It’s hard to find a dish that warms the soul quite like a steaming bowl of split pea ham soup. To me, this hearty soup is pure comfort, especially on a chilly evening. Just imagine the satisfaction of coming home to a kitchen filled with rich smells—onions and garlic dancing together with thyme and a little bit of ham. This soup is the ideal antidote to a long day, and it brings families and friends together around the table.
At the heart of this classic recipe are some humble yet flavorful ingredients. You will need 2 cups of dried split peas, bright and hearty, and either a ham bone for a deep flavor or 2 cups of diced ham for convenience. To bring it all together, there’s 8 cups of chicken broth, a diced onion, 2 diced carrots, and 2 stalks of diced celery providing crunch and sweetness. A few cloves of minced garlic add a wonderful aroma, while a bay leaf and a teaspoon of thyme contribute layers of complexity. A drizzle of olive oil, along with salt and pepper for seasoning, will elevate this dish even further. Finally, croutons will add a pleasing crunch when served.
Making this soup is incredibly easy, even for those new to the kitchen. Start by heating the olive oil in a large pot and sautéing the veggies—onions, carrots, and celery—until they soften. A minute of cooking with the minced garlic brings everything to life. Then, add the split peas, ham (or the ham bone), broth, bay leaf, and thyme. You’ll bring it to a boil, skim off any foam, and then let it simmer. As it cooks for about an hour, the peas will break down, transforming the dish into a thick and hearty soup. Once the ham is shredded and stirred back in, a little seasoning makes it all come together. Top each bowl with croutons, and it’s ready to enjoy.
This hearty split pea ham soup is perfect for cold nights when you need something warm and filling. It’s also a fantastic choice for potlucks or gatherings, where it can easily feed a crowd and leave everyone satisfied. So, whether you’re cozying up at home or looking to impress guests, this recipe has you covered.
Why You’ll Love This Hearty Split Pea Ham Soup
- Nourishing Comfort: This soup is the epitome of comfort food. It’s warm, filling, and makes you feel cozy from the inside out.
- Nutritious Ingredients: Packed with protein from the split peas and ham, plus fiber from the vegetables, this dish is not only tasty but good for you too.
- Simple Preparation: With straightforward steps and easily accessible ingredients, this recipe is perfect for both novice and seasoned cooks.
- Versatile Recipe: You can customize it by adding different vegetables or spices based on your preference or what you have on hand.
- Freezer Friendly: Leftovers freeze well, allowing you to enjoy this soup on busy days or when you don’t feel like cooking.
Split Peas Tips
When selecting dried split peas, look for those that are whole and uniform in color. Opt for green or yellow peas, both of which yield a delicious soup—though green peas tend to have a richer flavor. Make sure to rinse them under cold water before cooking to remove any dust or debris. If you have time, soaking them for an hour can help reduce cooking time, though it’s not necessary. If they appear to have any dark spots or are broken, choose another bag, as these could affect the texture and taste of your soup.
Options for Substitutions
- Vegetarian Option: Replace the ham with smoked tofu or tempeh for a plant-based twist.
- Broth Alternatives: Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a lighter taste.
- Herbs: Substitute thyme with oregano, rosemary, or even a dash of smoked paprika for different flavor profiles.
- Add Veggies: Incorporate potatoes or spinach to enhance the nutritional value and texture.
- Dairy: For a creamy version, add a splash of heavy cream or half-and-half just before serving.
- Spices: Sprinkle in some cumin or coriander for additional warmth and flavor.
Watch Out for These Mistakes
A common pitfall when preparing split pea soup is overcooking. It’s vital to keep an eye on the pot, particularly as the peas start to break down. Overcooking can lead to a mushy texture that may not be appealing. Conversely, undercooking can leave peas that are still firm and not blended into the soup.
Another mistake is seasoning too early. Adding salt at the beginning can make it difficult for the peas to soften, so save the seasoning for later in the cooking process. Additionally, be cautious not to add the croutons too early. They should be added just before serving to maintain their crispness.
Finally, ensure that you skim off any foam produced when boiling. This step keeps the soup clean and allows the flavors to shine through.
What to Serve With Hearty Split Pea Ham Soup?
This comforting split pea ham soup pairs beautifully with a variety of side dishes. A simple green salad with vinaigrette offers a refreshing contrast. Alternatively, a slice of warm, crusty bread or homemade cornbread can be delightful for dipping. If you’re in the mood for something heartier, consider serving it alongside a grilled cheese sandwich, which perfectly complements the flavors of the soup.
Storage Instructions
Store: This soup can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Make sure to let it cool before transferring it to an airtight container.
Freeze: You can freeze it for up to 3 months. It’s best to portion out servings in freezer-safe containers for convenience.
Reheat: To reheat, warm it gently on the stovetop over low heat while stirring occasionally. Alternatively, you can microwave it in short increments until heated through, ensuring it’s evenly warmed.
Recipe Info
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 60-75 minutes
Total Time: 75-90 minutes
Level of Difficulty: Easy
Servings: Approximately 6-8 servings
Estimated Nutrition
Estimated nutrition for the whole recipe (without optional ingredients):
- Calories: 1,200-1,500
- Protein: 90-100g
- Fat: 30-40g
- Carbohydrates: 180-230g
Ingredients
- 2 cups dried split peas (rinsed)
- 1 ham bone (or 2 cups diced ham)
- 8 cups chicken broth
- 1 onion (diced)
- 2 carrots (diced)
- 2 stalks celery (diced)
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 tsp thyme
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- salt and pepper
- croutons
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Sauté the Vegetables
Begin by heating the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Once hot, add the diced onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté these veggies for about 5 minutes, or until they begin to soften. This will build your flavor base for the soup. Next, add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute, allowing the garlic to become fragrant.
Step 2: Add Split Peas and Liquid
Now, introduce the rinsed split peas into the pot, along with the ham bone or diced ham. Pour in the chicken broth, then add the bay leaf and thyme. Stir everything together, ensuring that the ingredients are well mixed.
Step 3: Bring to a Boil
Increase the heat to bring the soup to a boil. As it reaches a boil, skim off any foam that forms on the surface—this helps to keep the soup clean and flavorful. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low.
Step 4: Simmer the Soup
Cover the pot and let the soup simmer for about 60-75 minutes. During this time, stir occasionally, allowing the split peas to break down and the soup to thicken. Keep an eye on it to ensure it doesn’t stick to the bottom of the pot.
Step 5: Final Touches
Once the peas have broken down adequately, remove the ham bone from the pot if you used one. Shred any meat from the bone and return it to the pot, or simply add in the diced ham if that’s what you opted for. Remove the bay leaf and season your soup with salt and pepper to taste.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Ladle the soup into bowls while it’s hot. Top each serving with a handful of croutons for added crunch and texture. Your soup is ready to be enjoyed!
In summary, this Hearty Split Pea Ham Soup is a delightful dish full of flavor and comfort. I invite you to try this recipe and feel free to share your thoughts or any modifications you make. Happy cooking!
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Hearty Split Pea Ham Soup
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 75 minutes
- Total Time: 90 minutes
- Yield: 6-8 servings 1x
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
A comforting and hearty split pea ham soup, perfect for cold nights.
Ingredients
- 2 cups dried split peas (rinsed)
- 1 ham bone (or 2 cups diced ham)
- 8 cups chicken broth
- 1 onion (diced)
- 2 carrots (diced)
- 2 stalks celery (diced)
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 tsp thyme
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Croutons, for serving
Instructions
- Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the diced onion, carrots, and celery; sauté for about 5 minutes until softened. Then, add the minced garlic and cook for 1 more minute until fragrant.
- Add the rinsed split peas, ham bone (or diced ham), chicken broth, bay leaf, and thyme; stir well.
- Bring the soup to a boil, skimming off any foam that forms.
- Cover and reduce heat, letting the soup simmer for about 60-75 minutes, stirring occasionally until thickened.
- Remove the ham bone if used, shred the meat, and return to the pot. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve hot, topped with croutons.
Notes
Leftovers freeze well for up to 3 months. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
