Looking for a warm, hearty, and nutritious meal that’s perfect for cold days? This homemade split pea soup recipe is a comforting dish that combines tender split peas, flavorful ham, and fresh vegetables. With its rich flavor and thick consistency, it’s a true throwback to old-fashioned comfort food, just like mom used to make. Plus, it’s packed with protein, easy to make, and a fantastic way to use up leftover ham.
Table of Contents
Split Pea Soup Recipe
Classic Homemade Split Pea Soup Recipe
Course: Soups6
servings350
kcal1
hour45
minutesIngredients
2 tbsp olive oil (or substitute with butter)
1 medium yellow onion, chopped
2 stalks celery, diced
2 medium carrots, peeled and diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
6 cups chicken broth (or vegetable broth for a vegetarian option)
4 cups water
1 lb dried split peas, rinsed and drained
1 large meaty ham bone (or 2 ham shanks if you don’t have a ham bone)
2 bay leaves
1 tsp dried thyme (or 1 tbsp fresh thyme)
Salt and pepper to taste
2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish, optional)
Directions
- Saute the Vegetables: Start by heating the olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Once heated, add the chopped onion and diced celery. Saute for about 3 minutes until softened, then add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
- Add the Broth and Split Peas: Pour in the chicken broth and water, stirring to combine. Add the rinsed split peas, bay leaves, and thyme. Season the mixture with a pinch of salt and pepper, but keep it light—ham can be salty, and you’ll adjust seasoning later. Stir well.
- Simmer with Ham: Nestle the ham bone (or ham shanks) into the soup mixture. Bring the pot to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and let the soup simmer for about 1 hour, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Prepare the Ham: After the soup has simmered, remove the ham bone from the pot and let it rest for 10 minutes. While it rests, dice or shred the meat into bite-sized pieces and set aside. Discard any excess fat or cartilage.
- Add Carrots and Finish Cooking: After you’ve removed the ham, add the diced carrots to the pot. Continue to simmer the soup for another 30 minutes, uncovered. This will help break down the peas and thicken the soup. Stir occasionally to avoid burning on the bottom of the pot.
- Combine and Serve: Return the shredded ham to the soup and stir well. Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed. Ladle the hot, thick soup into bowls and garnish with freshly chopped parsley if desired.
Tips and Variations:
- Thicker Soup: If you like a thicker soup, let it simmer uncovered for the last 20-30 minutes. You can also mash some of the peas with a potato masher for a creamier texture.
- Hearty Additions: For a heartier meal, add diced yellow or red potatoes when you add the carrots.
- Make It Vegetarian: Skip the ham and ham bone, and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a vegetarian version. You could also add smoked paprika or liquid smoke for a hint of that smoky flavor.
- Slow Cooker Method: To make split pea soup in a slow cooker, reduce the water to 2 cups and combine all ingredients (except the parsley) in a 4-6 quart slow cooker. Cook on low for 7-8 hours. After cooking, remove the ham, shred it, and stir it back into the soup.
- Instant Pot Instructions: For a quicker option, use an Instant Pot. Saute the vegetables using the “saute” setting, then add the broth, water, split peas, ham, and seasonings. Set the Instant Pot to “manual” mode for 15 minutes. After the cooking time, allow the pressure to release naturally for 15 minutes before doing a quick release. Shred the ham and return it to the soup before serving.
Storage Tips
- Refrigerator: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The soup will thicken as it cools, so add water when reheating to reach your desired consistency.
- Freezer: This soup freezes well for up to 3 months. Let the soup cool completely, then transfer to a freezer-safe container, leaving some room for expansion. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Nutritional Benefits
This homemade split pea soup is packed with protein, fiber, and essential vitamins. Split peas are a fantastic source of plant-based protein and fiber, making this soup not only filling but also highly nutritious. Plus, it’s an excellent way to use up leftover ham, reducing food waste while creating a delicious meal.
This hearty, homemade split pea soup is the ultimate comfort food—warm, filling, and packed with flavor. Serve it with a side of crusty bread, and you’ve got the perfect meal for a cozy night in.
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