Cozy Split Pea Soup with Ham: A Hearty Comfort Recipe

There’s something undeniably comforting about a warm bowl of split pea soup with ham, especially when the aroma wafts through your kitchen, inviting everyone to gather around the table. Picture this: a hearty, velvety soup filled with tender peas and chunks of savory ham, all simmered to perfection. It’s like a warm hug in a bowl that whispers “calm down, everything will be alright” on those chilly evenings when life feels a bit too hectic.

Growing up, split pea soup was a staple during family gatherings. My grandma would whip up her famous recipe, and we’d eagerly await the moment she ladled it into our bowls, the steam rising like a tantalizing invitation. Whether it’s a Sunday family dinner or a cozy weeknight meal after work, this dish brings comfort and joy to any occasion.

I remember one family dinner where we accidentally made enough soup to feed an army; my brother claimed he could swim in it! The laughter that night was just as memorable as the delicious soup itself.

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

• Dried Split Peas: Look for green or yellow varieties; they should be bright and free from debris for the best flavor.

• Smoked Ham Hock: This adds depth and smokiness; pick one with plenty of meat for extra flavor.

• Carrots: Use fresh ones for sweetness; they should be firm and brightly colored.

• Onion: A yellow onion works best; chop it finely to release its sweet aroma while cooking.

• Celery: Choose crisp stalks that snap when bent; they add freshness and crunch.

• Garlic: Fresh cloves are key; minced garlic enhances the depth of flavor beautifully.

• Vegetable Broth: Use low-sodium broth to control salt levels while still providing great flavor.

• Bay Leaves: These add aromatic qualities; make sure to remove them before serving.

• Pepper and Salt: Adjust seasoning according to taste; start with a little and add more if needed.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

How to Make split pea soup with ham

Prepare Your Ingredients: Start by rinsing the dried split peas under cold water until clear. Soak them if you prefer quicker cooking time. Chop carrots, onions, celery, and garlic into small pieces.

Sauté Aromatics: In a large pot over medium heat, add some olive oil. Once hot, sauté chopped onions until translucent and fragrant—about 5 minutes. Toss in garlic, carrots, and celery for an additional 3-4 minutes until tender.

Add Ham Hock: Nestle the smoked ham hock into your sautéed vegetables. This is where all that delicious smoky flavor will come from!

Add Split Peas and Broth: Pour in the rinsed split peas along with vegetable broth. Add bay leaves at this stage for that aromatic touch!

Simmer Away: Bring everything to a boil before reducing heat to low. Cover and let simmer for about 1 hour or until peas are soft—stir occasionally to prevent sticking.

Finish with Seasoning: Once cooked through, remove the ham hock. Shred any remaining meat and stir it back into the soup. Season generously with salt and pepper before serving hot!

Enjoy every spoonful of this delightful dish! Your taste buds will thank you as you savor each bite of split pea soup with ham—comfort food at its finest!

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by sautéing onions and garlic until fragrant; then add split peas, ham, and broth. Simmer until the peas are tender, stirring occasionally for an even texture.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap out ham for bacon or turkey for a lighter option. Add some fresh herbs like thyme or parsley to elevate the flavor.

Storing & Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to five days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave until steaming hot.

Cooking this split pea soup with ham brings back memories of my grandmother’s kitchen, where her laughter and love filled the air as she stirred her famous pot of soup.

FAQ

Can I use dried split peas instead of canned?

Yes, dried split peas work perfectly but require soaking beforehand for better cooking results.

How long does this soup keep?

The soup lasts up to five days in the fridge when stored properly in an airtight container.

Can I freeze split pea soup with ham?

Absolutely! It freezes well; just ensure it’s cooled before transferring it to freezer-safe containers.

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Split Pea Soup with Ham

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• Author: Clara Rosewood
• Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Yield: Approximately 6 servings 1x

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Description

Warm up with this hearty split pea soup featuring tender peas and savory ham, perfect for chilly evenings. This simplified recipe captures the essence of home-cooked meals, offering rich flavors and delightful aromas. Ideal for family gatherings or meal prep, it’s as nourishing as it is comforting—just like grandma used to make.

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Ingredients

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• 1 cup dried split peas
• 1 smoked ham hock (about 1 lb)
• 2 medium carrots, diced
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 6 cups low-sodium vegetable broth
• 2 bay leaves
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tbsp olive oil

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Instructions

1. Rinse split peas under cold water until clear.
2. In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Sauté onions for about 5 minutes until translucent. Add garlic, carrots, and celery; sauté for another 3-4 minutes.
3. Add the ham hock to the pot.
4. Pour in rinsed split peas and vegetable broth; add bay leaves.
5. Bring to a boil then reduce heat, cover, and simmer for about 1 hour until peas are tender.
6. Remove the ham hock; shred any remaining meat and stir back into the soup. Season with salt and pepper before serving.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 60 minutes
• Category: Main
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
• Calories: 220
• Sugar: 2g
• Sodium: 540mg
• Fat: 6g
• Saturated Fat: 2g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 30g
• Fiber: 10g
• Protein: 14g
• Cholesterol: 25mg