Description
This hearty Split Pea Ham Soup is warm, comforting, and full of flavor. Made with split peas, a savory ham bone, and aromatic vegetables, it simmers into a thick, protein-packed soup that’s perfect for weeknights, meal prep, or chilly evenings. Easy to adapt for the crockpot and freezer-friendly, this timeless recipe is a family favorite year-round.
Ingredients
- 2 tbsp olive oil or butter
- 1 large yellow onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, peeled and diced
- 2 celery ribs, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 lb (450g) dried green split peas, rinsed
- 1 meaty ham bone, ham hock, or 2 cups diced cooked ham
- 6 cups (1.4 L) low-sodium chicken broth
- 2 cups water
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Optional: chopped parsley or croutons for serving
Instructions
- Sauté veggies: Heat oil in a pot. Cook onion, carrot, and celery 5–6 minutes until softened. Add garlic and cook 1 minute.
- Add peas & seasonings: Stir in split peas, thyme, and bay leaf.
- Simmer: Add broth, water, and ham bone. Bring to boil, reduce to simmer, cover partially, and cook 60–75 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Shred ham: Remove ham bone, shred meat, and return to pot. Discard bone and bay leaf.
- Blend (optional): Puree part of soup for a creamier texture or leave chunky.
- Season & serve: Adjust salt and pepper. Garnish with parsley or croutons.
- Crockpot version: Add all ingredients to slow cooker. Cook on low 8–9 hrs or high 5–6 hrs. Remove bone, shred meat, and serve.
Notes
- No need to soak split peas—they cook quickly on their own.
- Use smoked ham hocks or meaty ham bones for deeper flavor.
- Stir soup occasionally to avoid sticking.
- For brightness, add a splash of vinegar or lemon juice at the end.
- Freezes beautifully—store in individual portions for quick meals.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop, Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
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