rich, savory comfort in a bowl.

# What You Need:

→ Meats

01 - 1 meaty ham bone or 2 cups diced cooked ham

→ Legumes

02 - 1 pound dried split peas, rinsed and sorted

→ Vegetables

03 - 1 large onion, diced
04 - 2 carrots, peeled and diced
05 - 2 celery stalks, diced
06 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
07 - 1 bay leaf

→ Liquids

08 - 8 cups low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth
09 - 2 cups water

→ Seasonings

10 - 1 teaspoon dried thyme
11 - 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
12 - Salt to taste

# How To Make It:

01 - Heat a splash of oil in a large stockpot over medium heat. Add diced onion, carrots, and celery. Cook, stirring frequently, for 5 to 6 minutes until softened.
02 - Stir in minced garlic and cook for 1 minute more until fragrant.
03 - Add split peas, ham bone or diced ham, bay leaf, thyme, broth, and water. Stir to combine thoroughly.
04 - Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 1 hour, stirring occasionally.
05 - Remove the lid and continue simmering for 20 to 30 minutes more, or until peas are completely tender and soup reaches desired thickness.
06 - Discard the bay leaf and remove the ham bone. If using ham bone, pick off any meat, chop it, and return it to the soup.
07 - Season with black pepper and salt to taste. For creamier texture, partially mash the peas or use an immersion blender for smoother consistency.
08 - Ladle soup into bowls and serve hot. Garnish with fresh herbs if desired.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • It tastes like it simmered all day, but you'll have it ready in under two hours.
  • One pot means one thing to wash, which feels like a small victory on a cold night.
  • The ham bone adds flavor that store-bought broth can't touch, making even simple ingredients taste elegant.
02 -
  • Split peas must be rinsed and sorted, or you'll bite down on a stone when you're not expecting it, which is a kitchen moment you won't forget.
  • Don't add salt until the very end because the broth, ham, and ham bone already bring plenty, and you can always add more but you can't take it out.
03 -
  • If your ham bone is meaty, you've got enough protein without adding anything else, but some people like to serve theirs with a grilled cheese on the side.
  • An immersion blender saves you if you want a creamy soup without cream, but I actually prefer it slightly chunky so you can still see what's in there.
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