If you’re craving a comforting dish that feels like a warm hug from the inside out, the Split Pea Soup with Ham and Vegetables Recipe is exactly what you need. This hearty soup blends tender split peas with flavorful ham and fresh vegetables, creating a rich and satisfying meal that’s perfect for chilly days or anytime you want something nourishing and delicious. The delightful combination of smoky ham, earthy peas, and vibrant veggies results in a soup that’s as colorful as it is comforting, making it a timeless favorite to keep in your cooking repertoire.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Split Pea Soup with Ham and Vegetables Recipe lies in its simple yet essential ingredients, each bringing its unique flavor and texture to the pot. From the split peas that give the soup its creamy body to the fresh vegetables adding crunch and sweetness, every item plays a starring role in creating that perfect bowl.
- 2 cups dried split peas (yellow or green): These peas create a silky base when cooked down, packed with protein and fiber.
- 1 meaty ham bone (or 2 cups leftover ham, diced): Adds the deep, smoky flavor that makes this soup unforgettable.
- 4 cups water (or additional broth if desired): Provides the liquid foundation, allowing flavors to meld together beautifully.
- 4 cups chicken broth: Enhances the richness and depth of the soup.
- 2 teaspoons dried parsley: Adds a gentle herbal freshness.
- 1 bay leaf: Infuses subtle aromatic complexity during simmering.
- 3 ribs celery (diced): Brings a crisp texture and slight peppery flavor.
- 2 carrots (diced): Offer natural sweetness and vibrant color.
- 1 large yellow onion (diced): Adds savory depth and caramelizes slightly during cooking.
- ½ teaspoon black pepper: Gives a mild, warming spice note.
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme leaves: Complements the herbal profile gently.
- Salt (to taste): Essential for balancing and enhancing all the flavors.
How to Make Split Pea Soup with Ham and Vegetables Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Split Peas
Begin by sorting through the dried split peas to ensure no small stones or debris remain—this little step prevents any unpleasant surprises. Rinse them thoroughly under cold water and drain well; clean peas ensure a pure, smooth soup base.
Step 2: Simmer Peas with Ham and Broth
In a large pot, combine the rinsed peas, the meaty ham bone (or diced ham if using leftover), water, chicken broth, dried parsley, and bay leaf. Bring everything to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and cover with a lid. Let the mixture simmer gently for one hour—this slow cooking softens the peas and starts to infuse the broth with that incredible smoky ham flavor.
Step 3: Add Vegetables and Seasonings
Next, stir in the freshly diced celery, carrots, and yellow onion, along with black pepper, dried thyme, and salt. These vegetables add layers of flavor and texture, brightening the soup. Cover and let it simmer for another 45 minutes, giving those veggies time to soften and marry beautifully with the peas and ham.
Step 4: Incorporate Ham Meat and Thicken the Soup
Once the cooking time has passed, carefully remove the ham bone from the pot. Chop any meat still attached to it and return the pieces to the soup. Cook uncovered for about 20 more minutes, stirring occasionally until the soup thickens and the peas break down, creating a luscious, creamy texture that feels like home in a bowl.
Step 5: Final Touches
Before serving, discard the bay leaf and taste the soup. Adjust salt and pepper as needed to suit your preference. These finishing touches bring the entire dish together, making sure every spoonful is flavorful and satisfying.
How to Serve Split Pea Soup with Ham and Vegetables Recipe
Garnishes
Simple garnishes can elevate this soup beautifully. Try a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or chives for a pop of color and fresh flavor. A swirl of sour cream or a drizzle of olive oil can add creamy richness or a silky finish that enhances every bite.
Side Dishes
This soup pairs wonderfully with crusty bread, like a warm baguette or rustic sourdough, perfect for dunking. A crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette provides a refreshing contrast and rounds out the meal effortlessly.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the soup in hollowed-out bread bowls that soak up the delicious broth as you eat. You could also top it with a sprinkle of crispy bacon or toasted nuts for added crunch and a burst of flavor that will surprise and delight your guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover split pea soup stores beautifully in the refrigerator in an airtight container. It will keep for up to 4 days, allowing you to enjoy this comforting meal again without any loss in flavor or texture. Just be sure to cool the soup before refrigerating.
Freezing
This soup freezes wonderfully, making it an excellent meal prep candidate. Portion the soup into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently on the stove or in the microwave.
Reheating
When reheating, stir the soup occasionally and add a splash of water or broth if it thickens too much. Heating slowly over medium-low heat preserves the texture and flavor, ensuring your Split Pea Soup with Ham and Vegetables Recipe tastes just like the first time you made it.
FAQs
Can I use green split peas instead of yellow?
Absolutely! Both green and yellow split peas work well in this recipe, and the choice mostly comes down to personal preference. Green split peas have a slightly earthier taste, while yellow peas tend to be a bit milder.
What if I don’t have a ham bone? Can I still make the soup?
You can definitely use diced leftover ham instead of a ham bone. Just keep in mind that the ham bone adds extra depth and smokiness to the broth, so you might want to boost flavor with a bit of smoked paprika or ham broth if you have it.
Is it necessary to soak the split peas before cooking?
No soaking is necessary with split peas. They cook fairly quickly and will break down nicely during the simmering process, which helps create that creamy texture you want in this soup.
How thick should the soup be when it’s done?
The soup should be thick and creamy, but not overly dense. It’s perfectly fine if it’s a bit loose when warm because it will thicken more as it cools. Adjust the thickness at the end by simmering longer or adding more broth if needed.
Can I make this soup in a slow cooker?
Yes, using a slow cooker is a great option. Combine all ingredients (except for the ham meat if using a bone) and cook on low for 6 to 8 hours or high for 3 to 4 hours. Add diced ham towards the end, then season to taste before serving.
Final Thoughts
This Split Pea Soup with Ham and Vegetables Recipe is a classic for good reason. It’s full of heart, flavor, and comfort, perfect for cozy nights or when you need a little taste of home. I can’t recommend enough that you give it a try—you’ll find it’s one of those recipes you’ll come back to time and again, sharing its delicious warmth with friends and family alike.
Print
Split Pea Soup with Ham and Vegetables Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 hours 10 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 to 6.6 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
This comforting Split Pea Soup is a hearty and flavorful dish made with dried split peas, a meaty ham bone, and fresh vegetables simmered together to create a thick, satisfying soup perfect for chilly days. Infused with herbs like parsley, thyme, and bay leaf, this classic recipe delivers warmth and nourishment in every spoonful.
Ingredients
Soup Base
- 2 cups dried split peas (yellow or green, about 14 ounces)
- 1 meaty ham bone (or 2 cups leftover ham, diced)
- 4 cups water (or additional broth if desired)
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 2 teaspoons dried parsley
- 1 bay leaf
Vegetables and Seasoning
- 3 ribs celery (diced)
- 2 carrots (diced)
- 1 large yellow onion (diced)
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme leaves
- Salt (to taste)
Instructions
- Sort and Rinse Peas: Sort through the dried split peas carefully to remove any debris or impurities. Then rinse them thoroughly under cold water and drain well to prepare for cooking.
- Combine Base Ingredients: In a large pot, add the rinsed peas, ham bone, water, chicken broth, dried parsley, and bay leaf. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and cover with a lid to simmer gently for 1 hour, allowing flavors to develop.
- Add Vegetables and Seasoning: After 1 hour, add diced celery, carrots, onion, black pepper, dried thyme, and salt to the pot. Stir well, cover again, and continue to simmer on low heat for another 45 minutes until the vegetables are tender and the peas start to soften further.
- Remove Ham and Thicken Soup: Remove the ham bone from the soup and chop off any meat clinging to it. Return the chopped ham meat to the pot and cook the soup uncovered for about 20 minutes more, stirring occasionally, until the soup thickens and the peas break down creating a creamy texture.
- Final Seasoning: Discard the bay leaf from the soup. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper as desired. Serve warm for a comforting meal.
Notes
- You can use either yellow or green split peas for this recipe.
- If you don’t have a ham bone, diced leftover ham works well to add smoky flavor.
- Sensitivity to salt varies, so add salt gradually at the end to avoid over-salting.
- For a smoother soup, use an immersion blender to partially blend after cooking.
- This soup reheats well and thickens upon standing; add broth or water to adjust consistency when serving leftovers.
