Split pea and ham

Split pea and ham is a hearty, comforting soup or stew made from dried split peas, a meaty ham bone or ham hocks, and aromatic vegetables like onions, carrots, and celery. It is a classic staple in American, British, and Canadian home cooking, often associated with using up leftover holiday ham. The slow simmering process allows the peas to break down into a thick, creamy base while the ham infuses the dish with a deep, savory flavor.

🍽️ Nutrition at a glance

This dish is a well-balanced meal, providing a good source of plant-based protein and dietary fiber from the split peas, with additional protein from the ham. A typical serving (about 1.5 cups) generally ranges from 250 to 350 calories, with moderate fat content depending on the cut of ham used.

Nutrition breakdown

Calories	250 kcal
Protein	15 g
Carbs	35 g
Fat	5 g
Fiber	8 g
Sugar	6 g
Sodium	900 mg
Potassium	600 mg
Iron	3 mg
Magnesium	50 mg
Phosphorus	180 mg
Zinc	2 mg
Vitamin A	40 mcg RAE
Vitamin C	5 mg
Folate	60 mcg DFE

Per 1 cup (240 g) · estimated, varies by recipe

💡 What's interesting

Culturally, it's a prime example of 'waste-not, want-not' cooking, transforming a simple legume and a leftover bone into a nourishing meal. Nutritionally, the combination of ham and peas creates a complete protein profile, and the high fiber content makes it exceptionally filling and supportive of digestive health.