This hearty split pea soup is warm and comforting, filled with tender peas, bits of ham, and colorful veggies. It’s the perfect dish for chilly days!
Cooking this soup always reminds me of my grandma’s kitchen. The smell is just unbeatable! I love how easy it is—just toss everything into a pot and let it simmer away. Yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Split Peas: Dried green split peas are essential for this recipe, giving the soup its unique texture. If you can’t find them, yellow split peas work well too. Just keep in mind that cooking time may slightly differ.
Ham Bone: The ham bone adds a rich, smoky flavor. If you don’t have one, smoked turkey leg or a ham hock are great alternatives. If you’re vegetarian, skip the meat and add more vegetables or a dash of liquid smoke for a similar flavor.
Onion, Celery, and Carrots: These three veggies create a solid base for flavor. If you want a twist, try using leeks instead of the onion or add bell peppers for extra color and flavor.
Broth: Chicken broth is ideal, but vegetable broth can be used to keep it vegetarian. Homemade broth can enhance the flavor even further if you have the time to prepare it.
Seasoning: Thyme and bay leaves are essential for depth. You can experiment with other herbs like sage or rosemary if you like. Add spices like smoked paprika for extra warmth.
How Do I Get the Right Texture for My Split Pea Soup?
The key to perfect split pea soup is cooking the peas until they break down and thicken the mixture. Here’s how to achieve that smooth texture while maintaining some heartiness:
- Start with rinsed split peas and ensure they’re added to the pot after the veggies are soft.
- Bring the pot to a boil, then reduce to a simmer. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- After 1.5 to 2 hours, check if the peas are tender. If they’re breaking down too fast, lower the heat slightly.
- For creaminess, use an immersion blender. Blend partially, leaving some peas and a few veggie chunks for texture.
These steps will make your soup deliciously thick while still having great bits of ingredients to enjoy! Don’t forget to taste and adjust seasoning before serving. Enjoy your cozy meal!
How to Make Split Pea Soup with Ham Bone
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Soup:
- 1 lb (450g) dried green split peas, rinsed
- 1 large ham bone (with some meat attached)
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 stalks celery, diced
- 2 medium carrots, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 6 cups (1.4 liters) chicken or vegetable broth
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1 tbsp olive oil or butter
Optional Additions:
- Fresh rosemary or parsley for garnish
- Crusty bread or toasted baguette slices, for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes approximately 10-15 minutes to prep and about 1.5 to 2 hours of cooking time. You’ll spend some time sautéing the veggies, then let the soup simmer for a while to develop its rich flavor. Perfect for a cozy meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Sauté the Vegetables:
Start by heating the olive oil or butter in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the diced onion, celery, and carrots, sautéing them together for about 5-7 minutes until they get nice and soft. This builds a wonderful base flavor for your soup!
2. Add Garlic:
Next, toss in the minced garlic. Cook for another minute or so until it becomes fragrant but be careful not to let it burn.
3. Combine Peas and Ham Bone:
Now, add the rinsed split peas and the ham bone to the pot. The ham bone is what will give your soup its amazing smoky flavor!
4. Add the Broth and Seasonings:
Pour in the chicken or vegetable broth, then add the bay leaves and dried thyme. Stir everything well to combine all the flavors!
5. Bring to a Boil:
Bring your mixture to a boil first. Once it’s boiling, lower the heat and let it simmer uncovered for about 1.5 to 2 hours. Make sure to stir it occasionally so it doesn’t stick to the bottom. The peas will soften and break down to thicken the soup.
6. Add Meat from the Ham Bone:
Once the peas are tender and the soup is thick, carefully remove the ham bone from the pot. Pick off any meat that’s left on the bone, chop it into small pieces, and return that delicious meat back into your soup!
7. Season to Taste:
Now it’s time to remove the bay leaves and season your soup with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Give it a good stir!
8. Blend for Creaminess (Optional):
If you like a creamier texture, use an immersion blender to partially blend the soup, being sure to leave some peas and veggies intact for that lovely texture.
9. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve your soup hot, garnished with fresh rosemary or parsley if you’d like. It goes wonderfully with crusty bread or toasted baguette slices for dipping. Enjoy your hearty, comforting split pea soup!
Can I Use Dried Split Peas Instead of Canned?
Yes, dried split peas are perfect for this recipe! Just make sure to rinse them thoroughly before adding to the pot. They will cook down beautifully during the simmering process.
What If I Don’t Have a Ham Bone?
No problem! You can substitute with a smoked turkey leg, ham hock, or even add some liquid smoke to enhance the flavor without meat. For a vegetarian option, simply leave out the meat entirely and add extra vegetables or seasonings.
Can I Make This Soup in a Slow Cooker?
Absolutely! Simply sauté the vegetables as directed, then transfer them to a slow cooker with the remaining ingredients. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours until the peas are tender.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. You can reheat it on the stove or in the microwave, adding a little broth or water if it thickens too much. The flavors will continue to develop, making it even tastier!