Split Pea and Ham Soup

Quick Facts

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Servings: 8

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon butter1
• 1 tablespoon olive oil1
• 3 celery stalks, diced1
• 2 carrots, diced1
• 1 small yellow onion, diced1
• 3 cloves garlic, minced1
• 6 cups low sodium chicken broth1
• 2 cups water1
• 16 ounces dried split peas1
• 2 bay leaves1
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme1
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano1
• Salt and fresh ground black pepper, to taste1
• 1½ pounds smoked ham hocks, or a meaty ham bone1
• Chopped fresh parsley, for garnish1

Instructions

1. Sauté the veggies: In a large pot or Dutch oven, I like to melt the butter with olive oil over medium-high heat. Then, I sauté the chopped celery, carrots, and onions for about 4 minutes until they start to soften. Next, I add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant1.
2. Combine ingredients: I stir in the chicken broth and water, making sure to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot. Then, I add the split peas, bay leaves, thyme, oregano, salt, and pepper. Remember to be cautious with the salt, as the ham is already quite salty1.
3. Simmer: I add the ham hocks or ham bone to the pot and bring the mixture to a boil. Once it’s boiling, I reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for about 1 hour and 15 minutes. I check it around the 55-minute mark to see if the peas are tender1.
4. Shred the ham: I carefully remove the ham bone from the soup (be careful of splatters!). Once it’s cool enough to handle, I shred or chop the ham meat, discarding any bones or skin1.
5. Finish the soup: I return the ham to the pot and cook for another minute. Then, I taste and adjust the seasoning if needed. If it’s too salty, I add a bit of water to dilute it.
6. Serve: Finally, I ladle the split pea soup into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley1.

Why You’ll Love This Soup

• Comforting: There’s nothing quite like a warm bowl of split pea soup on a cold day14.
• Easy to make: With simple ingredients and straightforward instructions, this soup is perfect for a weeknight meal1.
• Budget-friendly: Split peas are an inexpensive source of protein and fiber6.
• Great for leftovers: This soup tastes even better the next day!

Serving Suggestions

• Bread: Serve with crusty bread, warm rolls, or homemade focaccia for dipping24.
• Toppings: A dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of black pepper can add extra flavor43.
• Side Salad: Pair with a simple green salad for a complete meal.

Tips for Customization

• Add more veggies: Feel free to add other vegetables like potatoes, leeks, or spinach1.
• Make it vegetarian: Omit the ham and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth6.
• Spice it up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat.
• Use different herbs: Try using rosemary or sage instead of thyme and oregano1.
• Make it smooth: Use an immersion blender to blend the soup to your desired consistency3.

Nutritional Info

Split Pea Soup is a good source of:

• Fiber
• Protein
• Iron
• Vitamins

Note: Nutritional information will vary based on specific ingredients and serving sizes.

FAQs

Can I use yellow split peas instead of green?Yes, you can2. The color and flavor will be slightly different, but the result will still be delicious.