Print

Split Pea Soup with Ham

Indulge in a warm bowl of split pea soup with ham, the ultimate comfort food for chilly days. This creamy and hearty dish combines tender green split peas with smoky ham, offering a delightful flavor experience that evokes memories of family gatherings and cozy nights by the fire. Perfect as a starter or main course, this soup is not only nourishing but also visually appealing with its vibrant green hue. Easy to prepare, it’s sure to impress even novice cooks!

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup green split peas
  • 1 smoked ham hock (about 1 lb)
  • 2 medium carrots, diced
  • 2 stalks celery, diced
  • 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 6 cups low-sodium vegetable broth or water
  • 2 bay leaves
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Heat a large pot over medium heat. Sauté onions, carrots, and celery until soft (about 5 minutes).
  2. Add minced garlic and stir for another minute.
  3. Stir in rinsed green split peas and the smoked ham hock.
  4. Pour in vegetable broth until ingredients are covered; bring to a boil then reduce to simmer.
  5. Add bay leaves along with salt and pepper; simmer uncovered for 60–75 minutes until peas are tender.
  6. Remove the ham hock, shred any meat back into the soup, discard bones/skin, and adjust seasoning before serving.

Nutrition

Keywords: For a vegetarian option, substitute the ham hock with additional vegetables or smoked paprika. To enhance creaminess, blend part of the soup before serving.