Homemade Split Pea and Ham Soup Recipe with Simple Ingredients
Introduction
Why This Recipe Works
Ingredients for Recipe
1 tbsp olive oil or butter – for sautéing
1 medium onion, diced – flavor base
2 carrots, diced – natural sweetness
2 celery stalks, diced – depth & aroma
3 garlic cloves, minced – optional but adds richness
2 cups dried split peas – rinsed and drained
6 cups chicken or vegetable stock – hearty soup base
1 ham bone or 2 cups diced ham – smoky flavor
1 bay leaf – subtle earthiness
1 tsp dried thyme (or 2 tsp fresh)
Salt & black pepper – to taste
Fresh parsley – garnish
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Build the flavor base: Heat oil in a large pot. Add onion, carrot, and celery. Sauté 6–7 minutes until softened. Stir in garlic and cook for 1 more minute.
- Add split peas & aromatics: Stir in split peas, thyme, bay leaf, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
- Simmer with ham: Add stock and ham bone (or diced ham). Bring to a boil, then reduce to low heat. Simmer uncovered for 1 hour, stirring occasionally.
- Check consistency: Once peas are tender and soup is naturally thick, remove ham bone. Shred any meat from the bone and return to soup.
- Finish & serve: Adjust seasoning, remove bay leaf, and garnish with fresh parsley. Serve hot with crusty bread.
Chef’s Insight: The magic of this soup lies in slow simmering. As the peas cook, they naturally break down into a creamy consistency—no blender needed. Adding a ham bone infuses smoky richness, but even diced ham alone creates a deeply satisfying flavor.
Pro Tips & Common Mistakes to Avoid
Rinse peas well to remove any dust before cooking.
Don’t skip the simmer time—peas need at least 1 hour to break down properly.
Stir occasionally to prevent sticking as the soup thickens.
Adjust thickness by adding more stock or water if it becomes too dense.
Serving, Nutrition, Storage, Reheating & Freezing
Serving: Pair with crusty bread, cornbread, or a light salad.
Nutrition (per bowl ~350 ml): ~290 calories | 22 g protein | 38 g carbs | 7 g fat | 12 g fiber
Storage: Refrigerate in an airtight container up to 4 days.
Reheating: Warm gently on stove with extra stock if too thick.
Freezing: Freezes beautifully up to 2 months.
Homemade Split Pea and Ham Soup Recipe
Course: Healthy Soups6
servings15
minutes1
minute290
kcalThis Homemade Split Pea and Ham Soup is a hearty, protein-packed classic made with tender ham, creamy split peas, and simple ingredients for a comforting bowl.
Ingredients
1 tbsp olive oil or butter – for sautéing
1 medium onion, diced – flavor base
2 carrots, diced – natural sweetness
2 celery stalks, diced – depth & aroma
3 garlic cloves, minced – optional but adds richness
2 cups dried split peas – rinsed and drained
6 cups chicken or vegetable stock – hearty soup base
1 ham bone or 2 cups diced ham – smoky flavor
1 bay leaf – subtle earthiness
1 tsp dried thyme (or 2 tsp fresh)
Salt & black pepper – to taste
Fresh parsley – garnish
Directions
- Build the flavor base: Heat oil in a large pot. Add onion, carrot, and celery. Sauté 6–7 minutes until softened. Stir in garlic and cook for 1 more minute.
- Add split peas & aromatics: Stir in split peas, thyme, bay leaf, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
- Simmer with ham: Add stock and ham bone (or diced ham). Bring to a boil, then reduce to low heat. Simmer uncovered for 1 hour, stirring occasionally.
- Check consistency: Once peas are tender and soup is naturally thick, remove ham bone. Shred any meat from the bone and return to soup.
- Finish & serve: Adjust seasoning, remove bay leaf, and garnish with fresh parsley. Serve hot with crusty bread.
Notes
- Slow simmering allows peas to break down naturally, giving the soup a creamy texture without cream.
- Smoked ham bone or shank adds deep, savory flavor that makes the broth rich and hearty.
- Vegetable base of onions, carrots, and celery brings natural sweetness to balance the saltiness of ham.
- Freezer-friendly soup that tastes even better the next day as flavors meld together.
FAQs
This Homemade Split Pea and Ham Soup isn’t just a meal—it’s a rustic classic that turns simple ingredients into something soulful and deeply satisfying. With its smoky flavor, hearty texture, and wholesome nutrition, it’s a true family favorite that never goes out of style.
