This split pea and ham soup recipe makes a cozy and hearty bowl of delicious flavor.
Homemade ham and split pea soup is chock full of split peas, veggies, and ham in a beefy broth filled with slow-cooked flavor.
You’ll Love This Split Pea and Ham Soup Because…
- It is a great way to use up every bit of tasty ham from the holidays or Sunday supper.
- Budget-friendly split pea soup with ham is full of healthy fiber and protein for even the biggest of appetites.
- You can serve it from a crock pot on game day or movie nights. Just add a thick slice of bread for a hearty meal.
Ingredients and Variations
Split Peas: Split peas look like lentils but are actually peas. You can use green or yellow split peas if you like, although green split peas tend to be a bit sweeter. Soak them overnight or cook them in an Instant Pot or pressure cooker if time is short.
Ham: A ham bone (or ham hock) adds tons of flavor to this soup. Freeze a leftover one if you can, or buy one on sale.
Broth: For the best, richest flavor, use beef broth or stock and fresh thyme and parsley. Some minced garlic or even a dash or two of Tabasco will also add extra flavor to ham and split pea soup.
Vegetables: Onions, carrots, and celery are used to add a subtle sweetness to recipes (AKA ‘mirepoix).
Variations
- No ham bone? No problem! Add diced ham or crumbled bacon and some extra broth to add flavor. Or use a leftover turkey leg, or buy one already smoked, for a delicious alternative.
- Experiment with other veggies that might be leftover, or convenient. If prep time is short, simply toss in a bag of frozen vegetable medley if desired.
- Soup a bit too thin? Instead of using a thickening agent like flour or cornstarch, you can remove a cup of finished soup and mash or blend it, then return to the pot. Or puree cooked potatoes and blend them to the soup thoroughly. Delish!
How to Make Split Pea and Ham Soup
- Rinse and drain peas.
- Add all ingredients (recipe below) to a large pot and bring to a boil.
- Cover and simmer until peas are tender.
- Remove bay leaf and ham bone.
- Chop ham and add it back to the soup.
- Cook until desired consistency before serving.
Storing Soup
Keep leftover ham and split pea soup in a covered container in the refrigerator for up to a week. Reheat on the stovetop over low heat, or in the microwave, and adjust the seasonings to taste.
Freeze portions in zippered bags for up to 3 months. Reheat on low and stir in a little broth to loosen the soup if desired.
More Soup-er Recipes To Try!
Have you tried this Split Pea and Ham Soup Recipe? Be sure to leave a comment and rating below.
Split Pea and Ham Soup
Equipment
Ingredients
- 2 cups dried green split peas
- 1 meaty ham bone or leftover ham
- 3 cups beef broth
- 7 cups water
- 1 bay leaf
- 2 teaspoons parsley fresh or dried
- 1 medium onion diced
- 3 celery diced
- 2 large carrot diced
- ½ teaspoon fresh thyme leaves
- ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- salt optional, to taste
Instructions
- Rinse peas and drain well.
- In a large pot, combine peas, ham, broth, water, bay leaf, and parsley. Add in onion, celery, carrots, thyme, pepper, and salt (if using). Bring to a boil, reduce heat to low and simmer covered for 1 ½ hours. Stir once, about half way through.
- Remove bay leaf and discard. Remove ham bone and chop the meat from the bone.
- Add meat back to soup and cook on low 15-30 minutes or until reaches your desired consistency.
Notes
- Refrigerate leftovers in a covered container for up to a week.
- Reheat on the stovetop over low heat, or quickly in the microwave.
- Freeze portions in zippered bags for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator, then reheat on low and stir in some broth if needed.
Nutrition Information
Nutrition information does not include optional ingredients or garnish and is an estimate. It may change based on actual ingredients and cooking methods used.
©Our Zesty Life. Content and photographs are copyright protected. Sharing of this recipe is both encouraged and appreciated. Copying and/or pasting full recipes to any social media is strictly prohibited.
Like our recipes?
Follow us on Pinterest!
REPIN this Split Pea And Ham Soup Recipe
Adapted from Spend With Pennies
Delicious, thanks!
WOW just what I was looking for.
So good.
Thank you Wilson!
May I simply say thank you, love it.
I love this one.
Thanks for sharing this great recipe.
Thank you 🙂
This is a well-ⅼoved recipe!
Great dish.
Perfect recipe!
Thanks for great recipe
Thanks, love this one
thank you for your recipe
This soup is so good.
Thank you!
If you are going for most excellent soup, this is it, thanks
You’re welcome Cara! Enjoy!
Thank you for sharing your recipe. I really love it.
Thank you Leon, it’s my daughter’s most requested soup!
My word this is amazing!
Thank you a bunch for sharing this!
Can this be done in a crock pot?
Sure could! I’d cook on high for 4-5 hours or on low for 8-10 hours. About 1-2 hours before serving, remove ham bone, chop meat, and add the meat back to the slow cooker. Enjoy Renate!
Just what I was looking for!