Split Pea Soup with Ham – Classic, Hearty & Comforting
There’s something deeply comforting about a warm bowl of split pea soup with ham. This classic recipe has been a family favorite for generations, especially during colder months. Slow-simmered split peas, tender chunks of ham, and aromatic vegetables come together to create a thick, hearty soup that’s both nourishing and satisfying.
As a chef, I love this recipe because it’s simple, budget-friendly, and packed with flavor using everyday pantry ingredients.
Ingredients
Serves 6
- 2 cups dried green split peas, rinsed
- 1 tbsp olive oil or butter
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 medium carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 6 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1½ cups cooked ham, diced (or 1 ham bone)
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp salt (adjust to taste)
- 1 cup water (as needed for consistency)
Step by Step Cooking Guide
- Prepare the peas
Rinse split peas thoroughly under cold water until water runs clear. Set aside. - Sauté aromatics
Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion, carrots, and celery. Cook for 5–7 minutes until softened. - Add garlic & seasoning
Stir in garlic, thyme, pepper, and bay leaf. Cook for 30 seconds until fragrant. - Simmer the soup
Add split peas, chicken broth, and ham (or ham bone). Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low. - Slow cook
Cover and simmer for 45–60 minutes, stirring occasionally, until peas are soft and soup thickens. - Adjust texture
Remove bay leaf. Add water if soup is too thick. Taste and adjust salt. - Serve hot
Ladle into bowls and enjoy warm.
Cooking Time & Serving Size
| Time Type | Duration |
|---|---|
| Prep Time | 15 minutes |
| Cook Time | 60 minutes |
| Total Time | 1 hour 15 minutes |
| Serving Size | 6 bowls |
Tips & Variations
- Extra creamy: Blend half the soup and return it to the pot.
- Smoky flavor: Use smoked ham hock instead of diced ham.
- Vegetable boost: Add diced potatoes or leeks.
- Slow cooker option: Cook on LOW for 7–8 hours or HIGH for 4–5 hours.
- Secret chef tip: A splash of apple cider vinegar at the end brightens flavors beautifully.
Nutrition Info (Per Serving – Approx.)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 320 kcal |
| Protein | 22 g |
| Carbohydrates | 35 g |
| Fat | 8 g |
| Fiber | 12 g |
| Sugar | 5 g |
Healthy Alternatives
- Low-fat: Use lean ham and skip oil, sauté veggies in broth.
- Gluten-free: Naturally gluten-free—just ensure broth is certified GF.
- Low-sodium: Choose no-salt-added broth and reduce ham quantity.
- Keto-friendly: Replace split peas with cauliflower and keep ham high-protein.
- Vegetarian: Skip ham and use vegetable broth with smoked paprika.
Serving Suggestions
Serve split pea soup with ham with crusty whole-grain bread, garlic toast, or a simple green salad. This soup is perfect for meal prep, tastes even better the next day, and freezes beautifully. It’s a timeless comfort food that nourishes both body and soul.
FAQ’s
Q1: Do I need to soak split peas before cooking?
No, split peas cook quickly and don’t require soaking.
Q2: Why is my split pea soup too thick?
Split peas absorb liquid as they cook. Simply add water or broth to thin it out.
Q3: Can I freeze split pea soup with ham?
Yes! Store in airtight containers for up to 3 months.
Q4: Can I make this soup in an Instant Pot?
Absolutely. Cook on HIGH pressure for 15 minutes with natural release.
Q5: What type of ham works best?
Smoked ham, leftover holiday ham, or a ham bone all work wonderfully.
