Description
Make this classic, hearty Split Pea Soup with Ham. This recipe delivers comforting, smoky flavor perfect for a satisfying meal. You will love the rich taste achieved through simple steps.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 pound dried split peas, rinsed
- 8 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 1 smoked ham hock or 1 cup diced ham
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Rinse the split peas thoroughly under cold water.
- In a large pot or Dutch oven, combine the rinsed split peas, broth, onion, carrots, celery, ham hock (or diced ham), garlic, thyme, and bay leaf.
- Bring the mixture to a boil over high heat.
- Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot partially, and simmer for 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the peas are very soft and the soup has thickened. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- If using a ham hock, remove it once cooked. Shred the meat and return it to the pot. Discard the bone and bay leaf.
- Season with salt and pepper to your liking.
- Serve hot.
Notes
- For a vegan version, omit the ham and use vegetable broth. Add smoked paprika for a smoky flavor substitute.
- If the soup becomes too thick, add a little extra broth or water until you reach your desired consistency.
- This soup tastes even better the next day.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 hours
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop Simmering
- Cuisine: American/European
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1.5 cups
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 650mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 18g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 40mg