If you’re looking for a cozy dish to warm you up, Ham & Split Pea Soup is the way to go! With a simple list of ingredients, this hearty soup packs a punch of flavor and is sure to comfort your taste buds.
Addresses the lack of quick weeknight meals, reduces food waste, and trims grocery costs by using pantry staples and simple steps.
I often find myself with leftover ham after a holiday dinner, and let me tell you, figuring out what to do with it can be a real puzzle. But this recipe is a lifesaver! It transforms that leftover ham into a delicious meal, so nothing goes to waste.
You’ll love how easy this soup is to whip up. In just 15 minutes of prep and about an hour of cooking, you’ve got a filling meal that’s both nutritious and satisfying. Plus, the mix of ham and vegetables creates a nice, thick texture that’s perfect for chilly days.
If you love a good soup like this, you might also enjoy something sweet! If you want to combine flavors with a delightful treat, check out this Mediterranean Shrimp Orzo Salad with Feta and Lemon recipe.
Why You Will Love This Recipe
- Thick Texture : The hearty consistency of this soup makes it a warm and comforting choice, especially when the weather turns cold. It’s like a cozy hug in a bowl.
- Flavorful Stock : Using a ham bone for the stock gives the soup a deep, smoky flavor that really elevates the dish. You’ll love the rich taste with every spoonful.
- Convenience : This recipe is super easy to whip up with simple ingredients you probably already have. It’s a hassle-free meal that fits right into a busy week.
- Storage Friendly : Leftovers are a breeze to store, lasting in the fridge for days or in the freezer for months. You can easily enjoy this soup later on without compromise.
Savory Classic Split Pea Soup
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cool Time: 0 minutes
- Cook Time: 80 minutes
- Total Time: 95 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stove Top
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
A hearty and flavorful ham and split pea soup that’s easy to prepare and perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, for cooking
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 carrots, diced
- 3 ribs of celery, diced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 pound dried split peas, rinsed
- 1/21/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/21/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/21/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 meaty ham bone
- 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 3 to 4 cups water
- 1 cup diced ham, for added flavor
- finely chopped fresh parsley, for garnish
Instructions
- Cook Ham & Aromatics: Start by tossing chopped ham, onions, and garlic into a large pot over medium heat. As they sizzle, you will savor the savory scent filling your kitchen. This should take just a few minutes until the onions soften. Do not ignore the garlic; it can burn quickly, leaving a bitter taste.
- Add Split Peas & Liquid: Next, stir in your split peas and pour in the broth. Watch everything mingle together; the peas will soak up that flavorful liquid. The pot should be bubbling gently, and if it is too quiet, adjust the heat. You do not want the soup to cook too fast and stick to the bottom.
- Season & Simmer Away: Season your soup with salt and pepper to taste. It will smell fantastic as it starts to simmer. Let it cook for at least one hour, stirring occasionally. If you are in a hurry and skip this step, you will end up with undercooked peas, which can be frustrating.
- Check Peas & Adjust Texture: After simmering, check your split peas. They should be soft; if not, give them a bit more time. If the soup is too thick, it is easy to fix with some added broth or water. Just remember, it is better to add gradually than to overwhelm the flavors.
- Taste & Final Seasoning: Before serving, taste your soup one last time and adjust the seasoning if needed. You want those flavors to shine through. If it tastes a bit flat, adding a pinch of salt can work wonders. Do not skip this step; the right seasoning makes all the difference.
Notes
- Storage Tips: Any leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for 4 to 5 days. It will keep for up to 3 months in the freezer in a freezer-safe container.
- Expert Tips: If the soup turns out thicker than you would like, adding a little more water or broth while reheating can help achieve your desired consistency. When you notice the split peas are not cooking properly, a longer simmer combined with regular checks should help soften them up nicely. If the flavor seems off or bland, a subtle boost from adjusting the salt and pepper will work wonders to brighten the taste.
- Reheating Instructions: Reheat gently on the stove or in a microwave until hot, adding extra water or broth as necessary to reach the desired consistency.
- Serving Suggestions: Serve with crusty bread for dipping and garnish with fresh parsley for added color. Pair with a green salad for a complete meal.
- Recipe Variations: You can use yellow split peas for a different flavor or add diced potatoes for extra heartiness. Incorporating different herbs like rosemary or sage can introduce new flavor profiles. If you do not have a ham bone, you can substitute with diced ham steaks added at the end for ease.
- Ingredient Notes: For the best flavor, ensure you are using fresh vegetables. If using dried split peas, make sure they are rinsed thoroughly. Cooking duration could vary based on the type of split peas used, so keep a close check on their cooking.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 395
- Sugar: 9g
- Sodium: 782mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 53g
- Fiber: 21g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 18mg
Recipe Tips
- If the soup turns out thicker than you’d like, adding a little more water or broth while reheating can help achieve your desired consistency.
- When you notice the split peas aren’t cooking properly, a longer simmer combined with regular checks should help soften them up nicely.
- If the flavor seems off or bland, a subtle boost from adjusting the salt and pepper will work wonders to brighten the taste.
- For leftovers, storing the soup in an airtight container in the fridge will keep it fresh for 4 to 5 days while freezing extends it to 3 months.
- If you’re missing a ham bone, using diced ham steaks added at the end can still provide that delicious flavor without the extra cooking time.
Serving Suggestions
Serve alongside crusty bread for dipping. A fresh green salad complements the soup and rounds out the meal.
This soup fits well in other meals like a hearty bread bowl or as a comforting starter for dinner. Pair it with grilled meats or hearty sandwiches for additional options.
Garnish with fresh parsley for color and brightness. A drizzle of olive oil can enhance the flavors in each bowl.
Recipe variations
- You can use yellow split peas instead of green for a slightly sweeter and nuttier soup.
- Add 1 teaspoon of dried rosemary or 1 teaspoon of dried sage for a fragrant herbal note.
- Either incorporate diced potatoes for extra heartiness or toss in some chopped kale for added nutrition.
- If you wish to scale the recipe, use ½ pound of dried split peas for every 2 cups of broth or water.
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How to Store?
To keep your Savory Classic Split Pea Soup fresh, follow these storage tips:
Refrigeration: Place soup in an airtight container. Store in the fridge for up to 5 days.
Freezing: Transfer to a freezer-safe container. Store in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight.
Reheating: Reheat on the stove or in the microwave. Add water or broth to adjust the consistency if needed.
Other Recipes You’ll Love
- Shrimp Orzo Salad
- Mediterranean Shrimp Orzo Salad with Feta and Lemon
- Lemon Herb Chicken Avocado Orzo Salad
- Pesto Chicken Avocado Orzo Salad
If you enjoyed this Ham & Split 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!
