Hearty Split Pea Soup with Ham – A Bowl of Comfort
Introduction
Cold days call for a bowl of something warm, hearty, and satisfying. Split pea soup with ham answers that craving perfectly. It is thick, rich in flavor, and packed with wholesome ingredients. This timeless dish has been a staple in many homes for generations, not just for its comforting taste but also for how nourishing it is. Every spoonful warms the belly and fills you up just right.
The base of the soup, split peas, breaks down as it cooks to create a naturally creamy texture. When combined with smoky ham, tender vegetables, and a touch of seasoning, the result is a bowl full of depth and warmth. It is the kind of soup that brings comfort with every bite and lingers in memory long after the last spoonful.
Perfect for make-ahead meals, this soup gets even better the next day. It also freezes well, making it ideal for batch cooking. Whether you are serving it for lunch, a cozy dinner, or stashing it in the freezer for later, this split pea soup with ham brings homemade comfort to your table.
Ingredients Needed
| Ingredient | Quantity | Calories (approx) |
|---|---|---|
| Split peas (dry) | 2 cups | 672 |
| Cooked ham (diced) | 1.5 cups | 330 |
| Carrots (chopped) | 2 large | 100 |
| Celery (chopped) | 2 stalks | 20 |
| Onion (chopped) | 1 medium | 45 |
| Garlic (minced) | 3 cloves | 15 |
| Olive oil | 1 tablespoon | 120 |
| Bay leaf | 1 | 0 |
| Dried thyme | 1 teaspoon | 3 |
| Salt | To taste | 0 |
| Black pepper | To taste | 2 |
| Water or broth | 6 cups | 60 (if broth) |
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
Rinse the split peas thoroughly under cold water. Set them aside to drain.
In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onions, carrots, and celery. Cook for about 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally until the vegetables begin to soften.
Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
Add the split peas, diced ham, bay leaf, and dried thyme to the pot. Pour in the water or broth and stir everything together.
Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and simmer for about 60 to 75 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and to help the peas break down evenly.
Once the peas have broken down and the soup has thickened, remove the bay leaf. Use a spoon to taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper.
If a smoother texture is preferred, you can use an immersion blender to blend a portion of the soup directly in the pot. This gives it an extra creamy finish while keeping some texture.
Ladle the soup into bowls and serve warm with crusty bread or a sprinkle of fresh herbs.
Read more: Best Oven French Toast Recipe
Tips for Customizing the Recipe
For a smoky flavor boost, add a ham bone or smoked ham hock during cooking and remove it before serving.
Vegetarian? Skip the ham and use vegetable broth. You can add chopped mushrooms or smoked paprika to build depth.
If the soup gets too thick while simmering, just add a splash of water or broth to loosen it up.
You can also throw in diced potatoes or turnips for a more filling twist. Just add them early in the simmering stage so they soften nicely.
Fresh herbs like parsley or dill added just before serving give a bright pop of flavor.
Read more: Easy French Toast Muffins Recipe
Nutritional Information
Per serving (1 cup):
| Nutrient | Amount |
| Calories | 230 |
| Total Fat | 6g |
| Saturated Fat | 1.5g |
| Cholesterol | 25mg |
| Sodium | 540mg |
| Carbohydrates | 28g |
| Fiber | 10g |
| Sugar | 4g |
| Protein | 18g |
Nutritional values may vary depending on specific ingredients used.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this soup with a warm slice of crusty sourdough or a buttery biscuit. The bread helps soak up every bit of the soup.
A simple green salad with a zesty vinaigrette makes a great side, offering a refreshing contrast to the richness of the soup.
Top the bowl with a sprinkle of grated Parmesan or a few dashes of hot sauce for extra flair.
If serving a crowd, pair the soup with a charcuterie-style board of pickles, cheese, and nuts to round out the meal.
Read more: Easy French Toast Recipe Stove Top
Conclusion
Few meals offer the comfort and satisfaction of a bowl of homemade split pea soup with ham. It is hearty, full of flavor, and incredibly nourishing. Perfect for chilly nights or whenever you need a little comfort in your kitchen.
The ingredients are simple and the preparation is easy. Yet the result is a dish that tastes like it has been simmering all day. With a little customization, you can make it just the way you like.
Keep some in the fridge for quick meals or freeze extra portions for those days when cooking feels like too much. This soup is always ready to bring warmth and joy to your table.