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Split Pea Soup with Ham
Prep Time
15 mins
Cook Time
1 hr 15 mins
12 hours soaking time
12 hrs
Total Time
13 hrs 30 mins
 

Rich and hearty split pea soup flavored with salty ham and spices. Perfect with a thick slice of bread.

Course: Soup
Cuisine: American
Keyword: diced ham, dried split peas
Servings: 8 people
Author: Julia Robarts
Ingredients
  • 1 pound dried split peas
  • 1 tablespoon butter
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1/2 large sweet onion, diced about 3/4 cup
  • 2 large stalks celery, diced
  • 2 medium carrots, diced
  • 2 teaspoons minced garlic
  • 1 1/2 cups chopped ham or smoked shoulder
  • 4 cups water
  • 4 cups chicken broth reduced sodium
  • 3/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
  • 1 whole bay leaf
  • 3/4 teaspoon dried thyme
Instructions

  1. Place the peas in a large pot or bowl, cover with water by 2 inches and soak 8 hours or overnight. 

  2. Once soaking is complete, drain the peas and set aside. In a large pot, heat the butter and oil over medium-high heat. Add the onions, celery, and carrots and cook, stirring, until just soft, about 5 minutes. Add the garlic and ham, and cook, stirring, for another 30 seconds.

  3. Add the drained peas, water, chicken brother, black pepper, bay leaf, and thyme. Cover and bring just to a boil, then lower heat to a simmer. Cook until the peas are tender, about 1 hour, stirring occasionally. 

  4. Remove bay leaf. Taste soup and adjust seasonings or adding salt as necessary. Serve warm with thick bread.

Recipe Notes

I prefer chicken broth for flavor, but vegetable broth would work equally well here.