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Pea Ham Soup

Featured in Liquid Comfort in a Bowl.

Flavor-packed soup featuring split peas and ham, simmered with vegetables and seasoning. Options for different cooking methods: stovetop, slow cooking, or pressure cooking.

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Updated on Sat, 19 Apr 2025 00:31:18 GMT
A serving of pea soup loaded with ham chunks and herbs, paired with bread slices in the backdrop. Pin it
A serving of pea soup loaded with ham chunks and herbs, paired with bread slices in the backdrop. | cookscoop.com

My grandma's split pea soup has been a family treasure for ages! I watched her cook this heartwarming dish for years before I finally got it right. There's something magical when those split peas mix with smoky ham chunks and crisp veggies to make an incredible stick-to-your-ribs meal. The first time I nailed her exact method, my father said it transported him straight back to his younger days!

What Makes This Soup Stand Out

This goes way beyond regular pea soup! Something wonderful happens as the split peas slowly soften and create this amazingly thick texture without adding any dairy. I made this for my sick neighbor recently and she told me it worked better than her medicine did. Even my veggie-avoiding children always want another bowl!

What You'll Need

  • The Stars:
    • Dried split peas
    • A meaty ham bone
    • Fresh bay leaves
    • Fragrant thyme
    • Sea salt and pepper
    • Fresh parsley for garnish
  • The Base:
    • Good quality olive oil
    • Fresh yellow onion
    • Crisp celery stalks
    • Sweet carrots
    • Fresh garlic cloves
    • Rich chicken broth
    • Plain water

Let's Start Cooking

The Final Touch
Putting that soft ham back into the soup and tweaking the spices until everything tastes just right. I treasure this moment when my grandma's beloved recipe comes alive in my own kitchen!
Creating The Base
Throw in those split peas, broth and that valuable ham bone. When it all begins bubbling together, it's like leading a delicious food orchestra! It's pure kitchen wonder watching those peas break down into that velvety consistency.
Building Our Foundation
Start by cooking those fragrant veggies in olive oil until they're soft and aromatic. The house instantly fills with amazing smells! My children always pop in asking what's cooking that smells so good.
A black bowl of split pea soup garnished with diced ham, carrots, and herbs, accompanied by toasted bread in the background. Pin it
A black bowl of split pea soup garnished with diced ham, carrots, and herbs, accompanied by toasted bread in the background. | cookscoop.com

Tips For Success

Wanna know my tricks for amazing split pea soup? Don't rush the veggie cooking at the beginning - they need that time to build flavor. Watch your liquid as it cooks and add more if it gets too thick. And my top tip? Hold onto that holiday ham bone - it'll make your soup taste incredible!

How To Enjoy It

You'll need some hearty bread for dipping with this soup! I like using deep bowls with a bit of fresh parsley scattered on top. When friends come for lunch, I'll cook a huge batch since everyone wants leftovers. Sometimes I'll whip up some grilled cheese sandwiches too - they're perfect with this soup on cold days!

Storing Leftovers

This soup actually tastes even better the day after you make it! While it sits in the fridge, it thickens up and the flavors really come together nicely. I often cook a giant pot on Sundays so we can eat it throughout the week. Just pour in a little more broth when warming it up to get it just right.

Make It Your Own

Feel free to put your own spin on this recipe! Sometimes I toss in some diced potatoes for extra heartiness. When cooking for my vegetarian pals, I leave out the ham and add some smoked paprika for that smoky taste. I tried adding fresh dill at the end once and wow, what a difference! That's the fun part of cooking - finding what works best for you.

A bowl of green split pea soup with diced ham, carrots, and parsley, garnished with black pepper. Pin it
A bowl of green split pea soup with diced ham, carrots, and parsley, garnished with black pepper. | cookscoop.com

The Family Connection

This soup means more than just food in our home - it's our link to past generations! There's something truly special about cooking the same dish that's fed our family for decades. My kids are now learning to cook by helping chop veggies and watching basic ingredients turn into something wonderful.

The greatest joy isn't just how tasty it is, but seeing everyone's happy faces after their first spoonful! Whether you're making it for someone needing comfort or just want something wholesome and warming, this always delivers. And sharing the joy of this family treasure with others? That's what makes time in the kitchen so worthwhile!

Frequently Asked Questions

→ What if my soup’s too thin?

Let it cook uncovered toward the end to thicken up. It'll also set more as it cools. Too thick? Stir in water to reach your desired texture.

→ Can I leave out the ham?

You can! Ham gives it a lot of flavor, but a veggie version works. Use vegetable stock and maybe add smoked paprika for that smoky punch.

→ Do split peas need soaking?

No soaking is needed! Just rinse and check for debris. They cook faster than most dried beans anyway.

→ How should I store leftovers?

Keep in the fridge for up to five days. It thickens when cold, so add water as you heat it back up.

→ Is it okay to freeze this soup?

Absolutely! Once fully cool, freeze for up to three months. Just make sure to leave a little room in your container as it expands when frozen.

Conclusion

A satisfying soup loaded with ham and split peas, delivering cozy warmth in each spoonful. Simple to cook and versatile in method.

Pea Ham Soup

Comforting soup with split peas, ham bone, and fresh veggies. Choose stovetop, crockpot, or Instant Pot for easy prep.

Prep Time
15 Minutes
Cook Time
105 Minutes
Total Time
120 Minutes
By: Adriana

Category: Soups & Broths

Difficulty: Intermediate

Cuisine: American

Yield: 6 Servings (Around 9 cups)

Dietary: Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free

Ingredients

01 A tablespoon of olive oil.
02 One and a half cups of chopped yellow onion.
03 One and a quarter cups of chopped celery.
04 A teaspoon of minced garlic.
05 Four cups of chicken broth, unsalted.
06 Four cups of plain water.
07 16 ounces of dried split peas, washed.
08 Two bay leaves.
09 A teaspoon and a half of fresh thyme (use ½ teaspoon if dried).
10 A pound and a half of ham bone or shanks with meat.
11 One cup of chopped carrots.
12 Fresh parsley for a sprinkle on top.
13 Salt and pepper, adjust to taste.

Instructions

Step 01

Warm up the oil, sauté the onion and celery for a couple of minutes, then add the garlic and stir for another minute.

Step 02

Toss in the broth, water, peas, bay leaves, thyme, and ham. Add salt and pepper lightly for now.

Step 03

Let the mixture get to a boil, lower the heat, cover it, and let it simmer for 60-80 minutes. The ham and peas should soften nicely.

Step 04

Take the ham out, allow it to cool for 10 minutes, then shred the meat. Add the chopped carrots into the soup next.

Step 05

Simmer for another half hour until the peas break apart. Add the shredded ham back in and season further if needed.

Notes

  1. Works well in slow cookers and Instant Pots too.
  2. For extra texture, potatoes can be tossed in with the carrots.
  3. This soup will thicken as it cools.

Tools You'll Need

  • A big pot.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 380
  • Total Fat: 8 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 45 g
  • Protein: 32 g