Save A comforting, savory soup made with split peas, leftover ham, and a ham bone for rich, smoky flavor—perfect for chilly days and making the most of leftovers.
I remember making this split pea soup for my family after a big holiday dinner. Everyone loved how satisfying and warming it was, especially with fresh bread on a cold evening.
Ingredients
- Leftover ham bone: With some meat attached
- Cooked ham: 1 cup, diced
- Onion: 1 large, diced
- Carrots: 2, peeled and diced
- Celery stalks: 2, diced
- Garlic: 2 cloves, minced
- Bay leaf: 1
- Dried split peas: 2 cups, rinsed and sorted
- Low-sodium chicken broth (or water): 8 cups
- Dried thyme: 1 teaspoon
- Black pepper: 1/2 teaspoon
- Salt: To taste
Instructions
- Prep and Sauté:
- In a large soup pot, heat a splash of oil over medium heat. Add onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté for 5 minutes until softened.
- Add Garlic:
- Add garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Combine Ingredients:
- Stir in split peas, ham bone, bay leaf, thyme, and black pepper. Pour in chicken broth.
- Simmer:
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 1.5 to 2 hours, stirring occasionally, until peas are very tender and soup thickens.
- Finish Soup:
- Remove ham bone and bay leaf. Pick off any meat from the bone and return it to the pot along with diced ham.
- Season:
- Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and additional pepper if needed.
- Purée (optional):
- Use an immersion blender to partially puree for a creamier texture, if desired.
- Serve:
- Serve hot with crusty bread.
Save Sharing this soup with my kids always brings back memories of childhood winters and the simple comfort that comes from one-pot meals.
Required Tools
Large soup pot or Dutch oven, cutting board and knife, ladle, immersion blender (optional)
Allergen Information
Contains none of the top 8 allergens. Check store-bought broth and ham for gluten.
Nutritional Information
Calories: 320, Total Fat: 8 g, Carbohydrates: 38 g, Protein: 22 g per serving.
Save This split pea and ham soup is a true classic—just right for cozy nights and making the most of leftovers.
Recipe FAQs
- → How long should the split peas be cooked?
Simmer the split peas for 1.5 to 2 hours until they become very tender and the broth thickens.
- → Can I use smoked paprika instead of ham?
Yes, for a vegetarian option, omit ham and ham bone and add smoked paprika for a smoky flavor.
- → What is the best way to thicken the soup?
Partially pureeing the soup with an immersion blender helps create a creamy texture without adding cream.
- → What kind of broth works best?
Low-sodium chicken broth is ideal, but vegetable broth can be used as a substitute to adjust flavor and dietary preferences.
- → How can leftovers be reheated without losing texture?
If the soup thickens when cooled, thin it with additional broth or water before reheating gently on the stove.