Split Pea and Ham Soup

This comforting soup is a slow-simmered classic that turns simple ingredients into something deeply satisfying. Split pea and ham soup is loved for its thick texture, gentle smoky flavor, and the way it warms you from the inside out. It’s the kind of meal that works on busy evenings, stretches well for family dinners, and feels especially right on cold nights. The ingredients are humble, the steps are steady, and the results are dependable. I usually start it when I want something cozy bubbling away on the stove, filling the kitchen with a calm, savory aroma while the rest of the day carries on.

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Why You Will Love This Recipe

This soup is rich without being heavy and filling without feeling complicated. It comes together with basic pantry items and turns affordable ingredients into a pot that feeds everyone well. It’s cozy, crowd-pleasing, and easy to portion for later, making it freezer-friendly and weeknight-friendly at the same time. The texture thickens naturally as it cooks, so there’s no extra work at the end. This split pea and ham soup also improves as it rests, which means leftovers are something to look forward to. It’s flexible, forgiving, and fits neatly into real home cooking routines without fuss or pressure.

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Ingredients

Tip: Use dried green split peas that look fresh and evenly colored for the best texture.

1 pound dried green split peas, rinsed
1 pound ham bone or diced ham
1 medium onion, chopped
2 carrots, diced
2 celery stalks, sliced
2 cloves garlic, minced
8 cups water or broth
1 bay leaf
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper

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Instructions

Step 1: Preparation
Rinse the split peas until the water runs clear. Chop the vegetables into small, even pieces. Set everything near the stove so it’s easy to add as the pot warms up and cooking begins.

Step 2: Main Cooking Process
Place peas, ham, onion, carrots, celery, garlic, and liquid into a large pot. Bring to a gentle simmer. The surface should bubble softly, and the vegetables will begin to release a warm, savory smell.

Step 3: Combining Ingredients
Stir occasionally as the peas soften and start to break down. The soup will slowly thicken and turn creamy-looking. Scrape the bottom gently to keep everything moving and evenly cooked.

Step 4: Finishing & Final Simmer
Let the soup simmer until thick and comforting. Remove the bay leaf and ham bone if used. Taste and adjust seasoning. The texture should be spoonable and hearty, with peas fully tender.

Why This Recipe Works for Busy Days

This soup needs very little attention once it’s simmering. You can let it cook while you handle other tasks, then portion it out for later meals. It reheats well and stretches across several days, easing dinner planning.

Tips & Tricks

Rinse split peas well before cooking. Skipping this step can leave the soup cloudy and gritty. A quick rinse helps the peas cook more evenly and gives a smoother final texture.
Keep the heat low and steady. Boiling too hard can cause sticking and uneven cooking. A gentle simmer lets the peas soften naturally without burning the bottom of the pot.
Stir from the bottom now and then. Thick soups tend to settle, and stirring helps prevent sticking while keeping the texture smooth throughout the pot.
Season near the end. Ham can add salt as it cooks, so tasting later prevents over-seasoning and keeps flavors balanced.

Variations

Meaty version: Add extra diced ham near the end of cooking for more bite and heartiness. This works well if you want a chunkier soup that feels extra filling for colder evenings.
Vegetarian option: Skip the ham and use vegetable broth. Add a little smoked paprika for depth so the soup stays comforting and full-flavored without meat.
Ingredient swap: Use yellow split peas instead of green if that’s what you have. The texture stays similar, though the color will be slightly lighter.
Flavor or herb boost: Add a small pinch of dried thyme or parsley during simmering. It brings a gentle, cozy aroma without overpowering the peas.

Serving Suggestions

Simple bread pairing: Serve with crusty bread or warm rolls. The bread soaks up the thick soup and turns a bowl into a full, comforting meal.
Light side salad: Pair with a simple green salad for balance. The freshness cuts through the richness and keeps dinner feeling complete but not heavy.
Family-style bowls: Ladle into wide bowls and serve at the table. It’s relaxed, comforting, and encourages slow, cozy eating together.
Leftover lunches: Portion into containers for easy reheated lunches. The soup thickens overnight and feels even more satisfying the next day.

Storage Instructions

Fridge storage: Let the soup cool fully, then store in a sealed container in the fridge for up to four days. The flavor continues to develop as it rests.
Reheating: Warm slowly on the stove or in the microwave, stirring often. Add a splash of water or broth if it thickens too much.
Freezing: Freeze in portion-sized containers for up to three months. Leave room for expansion and label clearly for easy future meals.
Make-ahead tips: Make the soup a day early and refrigerate. Reheat gently before serving for an easy, ready meal.

Recipe Timing

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Rest Time: Not applicable
Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes

Nutrition Information

Each serving contains about 280–330 calories and roughly 18–22 grams of protein. It also provides fiber from split peas and small amounts of iron and potassium. Values are estimates and may vary by ingredients and portion size.

FAQs

Yes, it tastes better the next day.

Cooking at too high a heat.

Yes, smoked turkey works well.

Add a little water or broth.

Up to four days refrigerated.

Conclusion

This soup is steady, comforting, and easy to make your own. You can adjust the texture, change the seasoning, or stretch it across several meals without stress. That flexibility is what makes split pea and ham soup such a dependable favorite. It’s the kind of recipe that settles into your routine and quietly becomes part of home cooking life. Make a pot, enjoy it warm, and let it bring a little calm and comfort to your table whenever you need it.