Split Pea and Ham Soup Recipe

There’s something so comforting about a steaming bowl of Split Pea and Ham Soup. It’s the kind of dish that wraps you in warmth, perfect for those chilly evenings when cozying up is a must.

This recipe is a delightful blend of earthy split peas and savory ham, creating a harmony of flavors that’s simply irresistible. With just a few ingredients, it transforms into a hearty meal that feels like a warm hug.

The aroma that fills the kitchen while it simmers is pure magic. Each spoonful is packed with nutrients and soul-satisfying goodness, making it not just a meal, but an experience.

Whether served with crusty bread or on its own, this soup is the ultimate comfort food. Dive into this recipe and discover the joy of creating something so delicious and heartwarming.

Ingredients

To recreate a delicious Split Pea and Ham Soup for four people, you’ll need a variety of ingredients that contribute to its rich flavor and texture. Here’s a comprehensive list to help you get started:

• 1 cup split green peas, rinsed and drained
• 1 tablespoon olive oil, for sautéing
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 medium carrots, diced
• 2 ribs celery, diced
• 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
• 1 cup cooked ham, diced
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 bay leaf
• Salt, to taste
• Black pepper, freshly ground, to taste
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish

Instructions

Creating a hearty Split Pea and Ham Soup is straightforward and rewarding. Follow these steps for a delicious, comforting meal that serves four.

1. Heat the olive oil: In a large pot, add 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat, allowing it to warm up and coat the bottom of the pot.
2. Sauté the aromatics: Add 1 medium chopped onion and sauté for about 3-4 minutes until it becomes translucent, followed by 2 minced garlic cloves, stirring for an additional minute until fragrant.
3. Add the vegetables: Incorporate 2 diced medium carrots and 2 diced ribs of celery into the pot, cooking for another 5 minutes until the vegetables begin to soften.
4. Add the split peas: Stir in 1 cup of rinsed and drained split green peas, mixing well with the vegetables to combine all the flavors.
5. Pour in the chicken broth: Carefully add 4 cups of low-sodium chicken broth to the pot, ensuring that the peas and vegetables are fully submerged.
6. Season the soup: Add 1 teaspoon of dried thyme, 1 bay leaf, and salt and black pepper to taste, stirring to incorporate the seasonings evenly throughout the soup.
7. Simmer the soup: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and cover the pot, letting it simmer gently for about 30-40 minutes until the peas are tender and the soup thickens.
8. Add the ham: Once the peas are soft, stir in 1 cup of diced cooked ham, allowing it to heat through for an additional 5 minutes.
9. Adjust seasoning: Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed, ensuring it’s flavorful to your liking.
10. Garnish and serve: Remove the bay leaf, ladle the soup into bowls, and sprinkle with 2 tablespoons of chopped fresh parsley for a burst of color and freshness before serving.

Tweaks and Additions

Enhancing a classic Split Pea and Ham Soup can make it even more flavorful and comforting. Here are some tweaks and additions to elevate this delicious recipe.

• Add smoked paprika: Incorporating 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika while sautéing the vegetables can introduce a subtle smokiness that complements the ham and adds depth to the soup’s flavor.
• Include potatoes: Dicing 1 medium potato and adding it with the other vegetables will create a heartier texture and contribute to the overall creaminess of the soup.
• Incorporate bay leaves for aroma: Using 2 bay leaves instead of one can enhance the aromatic profile of the soup, providing a richer flavor as it simmers.
• Add a splash of vinegar: A tablespoon of apple cider vinegar or white wine vinegar added just before serving brightens the flavors and balances the richness of the ham.
• Use fresh herbs: Instead of just parsley for garnish, consider adding fresh thyme or dill to enhance the herbal notes and add a burst of freshness to the finished dish.
• Experiment with different broths: Substituting vegetable broth for chicken broth can make the soup vegetarian-friendly while still providing a robust flavor.
• Top with crispy bacon: For an extra layer of flavor and texture, garnish the soup with crumbled crispy bacon before serving.
• Serve with crusty bread: Pairing the soup with a loaf of crusty bread or homemade cornbread can complement the meal and provide a satisfying crunch.