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Classic Hearty Split Pea Soup with Ham

Close-up of a thick, green pea soup in a white bowl, garnished with shredded ham.
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Make this classic split pea soup for a thick, comforting meal. This recipe uses simple ingredients and a ham bone for deep, smoky flavor, perfect for a cozy dinner.

Ingredients

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  • 1 pound dried split peas, rinsed
  • 1 large ham bone or 1 cup diced ham
  • 6 cups water or low-sodium chicken broth
  • 1 large onion, chopped
  • 2 carrots, diced
  • 2 celery stalks, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt (adjust after cooking)

Instructions

  1. Rinse the split peas under cold water until the water runs clear. Discard any small stones or discolored peas.
  2. In a large pot or Dutch oven, combine the rinsed split peas, ham bone (or diced ham), water or broth, onion, carrots, celery, garlic, bay leaf, thyme, and pepper.
  3. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat.
  4. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot partially, and let it simmer for 1.5 to 2 hours, stirring occasionally.
  5. The soup is ready when the peas have broken down and the soup has thickened. Remove the ham bone and shred any usable meat, discarding the bone. Return the meat to the pot.
  6. Taste the soup and add salt as needed. If the soup is too thick, add a little hot water or broth until you reach your desired consistency.
  7. Remove the bay leaf before serving. Serve hot for a satisfying comfort food soup.

Notes

  • For a smoky pea soup flavor without a ham bone, add 1/2 cup of chopped smoked ham hock or 2 slices of bacon during the initial cooking step.
  • If you prefer a smoother texture, use an immersion blender to partially blend the soup before serving.
  • This recipe is excellent for high protein meal prep; it thickens considerably upon refrigeration.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://cookingbyfelix.com/classic-hearty-pea-soup-with-ham/