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Split Pea Soup With Ham - Hearty, Comforting, and Simple

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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 2 hours
Total Time 2 hours 15 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

  • 1 pound (about 2 cups) dried green split peas, rinsed
  • 1 meaty ham bone or 1 smoked ham hock (about 1 pound)
  • 8 cups low-sodium chicken broth or a mix of broth and water
  • 1 large yellow onion, diced
  • 3 medium carrots, peeled and diced
  • 2 celery stalks, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 bay leaves
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme (or 2 teaspoons fresh, chopped)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil or butter
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • Optional add-ins: 1 cup diced leftover ham, a splash of apple cider vinegar, chopped parsley

Method
 

  1. Prep the peas: Place split peas in a colander and rinse under cool water. Pick out any debris. No soaking needed.
  2. Sauté the aromatics: Warm the olive oil or butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion, carrots, and celery. Cook 5–7 minutes, stirring, until softened and lightly golden. Add garlic and cook 30 seconds more.
  3. Layer the flavor: Stir in the split peas, thyme, bay leaves, and a few grinds of black pepper. Let the peas toast for 1 minute to bring out their nuttiness.
  4. Add liquid and ham: Nestle the ham bone or ham hock into the pot. Pour in the broth (start with 8 cups). Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce to a simmer.
  5. Simmer low and slow: Partially cover and simmer for 60–90 minutes, stirring occasionally. The peas should break down and the soup will thicken. Add a splash of water if it gets too thick before the peas are tender.
  6. Shred the meat: Remove the ham bone or hock to a plate. Pick off any tender meat, chop it, and return it to the pot. Discard skin, fat, and bones.
  7. Adjust the texture: For a creamier soup, use an immersion blender to blend a portion right in the pot. Or scoop 2 cups into a blender, puree carefully, and stir back in. Keep some chunks for body.
  8. Season smartly: Taste before salting—ham and broth can be salty. Add salt as needed, more black pepper, and a small splash of apple cider vinegar to brighten the flavor if desired.
  9. Finish and serve: Stir in diced leftover ham if you’re using it for extra heartiness. Ladle into bowls and top with chopped parsley. Serve with crusty bread.