There’s nothing quite like a warm bowl of Ham & Green Pea Soup to chase away the chill on a busy evening. This recipe brings together the smoky flavors of ham and the freshness of green peas for a comforting dish that feels just like a hug in a bowl.
This recipe repurposes leftover ham and peas into a quick, budget-friendly weeknight soup, with simple prep, low waste, and satisfying protein.
I remember the first time I tried making a traditional pea soup, it took so long to cook those split peas! I ended up hungry and frustrated. Thankfully, this recipe uses frozen peas, so you can whip it up in just 15 minutes. It really solves the problem of wanting a hearty meal without spending the whole evening in the kitchen.
One of the best things about this soup is how simple it is. You can have everything prepped and on the table in no time. The smokiness from the ham mixes really well with the bright green peas, delivering those classic flavors we all love. Plus, with just a few ingredients, it’s easy to have everything on hand.
If you need a little something to go with your soup, try whipping up some sweet treats! If you enjoy baking, you might want to check out this Orzo Salad for a tasty side option.
Why You Will Love This Recipe
- Quick Preparation Frozen peas make this soup a breeze to whip up, cutting down the prep time to just 15 minutes without sacrificing flavor.
- Savory Flavor The combination of smoked ham and fresh peas creates a comforting, savory taste that’s both bright and hearty, truly reminiscent of traditional pea soup.
- Convenient Storage Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to three days, making it an easy option for meal prep or quick lunches throughout the week.
- Minimal Cooking Time Unlike traditional recipes that require long cooking hours, this soup delivers that classic taste with just a simple, quick cook, perfect for busy weeknights.
Quick Green Pea Soup With Ham
- Prep Time: 0 minutes
- Cool Time: N/A
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 – 5 servings 1x
- Category: soup
- Method: stovetop
- Cuisine: N/A
- Diet: Low Calorie
Description
A hearty and comforting ham and green pea soup made with fresh ingredients, perfect for a quick and delicious meal.
Ingredients
- 1 Tbsp. olive oil
- 1 Tbsp. butter
- 1 cup carrot matchsticks
- 1 small onion
- 7 oz. smoked ham
- 32 oz. frozen green peas
- 2 cloves garlic
- 3 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1/2 tsp. salt
- 1/4 tsp. dry thyme leaves
- 1/8 tsp. black pepper
Instructions
- Heat & Sauté Vegetables: Start by heating olive oil in a large pot over medium heat until it shimmers slightly. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, sautéing until they become soft and fragrant, making sure not to burn them to avoid a bitter taste.
- Add Ham & Broth: Once the onion and garlic are ready, add the finely chopped smoked ham. Pour in the low-sodium chicken broth, stirring everything together. Allow it to simmer for a few minutes so the flavors can mingle properly; rushing this step may result in underdeveloped flavors.
- Mix in Green Peas: Stir in the frozen green peas next. Cook them for just a few minutes until they are heated through and bright green. Avoid overcooking as the peas may become mushy, which is not desirable.
- Blend for Smoothness: Use your immersion blender to puree the soup until it reaches a smooth consistency. You should see a vibrant green color as you blend. Ensure the soup is warm enough to avoid clumping during blending.
- Season & Serve: Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with additional salt, black pepper, or thyme to your preference. Skipping this step might leave the soup bland. Ladle the soup into bowls and enjoy your savory creation!
Notes
- Storage Tips: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Expert Tips: If the soup is thicker than you prefer, stir in additional chicken broth gradually until you reach your desired consistency. If the peas are not blending smoothly, ensure they are heated well before using the immersion blender. If the soup lacks flavor, enhance it with more salt or thyme. For a creamier soup, consider adding a splash of cream before serving.
- Reheating Instructions: To reheat, place the soup in a pot over medium heat, stirring occasionally until it is heated through.
- Serving Suggestions: Serve with crunchy bread on the side and pair with a fresh green salad for added texture. Garnish with croutons for extra crunch.
- Recipe Variations: To make it heartier, add diced potatoes, or stir in fresh herbs like parsley or mint before serving. You can also substitute fresh peas for frozen peas; just adjust the cooking time as fresh peas usually cook faster.
- Ingredient Notes: Choose high-quality smoked ham for best flavor, avoiding sweet varieties. Ensure your peas are fresh and frozen or fresh depending on your preference, as both work well in this recipe.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
Recipe Tips
- If the soup is thicker than desired, gradually stir in additional chicken broth until the consistency meets your preference.
- When the peas are having trouble blending smoothly, make sure they are heated well before using the blender.
- If you find the soup lacks flavor, consider boosting the taste by adding a little more salt or thyme to the mix.
- For a creamier texture, adding a splash of cream right before serving can really make a difference.
- When using fresh peas instead of frozen, keep an eye on your cooking time as they generally cook faster.
Serving Suggestions
Crunchy bread complements this ham and green pea soup well. A fresh green salad adds texture, while croutons provide extra crunch.
This soup can serve as a base for various recipes like a ham and pea pasta or a vegetable medley. It also works well as a filling in savory pastries or as a sauce for grilled chicken.
Garnishing with fresh herbs enhances the presentation and flavor. A drizzle of lemon juice adds brightness to each serving.
Recipe variations
- You can use diced turkey or chicken sausage instead of smoked ham for a lighter option.
- Add 1/2 tsp. smoked paprika or 1 tsp. lemon juice for a burst of flavor.
- Either try using fresh peas or swap in frozen mixed vegetables for a different texture.
- If serving a larger group, scale up the recipe by doubling the ingredients for about 8 servings.
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How to Store?
To keep your ham & green pea soup fresh, follow these storage tips:
Refrigeration: Store soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Freezing: Pour cooled soup into freezer bags, seal tightly, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight.
Reheating: Warm soup on the stove over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through.
Other Recipes You’ll Love
- Rainbow Orzo Salad
- Mixed Berry Caprese Orzo Salad
- Orzo and Roasted Pepper Salad
- Grilled Summer Vegetable Orzo Salad with Peaches
If you enjoyed this Ham & Green Pea Soup or any other recipe on my blog, please leave a ⭐ star rating and let me know how it went in the comments below. I appreciate taking time to read about this recipe, thank you!
