Hearty & Flavorful Split Pea Soup with Ham: The Ultimate Comfort Food Recipe
There’s nothing quite like a warm bowl of soup to chase away the chill of a cold day. As a devoted soup enthusiast, I can attest that it’s not just a meal; it’s an experience, especially when paired with a slice of fresh, crusty bread. This classic Split Pea Soup with Ham recipe is more than just a dish; it’s a hug in a bowl, offering incredible comfort and a delightful way to utilize leftover ham from a holiday feast or any occasion. This comforting and delicious soup truly makes a fantastic meal.
Soup is a culinary canvas for creativity and a champion of resourceful cooking. This particular Split Pea Soup shines as a perfect solution for that delicious, savory leftover ham. Instead of letting those holiday remnants go to waste, transform them into a hearty, flavorful meal that the whole family will adore. While our Ham & Bean Soup is another fantastic option for using ham and even the ham bone, this Split Pea Soup stands out for its unique creamy texture and deep, comforting taste. It’s a beloved staple in many homes, and for good reason—it’s simple, nutritious, and incredibly satisfying, especially when enjoyed with fresh bread like these Honey Butter Dinner Rolls.
This Split Pea Soup holds a special place in my husband’s heart, and it’s easy to see why. The addition of ham not only bulks up the soup, transforming it into a complete meal, but it also infuses every spoonful with a rich, smoky flavor that is simply irresistible. While diced ham from the grocery store works wonderfully, the true secret weapon, if you have it, is a leftover ham bone. Cooking the soup with a ham bone elevates the flavor profile to an entirely new dimension, creating a depth that will have everyone raving. It’s a testament to how humble ingredients can create extraordinary dishes.
What You’ll Need: Simple Ingredients for Maximum Flavor
One of the beauties of this traditional split pea soup is its reliance on readily available, wholesome ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need to gather:
- Dried Split Peas: The star of the show, providing that signature creamy texture and earthy flavor.
- Butter: For sautéing vegetables, adding a rich base note.
- Onion, Celery, Carrots (Mirepoix): These aromatic vegetables form the foundational flavor base, sweetening as they cook and adding essential nutrients.
- Garlic: Essential for a pungent, savory kick that complements the ham perfectly.
- Ham: Leftover holiday ham is ideal for its rich flavor, but pre-diced ham from the store is a convenient and tasty alternative.
- Chicken Broth: The liquid base, adding an extra layer of savory flavor. You can also use vegetable broth or water if incorporating a ham bone to let the ham flavor truly shine.
- Bay Leaf: A classic addition for a subtle, aromatic nuance that enhances the overall taste profile.
- Salt & Pepper: To season and bring out all the inherent delicious flavors.
- Red Pepper Flakes: Optional, but highly recommended for a touch of warmth and gentle heat, balancing the richness.
The most time-consuming step might be soaking the dried split peas overnight to ensure they soften beautifully during cooking. While it requires a bit of foresight, this simple step makes the actual cooking process incredibly easy and ensures a wonderfully tender, smooth result. Plan ahead for the best texture!
How to Make the Best Split Pea Soup: Step-by-Step Guide
Crafting this comforting split pea soup is surprisingly straightforward, especially if you plan ahead with the pea soaking. Here’s a detailed guide to achieve perfect results and a deliciously satisfying meal:
- Prepare the Split Peas: Begin by placing your dried split peas in a large bowl. Cover them generously with about two inches of cold water. Let them soak for a minimum of 8 hours, or ideally, overnight in the refrigerator. This crucial step significantly reduces cooking time and ensures the peas become wonderfully tender. Once soaked, drain the peas thoroughly and set them aside.
- Sauté the Aromatics: In a large, heavy-bottomed stockpot or Dutch oven, melt the butter over medium-high heat. Add the finely chopped onions and cook for about 2-3 minutes until they begin to soften and become translucent.
- Build the Flavor Base: Stir in the finely chopped celery and carrots. Continue to cook for another 3-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until all the vegetables are tender-crisp. Now, add the minced garlic and cook for just one more minute until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can turn bitter.
- Brown the Ham: Introduce the chopped ham to the pot. Let it cook for a few minutes, stirring occasionally, allowing the edges to brown slightly. This step adds an extra layer of savory flavor and texture to the soup. If using a ham bone, you would add it here or in the next step.
- Combine and Simmer: Add the drained, soaked split peas to the pot, along with the salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes. Stir everything well to combine, ensuring the peas are evenly coated with the seasoned vegetables and ham. Pour in the chicken stock and add the bay leaf. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, then reduce the heat to low, cover partially, and let it cook for about an hour. Stir the soup occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking. The peas should become tender and start to break down, naturally thickening the soup. If the soup becomes too thick during simmering, you can add a little more water or broth to reach your desired consistency.
- Final Touches: Once the peas are tender and the soup has reached its desired consistency, remove the bay leaf. Remove the ham bone if used (and pull off any remaining meat to add back to the soup). Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper as needed. Serve hot and enjoy!
Can I Make This In The Crockpot? (Slow Cooker Method)
Absolutely! This Split Pea with Ham soup is an excellent candidate for slow cooking, making it a perfect hands-off meal for busy days. The beauty of the slow cooker is that it allows flavors to meld beautifully over several hours, resulting in a deeply satisfying soup with minimal effort. While you can simply toss all the ingredients (pre-soaked peas, vegetables, ham, broth, seasonings) into the crockpot and let it cook on low for 6-8 hours (or high for 3-4 hours), I often recommend taking an extra 10-15 minutes to sauté the vegetables and brown the ham beforehand on the stovetop. This quick step, sometimes called “mise en place,” adds a significant depth of flavor through caramelization that can’t be achieved by simply slow cooking raw ingredients. However, if time is truly of the essence, skipping this step will still yield a delicious, albeit slightly less complex, soup that’s incredibly tender.
Tips for a Thicker, Creamier Split Pea Soup
As written, this recipe tends to produce a wonderfully brothy soup, showcasing the individual textures of the ingredients. However, if your preference leans towards a thicker, more velvety, or “creamier” split pea soup, there’s an easy trick to achieve it without resorting to heavy cream or other fats. The secret lies in pureeing a portion of the split peas. Before adding the soaked and drained split peas to the main pot, take about half of them and blend them with a small amount of broth or water until smooth. You can use an immersion blender directly in a separate bowl or a standard blender. This pureed pea mixture will naturally thicken the soup as it simmers, giving it a luxurious, smooth consistency. It’s crucial to puree the peas before adding them to the soup with the ham, otherwise, you risk pureeing some of the ham, which you typically want to keep in chunks for texture. This method adds body and richness while maintaining the wholesome nature of the dish.
How to Cook with Dried Split Peas: Soaking vs. No-Soaking
Dried split peas are a wonderfully versatile and affordable legume, known for their ability to create thick, hearty soups. They are typically sold dry and require rehydration or extended cooking to become tender. There are two primary methods for preparing them, each with its own advantages:
1. Overnight Soaking (Recommended for this recipe): This is the easiest and most effective method. Place the dried split peas in a large container and cover them with at least two inches of cold water. Store the container in the refrigerator and let them soak for 8 hours or, more conveniently, overnight. Soaking helps to soften the peas, significantly reducing their cooking time the next day (usually by 1-2 hours) and making them easier to digest for some people. Always drain and rinse the soaked peas thoroughly before cooking to ensure a clean flavor profile.
2. No-Soak Method: If you forget to soak your peas, don’t worry! You can still make this soup. Simply rinse the dried peas thoroughly and add them directly to the pot with the other ingredients. However, be prepared for a longer simmering time, typically 1 to 2 hours more than if they were soaked, until the peas are completely tender and have broken down. You’ll also need to keep a closer eye on the liquid level, adding more broth or water as needed to prevent the soup from becoming too thick or drying out. While quicker to start, it requires more patience during the cooking phase.
Regardless of the method, ensure your split peas are clean by rinsing them before use to remove any dust or small debris.
Unlocking Flavor: The Power of a Ham Bone
Yes, absolutely! If you have the incredible fortune of having a leftover ham bone after a holiday meal, do not let it go to waste! Incorporating a ham bone into your split pea soup is a game-changer that will infuse it with an unparalleled depth of smoky, savory flavor. Simply add the ham bone to the pot when you pour in the chicken broth. As the soup simmers, the bone will release gelatin, collagen, and rich ham flavor into the liquid, transforming a good soup into an amazing one. The resulting broth will be incredibly flavorful and slightly richer in body. You can even use water instead of broth if you want the full, unadulterated ham flavor to dominate. Once the soup is cooked and the peas are tender, remove the bone, and any bits of meat that cling to it can be pulled off and added back to the soup. This not only enhances the taste but also makes the soup a wonderful way to minimize food waste and maximize deliciousness.
Serving Suggestions for Your Perfect Split Pea Soup
This hearty Split Pea Soup with Ham is a meal in itself, but a few thoughtful additions can elevate the dining experience to make it truly special.
- Crusty Bread or Dinner Rolls: As mentioned, a warm, crusty loaf of bread or soft dinner rolls, like our delightful Honey Butter Dinner Rolls, are practically mandatory for dipping and soaking up every last drop of flavorful broth.
- Fresh Herbs: A sprinkle of fresh parsley, chives, or thyme adds a burst of color and herbaceous freshness just before serving.
- Crispy Croutons: Homemade or store-bought croutons add a lovely textural contrast and crunch to each spoonful.
- A Dollop of Dairy: For a touch of tangy richness, consider adding a small dollop of sour cream or crème fraîche to each bowl.
- Extra Red Pepper Flakes: For those who enjoy an additional kick of heat, a few extra red pepper flakes can be added at the table.
- Simple Side Salad: A light green salad with a vinaigrette dressing provides a refreshing contrast to the richness and warmth of the soup.
Storage and Reheating Tips
Split pea soup is fantastic for meal prep and often tastes even better the next day as the flavors continue to meld and deepen. It’s a dish that truly stands the test of time, making it perfect for leftovers.
- Refrigeration: Store cooled soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Ensure it cools down quickly before storing to maintain freshness.
- Freezing: This soup freezes beautifully! Allow it to cool completely before transferring it to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months without loss of quality. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating for best results.
- Reheating: Reheat gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. If you find the soup has thickened too much during storage, simply stir in an additional splash of chicken broth or water to achieve your desired consistency. Avoid boiling rapidly to preserve texture and flavor.
Ingredient Variations to Customize Your Soup
This classic split pea soup recipe is wonderfully versatile, allowing for easy customization based on your preferences or what you have available. Feel free to adapt it to make it your own!
- Additional Vegetables: Enhance the nutritional value and flavor by adding chopped potatoes, leeks, or even some fresh spinach during the last few minutes of cooking. A diced turnip or parsnip can also add a subtle sweetness and earthy depth.
- Herbs & Spices: Experiment with a pinch of dried thyme or marjoram for added aroma. A touch of smoked paprika can enhance the smoky flavor even further, especially if you’re not using a ham bone. A bay leaf is a must, but feel free to add a second if you like its subtle piney notes.
- Different Broth: While chicken broth is recommended for its rich base, vegetable broth works well if you prefer a lighter flavor (though the ham will still provide plenty of depth). For a truly savory base, you could even use homemade ham stock if you’ve made it previously.
- For a Vegetarian Version: If you wish to make a vegetarian split pea soup, simply omit the ham and use vegetable broth. To replicate a subtle smoky flavor, you can add smoked paprika, a dash of liquid smoke, or incorporate smoked tofu or tempeh for added protein and texture. A little extra olive oil for sautéing will also help build flavor.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Split Pea Soup
- Q: Do I have to soak split peas?
A: While not strictly mandatory, soaking split peas overnight is highly recommended. It significantly reduces cooking time (often by 1-2 hours) and helps the peas cook more evenly, becoming wonderfully tender and creamy. If you skip soaking, expect to simmer the soup for a longer period until the peas reach the desired tenderness. Always rinse peas thoroughly, whether soaked or not.
- Q: Can I use fresh ham instead of leftover ham?
A: Yes, absolutely! If you don’t have leftover ham, you can buy a ham steak or a piece of smoked ham from the butcher, dice it, and proceed with the recipe. The smoky, savory flavor of cured ham is key to this traditional soup, so choose a good quality smoked ham for the best results.
- Q: My soup is too thin/thick. How can I fix it?
A: If your soup is too thin, continue simmering it uncovered to allow some liquid to evaporate and the peas to break down further. For a thicker soup, you can try pureeing a portion of the soup (as discussed in the “Tips for a Thicker, Creamier Split Pea Soup” section) or mashing some of the peas against the side of the pot with the back of a spoon. If it’s too thick, simply stir in additional chicken broth or water until you reach your desired consistency.
- Q: What kind of split peas should I use? Green or yellow?
A: Green split peas are most commonly used and give the soup its characteristic deep green color. Yellow split peas can also be used; they tend to have a slightly milder flavor and will result in a lighter-colored soup. Both varieties work well for this recipe, so choose based on availability and your color preference.
- Q: How long does split pea soup last?
A: When stored properly in an airtight container, homemade split pea soup can last for 3-4 days in the refrigerator. It also freezes exceptionally well for up to 3 months, making it a great option for future meals.
More Comforting Soup Recipes to Warm Your Soul
If you’re a fan of hearty, comforting soups like this Split Pea with Ham, you’re in for a treat! We have a wide array of delicious soup recipes that are perfect for chilly evenings or any time you need a bowl of warmth and flavor. Explore some of our other family favorites:
- Chicken Pot Pie Soup
- Minestrone Soup
- Creamy Chicken Tortellini Soup
- Avgolemono Soup
- Instant Pot Pozole
- Crockpot Tortellini Soup
- Beer Cheese Soup
- Cabbage Roll Soup
Ham and Split Pea Soup
Equipment
- Pot and Pan Set
Ingredients
- 1 pound dried split peas
- 3 Tablespoons butter
- 1 cup onion, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup celery, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup carrots, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 pound ham, chopped
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 3/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 8 cups chicken stock
- 1 bay leaf
Instructions
- Put the dried peas in a large bowl, cover with water by 2 inches. Let soak for 8 hours or overnight. Drain the peas, set aside.
- In a large stock pot melt the butter over a medium-high heat. Add the onions, and cook for about 2 minutes.
- Stir in the celery and carrots, cook until everything is getting soft, about 3 minutes. Add garlic, and cook for another minute.
- Stir in the chopped ham, and let it begin to brown.
- Add the drained peas, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes, stir to get everything mixed together.
- Pour in chicken stock, and add the bay leaf. Let is simmer for about 1 hour, stirring occasionally, until the peas become tender. Add water as needed if the soup gets to thick.
- Remove the bay leaf, season with additional salt and pepper if needed, and serve.
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Additional Info
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