Split Pea and Ham Soup (Printable)

Creamy split peas simmered with ham and vegetables create this satisfying winter favorite.

# What You’ll Use:

→ Meats

01 - 1 meaty ham bone or 2 cups diced cooked ham

→ Legumes

02 - 1 pound dried split peas, rinsed and sorted

→ Vegetables

03 - 1 large onion, diced
04 - 2 carrots, peeled and diced
05 - 2 celery stalks, diced
06 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
07 - 1 bay leaf

→ Liquids

08 - 8 cups low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth
09 - 2 cups water

→ Seasonings

10 - 1 teaspoon dried thyme
11 - 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
12 - Salt to taste

# How-To:

01 - Heat a splash of oil in a large stockpot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add onion, carrots, and celery, cooking and stirring for 5-6 minutes until softened.
02 - Stir in minced garlic and cook for 1 minute more until fragrant.
03 - Add split peas, ham bone or diced ham, bay leaf, thyme, broth, and water. Stir to combine all ingredients.
04 - Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 1 hour, stirring occasionally.
05 - Remove the lid and continue simmering for an additional 20-30 minutes until peas are completely tender and soup reaches desired thickness.
06 - Discard the bay leaf and remove the ham bone. If using bone, pick off any meat, chop it, and return to the soup.
07 - Season with black pepper and salt to taste. For creamier consistency, partially mash the peas or use an immersion blender for smoother texture.
08 - Ladle into bowls and serve hot, garnished with fresh herbs if desired.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • It turns a leftover holiday ham bone into a gourmet meal with almost zero effort.
  • The natural starch in the peas creates a luscious texture without any dairy.
02 -
  • The soup will continue to thicken as it sits so you might need more liquid for lunch the next day.
  • Salt should only be added at the very end to avoid a salt bomb from the ham bone.
03 -
  • A tiny splash of lemon juice at the end makes the earthy flavors really pop.
  • If you want an ultra smooth finish use an immersion blender for half the pot.
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