Imagine a warm bowl of split pea and ham soup, where the earthy split peas meld seamlessly with smoky ham, creating a cozy embrace of flavors that envelops you like your favorite blanket on a chilly day. The aroma wafts through the kitchen, pulling everyone in to gather around the table, eager to dive into this hearty delight that’s perfect for both lazy weekends and bustling weeknights.
Growing up, this comforting soup was a staple at family gatherings, where laughter mingled with the savory scent of onions and garlic sautéing on the stove. Each spoonful brings back memories of shared moments and joyful conversations, making it an ideal dish for chilly evenings or any time you need a little extra warmth and love. Get ready to savor every bite as this recipe transforms ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary experience!
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This delightful split pea and ham soup is as easy to whip up as it is to devour
- Each spoonful delivers a comforting blend of savory flavors that will warm your soul
- Its vibrant green hue and hearty ingredients create a feast for the eyes as well as the stomach
- You can add or swap ingredients based on your pantry, making it a flexible choice for any meal
There’s nothing quite like the warmth of my family’s smiles when I serve my split pea and ham soup on chilly evenings.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious split pea and ham soup:
- 1 cup split peas: Rinsed and drained, these legumes are the star of the soup, providing a creamy texture.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Use for sautéing the vegetables; it adds flavor and helps with the cooking process.
- 1 medium onion: Chopped finely, it forms the aromatic base for a rich and flavorful soup.
- 2 cloves garlic: Minced, this ingredient enhances the overall taste with its aromatic qualities.
- 2 medium carrots: Diced for sweetness and color; choose firm carrots for best results.
- 2 stalks celery: Diced to add crunch and depth to the soup’s flavor profile.
- 1 bay leaf: Adds a subtle herbal note, but remember to remove it before serving!
- 6 cups chicken broth: Low sodium is ideal for controlling saltiness while infusing the soup with rich flavor.
- 1 cup diced ham: Smoked or cooked, this adds a savory element that complements the split peas beautifully.
- 1 teaspoon thyme: Dried thyme enhances the soup’s aroma; fresh thyme can also be used if available.
- 1 teaspoon black pepper: Add to taste, adjusting according to your preference for heat and spice.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Adjust based on your taste preferences; keep in mind the saltiness of the ham and broth.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it together
Prepare the Base: Begin by gathering your ingredients and a large pot to create a comforting split pea and ham soup. Heat one tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat until it shimmers, signaling that it’s ready for action. Add the chopped onion, diced carrots, and celery to the pot, stirring them gently. As they sauté for about 5 minutes, let the vibrant colors brighten up your kitchen while the aromatic scents start to fill the air. This is when your vegetables begin to soften and release their natural sweetness.
Add Aromatics: Once the vegetables are softened, it’s time to introduce two cloves of minced garlic into the mix. Cook this fragrant addition for an additional minute, allowing it to blend beautifully with the sautéed veggies. You’ll notice how the aroma transforms, becoming a warm invitation for everyone around. Just be careful not to let the garlic brown; you want it to become fragrant without burning.
Combine Ingredients: Now comes the exciting part! Stir in one cup of rinsed and drained split peas along with six cups of low-sodium chicken broth. Toss in a bay leaf, one teaspoon each of dried thyme and black pepper, and add your cup of diced ham—smoked or cooked works beautifully here. Bring everything to a lively boil; this is where flavors start dancing together!
Simmer for Comfort: Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and cover your pot. Let it simmer gently for about 60 minutes. During this time, you’ll want to check on it occasionally; give it a little stir and enjoy how thickly creamy it becomes as the peas soften. The anticipation builds as you wait for those lovely flavors to meld together.
Final Touches: After an hour has passed, carefully remove that bay leaf—it’s done its job! Now taste your soup and season with salt and pepper according to your preference. If you find it’s too thick for your liking, simply add a splash more broth or water until you reach that perfect consistency.
Serve with Love: Ladle out generous portions of your warm split pea and ham soup into bowls, garnishing with fresh herbs if desired for an extra touch of brightness. Enjoy this comforting bowl of goodness hot, perhaps with some crusty bread on the side!
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Rinse the split peas thoroughly before cooking to remove any debris and ensure a smoother soup texture
- Sauté the vegetables until they’re softened; this enhances the flavor base of your split pea and ham soup
- If you prefer a creamier texture, blend a portion of the soup before serving for added richness
Perfecting the Cooking Process
To achieve the best results with split pea and ham soup, start by sautéing the onion, carrots, and celery for five minutes until softened. After adding garlic, combine the split peas and broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 60 minutes for perfectly tender peas.
Ingredients for Split Pea and Ham Soup
For making split pea and ham soup, gather the following ingredients: 1 cup of rinsed and drained split peas, 1 tablespoon of olive oil for sautéing, 1 medium chopped onion, 2 minced garlic cloves, 2 diced medium carrots, 2 diced stalks of celery, 1 bay leaf, 6 cups of low sodium chicken broth, 1 cup of diced smoked or cooked ham, 1 teaspoon of dried thyme, as well as salt and black pepper to taste.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Begin preparing your split pea and ham soup by heating olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, diced carrots, and celery; sauté these vegetables for about five minutes until they become softened. Then incorporate the minced garlic into the pot and cook for an additional minute until it releases its fragrant aroma. Next, stir in the rinsed split peas along with chicken broth, bay leaf, thyme, and diced ham. Bring this mixture to a boil before reducing the heat to low. Cover and let it simmer for approximately 60 minutes or until the peas are tender. Once done cooking, remove the bay leaf and season your soup with salt and pepper according to your taste preferences. If you find that your soup is too thick for your liking, feel free to add more broth or water until you achieve your desired consistency. Finally, serve hot with fresh herbs as a delightful garnish if desired.
Serving Suggestions
When serving your split pea and ham soup, consider pairing it with warm crusty bread or a fresh side salad for a complete meal experience. The rich flavors of the soup complement simple sides beautifully while enhancing its comforting nature. Enjoy this hearty dish on chilly days or whenever you crave something nourishing.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to personalize your split pea and ham soup by adding ingredients like diced potatoes for extra heartiness or a splash of lemon juice for brightness. You can also swap out the thyme for rosemary or add in some smoked paprika for a deeper flavor profile. Enjoy experimenting!
Storing & Reheating
To store split pea and ham soup, let it cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat, warm gently on the stove over medium heat until heated through, about 10-15 minutes.
FAQ
What are the main ingredients in split pea and ham soup?
The main ingredients include split peas, ham, vegetables, chicken broth, and seasonings.
How long does it take to make split pea and ham soup?
The total time to prepare and cook is about 75 minutes.
Can I adjust the thickness of the split pea and ham soup?
Yes, add more broth or water if the soup is too thick for your preference.
split pea and ham soup
Ingredients
Method
- In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté for about 5 minutes until the vegetables are softened.
- Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
- Stir in the split peas, chicken broth, bay leaf, thyme, and diced ham. Bring to a boil.
- Reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 60 minutes, or until the peas are tender.
- Remove the bay leaf, and season with salt and pepper to taste. If the soup is too thick, add more broth or water to reach desired consistency.
- Serve hot, garnished with fresh herbs if desired.
