admin1 Ham and Pea Soup
Ham and Pea Soup is a timeless comfort-food classic that transforms simple ingredients into a rich, hearty, and flavorful meal. Made with smoky ham, tender split peas, vegetables, and savory seasonings, this soup is thick, satisfying, and perfect for chilly days. It’s also an excellent way to use leftover ham from holidays or family dinners.
As the peas slowly cook, they break down into a naturally creamy texture, creating a comforting bowl of soup without the need for heavy cream. Whether served with crusty bread or enjoyed on its own, this nourishing soup is a family favorite that tastes even better the next day.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Rich and hearty flavor
- Great use for leftover ham
- Budget-friendly ingredients
- High in protein and fiber
- Easy one-pot meal
- Perfect for meal prep
- Freezes beautifully
Preparation Time
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours
Servings
- Makes 8 servings
Ingredients
For the Soup
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 pound (450g) dried green split peas, rinsed
- 2 cups cooked ham, diced
- 1 meaty ham bone or ham hock (optional but recommended)
- 8 cups chicken broth
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon salt (adjust after cooking)
Optional Garnishes
- Chopped fresh parsley
- Croutons
- Cracked black pepper
- Extra diced ham
Equipment Needed
- Large Dutch oven or soup pot
- Cutting board
- Sharp knife
- Wooden spoon
- Ladle
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Vegetables
Heat olive oil in a large soup pot over medium heat.
Add:
- Onion
- Carrots
- Celery
Cook for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until softened.
Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
Step 2: Add Remaining Ingredients
Stir in:
- Split peas
- Diced ham
- Ham bone or ham hock
- Chicken broth
- Bay leaves
- Thyme
- Black pepper
Mix well.
Step 3: Bring to a Boil
Increase heat to medium-high and bring the soup to a gentle boil.
Once boiling, reduce heat to low.
Step 4: Simmer Slowly
Cover partially with a lid.
Simmer on low heat for 90–105 minutes, stirring occasionally.
The peas will soften and break down, naturally thickening the soup.
Step 5: Remove Ham Bone
Carefully remove the ham bone or ham hock.
Pull any remaining meat from the bone and return it to the soup.
Discard the bone, skin, and excess fat.
Remove the bay leaves.
Step 6: Adjust Consistency
If the soup is too thick, stir in additional broth or water.
If thinner soup is preferred, add liquid gradually until the desired consistency is reached.
Step 7: Taste and Season
Taste the soup and add salt if needed.
Because ham is naturally salty, wait until the end before adjusting seasoning.
Step 8: Serve
Ladle into bowls and garnish with parsley, croutons, or extra diced ham.
Serve hot.
Cooking Temperature Guide
| Step | Temperature | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Vegetables | Medium Heat | 5–7 minutes |
| Bring to Boil | Medium-High Heat | 10 minutes |
| Simmer | Low Heat | 90–105 minutes |
| Final Heating | Low Heat | 5 minutes |
Tips for the Best Ham and Pea Soup
Use a Ham Bone
A leftover ham bone adds incredible depth and smoky flavor.
Rinse the Split Peas
Always rinse peas thoroughly and remove any debris before cooking.
Stir Occasionally
Split peas can settle at the bottom and stick during cooking.
Let It Rest
The soup thickens as it cools and tastes even better the next day.
Don’t Add Salt Early
Ham contributes a lot of salt, so season at the end.
Variations
Creamy Ham and Pea Soup
Blend part of the soup with an immersion blender for an ultra-creamy texture.
Potato Ham and Pea Soup
Add 2 diced potatoes during the final 45 minutes of cooking.
Smoky Version
Use smoked ham hocks for extra smoky flavor.
Vegetable-Rich Version
Add diced parsnips, leeks, or extra carrots.
Slow Cooker Version
Cook on low for 8–9 hours or high for 4–5 hours.
What to Serve with Ham and Pea Soup
Bread Options
- Crusty artisan bread
- Garlic bread
- Cornbread
- Dinner rolls
- Cheese biscuits
Side Dishes
- Garden salad
- Coleslaw
- Roasted vegetables
- Cucumber salad
Storage Instructions
Refrigerator
Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
Freezer
Freeze for up to 3 months.
Cool completely before freezing.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat.
Add extra broth if the soup becomes too thick.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
Approximate values:
- Calories: 295
- Protein: 22g
- Fat: 7g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 13g
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 760mg
- Cholesterol: 28mg
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to soak split peas?
No. Split peas do not require soaking before cooking, though rinsing is recommended.
Why is my soup not thickening?
Split peas may need additional cooking time. Continue simmering until they break down.
Can I make this without a ham bone?
Yes. Simply use diced ham and a little extra broth. The flavor will still be delicious.
Can I freeze ham and pea soup?
Absolutely. This soup freezes exceptionally well and reheats beautifully.
How do I make it vegetarian?
Replace the ham with additional vegetables and use vegetable broth.
