🍽️ FittestMe.aiFoodsNutrients

Classic Split Pea and Ham Soup Recipe

American · Soup · 90 min total

A hearty, comforting soup made with smoky ham and tender split peas, perfect for a cold day.

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 2 carrots, diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 pound dried green split peas, rinsed
• 1 ham bone or 1 meaty ham hock (about 1 pound)
• 8 cups low-sodium chicken broth
• 2 bay leaves
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
• 1 cup diced cooked ham (optional, for extra meat)

Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add onion, carrots, and celery; cook, stirring occasionally, until softened, about 5 minutes. Add garlic and cook 1 minute more.
2. Add split peas, ham bone or hock, chicken broth, bay leaves, and thyme. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer until peas are tender and falling apart, about 1 hour to 1 hour 15 minutes.
3. Remove ham bone or hock from pot. Let cool slightly, then shred any meat from the bone; discard bone and any fat. Return meat to pot. If using diced ham, add now.
4. Remove bay leaves. Using an immersion blender, puree soup to desired consistency (or puree about half in a blender and return to pot). Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot.

Tips

• For a thicker soup, let it simmer uncovered for the last 15 minutes.
• Store leftovers in refrigerator for up to 5 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
• Garnish with croutons or a drizzle of cream if desired.

More about Classic Split Pea and Ham Soup →

AI estimate may be inaccurate · Terms