Best Split Pea Soup Recipe

Keep those canned soups away! In no time at all, you can make homemade split pea soup with ham for your family. It’s a great way to warm up and get in loads of nutrients you’ll feel good serving to loved ones.

Easy Split Pea Soup Recipe

It only takes 20 minutes to prep this easy split pea soup recipe. Once it gets bubbling up on the stove, the hardest part is keeping your stomach from grumbling while you wait for it to finish!

• Butter – For sautéing your aromatics. Use unsalted or it may make the soup too salty!
• Aromatics – Diced carrots and celery, plus chopped yellow onion and minced garlic.
• Split peas – Get the dried ones. No need to soak, but do rinse and dry them.
• Ham bone – A staple for making split pea soup with ham bone. Adds tons of flavor to your soup.
• Diced ham – Makes the perfect meaty contribution.
• Water and chicken stock – Creates your soup base.
• Seasonings – Bay leaves, kosher salt, and black pepper.
• Fresh thyme – The secret to making your soup taste like it came from a gourmet restaurant!
• Garlic croutons – These make a great garnish!

How do you Make Split Pea and Ham Soup from Scratch?

To make this split pea soup with ham recipe, melt the butter in a large soup pot and add the onion, carrots, celery, salt, and pepper. Sauté until soft, then add garlic for about 30 seconds, followed by the split peas. Add the bay leaves, ham bone, and part of the fresh thyme, then pour in the chicken stock and water. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer for 60 to 90 minutes, stirring occasionally until the split peas are fork tender. Add the ham in the last 20 minutes of cook time, remove the ham bone and bay leaves, and add the remaining thyme.

Expert Tips and Tricks for the Perfect Split Pea Soup Every Time

• Yes, you can make it meatless. Omit the ham bone and ham, and use vegetable stock instead of chicken stock.
• Choose your consistency. Cook your pea soup for at least an hour, then check the split peas. Some like it thicker, while others prefer more liquid. You will be able to see after 60 minutes whether or not it is to your liking.
• Don’t use salted butter. The soup will be salty enough from the ham. If you only have salted butter, omit the additional salt in the recipe.

Do split peas need to be soaked before cooking?

No, they do not, which is why they are such a great pantry staple. Just rinse and dry them before using in the soup.

What happens if you don’t rinse split peas?

You may accidentally include dirt or other particles in your soup if you don’t rinse them first.

Is split pea soup healthy?

Yes, it certainly is, especially since it contains vegetables and beans rich in protein.

How to Cook Split Pea Soup

Split pea soup cooks up wonderfully on your stovetop. You can use one pot for easy cleanup!

How long does it take to cook split peas?

It will take about 30 to 40 minutes for the split peas to cook. Check the consistency; once they are fork tender, add the ham and finish cooking for another 20 minutes.

How do I make my ham and pea soup thicker?

Let the liquid cook away, but if it’s still not thick enough, smush the peas to thicken. If that doesn’t work, a cornstarch slurry should do the trick!

What goes well with Split Pea Soup?

Serve grilled cheese sandwiches, quiche, cornbread, a lemon vinaigrette salad, or a charcuterie board. It’s a versatile soup perfect as a light meal or starter.

How to Store Split Pea Soup?

Once cooled, package the soup in airtight containers and refrigerate.

How Long Does Split Pea Soup Last?

In the fridge, split pea soup is good for about a week. After that, freezing is your best option.

Can You Freeze Split Pea Soup?

Yes, and it freezes very well too. You can keep it frozen for about 3 months.

How to Reheat Split Pea Soup?

Simply warm it up on your stovetop. If it’s too thick, adjust the consistency by adding broth a little at a time.

FAQ

1. Can I make split pea soup in a slow cooker?

Yes, you can! Just follow the same steps and let it cook on low for 6-8 hours.

2. What type of ham should I use?

A meaty ham bone or diced ham works best for great flavor.

3. Can I add other vegetables to the soup?

Absolutely! Potatoes, leeks, or spinach can be great additions.

4. How do I know if my split peas are bad?

If they have a rancid odor or have been stored for too long, it’s best to discard them.

5. Can I use other types of peas?

While green peas or other legumes can be used, they may change the flavor and texture of the soup.