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Oh, split pea soup. Just saying the words brings me right back to cozy kitchens and the smell of something truly wonderful simmering on the stove. If you’ve ever found yourself staring at a leftover ham bone after the holidays, or just looking for a super economical meal that feels like a warm hug in a bowl, then you’ve come to the right place! This split pea soup is exactly that – simple, hearty, and made with pantry staples you probably already have. My Grandma Carla used to make a big pot of this on chilly Sundays; it never failed to make our house feel extra warm and welcoming. It’s the kind of meal that really sticks to your ribs and reminds you that sometimes, the most humble ingredients make the most satisfying dishes, especially when you use delicious ham to get that amazing flavor. You can learn more about my kitchen adventures and my grandmother’s influence on my About page!
- Why You'll Love This Hearty Split Pea Soup
- Gather Your Ingredients for Split Pea Soup
- How to Make the Best Split Pea Soup
- Tips for the Best Split Pea Soup
- Serving Your Delicious Split Pea Soup
- Frequently Asked Questions about Split Pea Soup
- Nutritional Information for Split Pea Soup
- Share Your Split Pea Soup Creations!
Why You’ll Love This Hearty Split Pea Soup
This isn’t just any soup; it’s a bowl of pure comfort that’s ridiculously easy to make! You’re going to fall in love with it because:
- It’s incredibly budget-friendly – perfect for using up leftovers or stocking your pantry.
- The flavor is just out of this world, thanks to that smoky ham bone!
- Making this thick pea porridge is surprisingly simple, even on a busy weeknight.
- It’s the ultimate stick-to-your-ribs meal that warms you from the inside out.
- It fills your home with the most amazing, savory aroma.
Gather Your Ingredients for Split Pea Soup
Alright, let’s get our game plan together for this amazing split pea soup! You’ll want to gather everything up so it’s ready to go. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 pound dried green split peas, rinsed
- 8 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 pound ham bone or about 1-2 cups leftover ham, cut into chunks
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- Salt to taste (go easy on this if your ham is salty!)
Using that ham bone is seriously my favorite part – it just packs in so much flavor you can’t get any other way. But if you don’t have one, a good chunk of leftover ham works like a charm, too! Just makes sure it’s cut up so it fits in the pot.
How to Make the Best Split Pea Soup
Alright, let’s get this delicious split pea soup simmering! It’s seriously one of the easiest, most rewarding soups you can make. We’re going to take those humble dried peas and ham bone and turn them into pure gold. I love using my big Dutch oven for this, but any large pot will do just fine. If you’re looking for an even more hands-off approach, you could totally adapt this into a slow cooker soup recipe!
Combining Ingredients for Flavorful Split Pea Soup
First things first, give those dried split peas a good rinse under cool water. This just gets rid of any dust or little bits you don’t want. Now, grab your big pot. Toss in the rinsed peas, your chicken or vegetable broth, that amazing ham bone (or your chopped ham), the chopped onion, carrots, celery, garlic, that single, magical bay leaf, dried thyme, and your pepper. Just pile it all in! This is where all the magic starts to happen, with the ham bone just waiting to infuse everything with its smoky goodness.
Simmering to Perfection: Achieving Thick Pea Porridge
Now, bring everything up to a good boil, just to get things going. Once it’s bubbling, turn the heat way down to low, pop a lid on the pot, and let it do its thing. We want it to simmer gently for about 1.5 to 2 hours. This is when those peas start to break down and get all soft and creamy, turning it into that wonderfully thick pea porridge we’re aiming for. Remember to give it a good stir every now and then because those little peas can sometimes get a bit clingy at the bottom of the pot!
Finishing Touches for Your Rustic Winter Soup
Once your soup is looking beautifully thick and the peas are totally tender, it’s time for the final steps. If you used a ham bone, carefully fish it out. You can pick off any tasty meat bits still clinging to it and toss them back into the soup – don’t let any of that ham goodness go to waste! If you used ham chunks, you can chop them up a bit more if you like, or just leave them as is before returning them to the pot. Taste your creation and season with salt as needed, remembering that ham can be pretty salty already. If it seems too thick for your liking, just stir in a little more broth or water until it’s just right. Oh, and don’t forget to fish out that bay leaf before serving your gorgeous, rustic winter soup!
Tips for the Best Split Pea Soup
Okay, so you’ve made the soup, but let’s talk about how to make it *extra* special and foolproof! A few little tricks can really elevate your split pea soup game. Trust me, these tips come from years of making this soup and learning what works best. You can also check out my vegetarian chili recipe for another hearty, meat-free option!
Vegetarian Split Pea Soup Variations
If you’re going meat-free, no worries at all! You can totally nail this soup without the ham. Just skip the ham bone and use vegetable broth. For a smoky depth, I love adding about a teaspoon of smoked paprika or a pinch of liquid smoke. It really gives you that cozy, savory vibe!
Ensuring a Smooth, Non-Sticking Split Pea Soup
Remember how I said those peas can get a little stuck? Stirring is your best friend here! Make sure you’re giving the pot a good scrape around the bottom every 20-30 minutes or so during simmering. If it’s getting *really* thick and you’re worried about sticking, you can always add a splash more broth or water. Patience is key!
Serving Your Delicious Split Pea Soup
Now for the best part – enjoying your amazing split pea soup! While it’s absolutely fantastic all on its own, a few extras can really make it shine. I love to ladle it into bowls and top it with a little fresh parsley for a pop of color. And, of course, you absolutely *must* serve it with some crusty bread for dunking. Seriously, it’s the perfect partner! If you’re feeling adventurous, some warm, fluffy homemade naan, like this fantastic naan recipe, is also a divine pairing that totally elevates the whole meal.
Frequently Asked Questions about Split Pea Soup
Got questions about making this cozy split pea soup? I’ve got answers! It’s one of those classic dishes that lots of people have opinions on, but honestly, it’s pretty foolproof. Here are a few things folks often ask about!
Can I make split pea soup without ham?
Absolutely! If you’re skipping the ham, just use vegetable broth. To get that yummy smoky flavor without the meat, try adding a teaspoon of smoked paprika or a tiny splash of liquid smoke. It really makes a difference!
How long does split pea soup last?
This soup is great for leftovers! It’ll keep in the fridge for about 3-4 days. Just make sure it’s stored in an airtight container. It also freezes beautifully, so you can make a big batch and save some for another time!
Why is my split pea soup too thin?
If your soup isn’t as thick as you’d like it, don’t worry! You can usually just let it simmer uncovered for a little longer to thicken up naturally. Another trick is to whisk together a tablespoon of cornstarch with a couple of tablespoons of cold water to make a slurry, then stir that into the soup and let it bubble for a few minutes.
Nutritional Information for Split Pea Soup
Just a heads-up, this info is an estimate, okay? Every kitchen is a little different, and the exact ingredients you use (especially the saltiness of your ham!) can change things up a bit. But for a typical hearty bowl:
Here’s a general idea for about a 1.5 cup serving:
- Calories: around 350
- Fat: about 10g
- Protein: a solid 25g
- Carbohydrates: roughly 45g
- Fiber: a fantastic 15g
- Sodium: around 800mg (this can vary a lot!)]
It’s a super filling and nutritious meal, for sure!
Share Your Split Pea Soup Creations!
Now that you’ve got the recipe for this fantastic split pea soup, I’d absolutely love to hear how yours turned out! Did you use a ham bone or leftovers? Any special tips you discovered along the way? Drop a comment below and tell me all about it, or maybe leave a little rating! It really helps other cooks out there, and I just love seeing how everyone makes this recipe their own. Happy cooking, and don’t forget to check out more recipes on my blog!
PrintHearty Split Pea Soup with Ham
A simple and comforting split pea soup recipe, perfect for a frugal and satisfying meal. This rustic soup is made with dried split peas, smoky ham, and tender vegetables.
- Prep Time: 15 min
- Cook Time: 2 hours
- Total Time: 2 hours 15 min
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 1 pound dried green split peas, rinsed
- 8 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 pound ham bone or leftover ham, cut into chunks
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- Salt to taste
Instructions
- In a large pot or Dutch oven, combine the rinsed split peas, broth, ham bone or ham chunks, onion, carrots, celery, garlic, bay leaf, thyme, and pepper.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the peas are very tender and have broken down. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Remove the ham bone (if using) and shred any meat from it. Discard the bone.
- If using ham chunks, you can remove them and chop them smaller if desired, then return them to the pot.
- Season the soup with salt to taste. If the soup is too thick, you can add more broth or water to reach your desired consistency.
- Remove the bay leaf before serving.
- Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley if desired.
Notes
- For a vegetarian version, omit the ham bone and use vegetable broth. Add smoked paprika or other spices for a smoky flavor.
- Split peas can take a while to cook and may stick to the bottom of the pot if not stirred regularly.
- If you don’t have a ham bone, you can use diced ham or bacon for flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1.5 cups
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 15g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 40mg