Split Pea Soup With Ham
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Split pea soup with ham is a hearty, delicious soup. It’s very economical to make, and tastes under 45 minutes on the stove top. It’s also perfect for the crockpot. The split pea is an amazing little legume. You don’t have to do much to it for it to taste really good. (This post was originally published on October 4, 2011. As an Amazon Affiliate, I earn commission on qualifying purchases.)
Why we love split pea soup with ham recipe.
It’s easy, delicious and budget friendly! Every time I make split pea soup with ham, I feel as though I’ve “cheated”. The reward is always double the effort, and it’s dirt cheap. A package of split peas is about $1.50, which makes it incredibly budget friendly, feeding the four of us for at least two meals! It thickens up on it’s own, especially when you use a ham bone or ham hock. It’s also a great way to repurpose any leftover ham or the ham bone like this Bourbon and Brown Sugar Glazed Ham.
How to make split pea soup.
I don’t use a special recipe to make this soup. In fact, I’ve always just slightly adjusted the recipe on the back of the package of split peas, and then adding some chopped celery, fresh thyme, a little garlic, or some more carrots. A heavy bottomed pan with a tight fitting lid like this budget friendly Dutch oven is a good choice.
Can you make split pea soup in the crockpot?
I’ve made it on the stove-top and in the slow-cooker, and each time it comes out just delicious! The best part about it, is you just pop everything in the crockpot and forget about it.
Can you make split pea soup without a ham bone?
If you don’t have a ham bone, you can use smoked ham hocks, or skip the pork all together, or use a smoked turkey neck. You can also make make a completely vegetarian version by omitting the meat altogether.
Pro-tip:
When I’m prepping vegetables I like to keep two bowls near me. I can put all my waste into one and my finished veg in the second. This eliminates going back and forth to trash can and makes clean up a lot easier. If you compost your vegetable peelings, you can transfer them easily.
While I usually use a blender when I want to make my soups very smooth like this Leek and Potato Soup for more rustic soups like Tuscan White Bean Soup and Split Pea, I use an immersion blender which leaves it a little chunkier.
What to serve with split pea soup.
While this is hearty enough on its own, you can serve split pea soup with these Gluten Free Bread Sticks or Olive Oil Bread.
Split Pea Soup
Ingredients
- 16 ounces green split peas
- 2 Tablespoons olive oil or avocado oil
- 1 large onion diced
- 2 large carrots peeled and diced
- 1 clove garlic crushed
- 1 bay leaf
- 8 ounces ham hock smoked turkey neck or ham bone. (optional)
- 1 sprig fresh thyme
- 2 quarts water
- Kosher salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a large pot, heat oil over a medium heat. Sauté onions and carrots in olive oil, then add split peas and water to cover vegetables by about 2 or 3 inches (about 2 quarts).
- Add bay leaf, thyme sprig and ham hock, if desired.
- Reduce heat, cover and simmer on low until peas are soft, about 45 minutes to an hour.
- Remove the bay leaf and thyme sprigs and ham hock.
- Use an immersion blender or regular blender and puree soup.
- If using a ham bone, dice any ham and return back to soup.
- Season to taste with salt and pepper
- For slow-cooker, add all ingredients to slow-cooker and set to low for 6-8 hours. No need to sauté onions.
Cynthia – I’m really enjoying your blog. Have printed out almost all of the recipes, have tried many and will get to all of them eventually. You remind me of my Julie. You get so much done besides holding down a regular job. Keep it up.
Thanks Margaret! I’m enjoying it!
i have checked the split peas in the supermarket and they say they may contain gluten are these alright to use ?
@Marlene, split peas are naturally gluten free. I think they would label them as, “may contain gluten”, if they are processed in the same factory that handles wheat and barley products. Just to be sure, I would go to a health food store and ask for certified gluten free split peas. Hope that helps! Cynthia
This looks so creamy and delicious! Great way to use leftover ham from Easter to get a totally new dinner!
This was so good, and now I’ve got a new recipe for leftover ham!
I love split pea soup. It was my favourite when I was growing up and I still have a bowl every now and then.
It’s definitely comfort food! Thanks!
Oh I love split pea soup. So comforting and delicious.
This soup looks so satisfying and delicious!! Can’t wait to make it for dinner this week!
OMG Split pea soup is by far my fav go to! Now I know where to go.
Lovely. It just suits spring, or almost-spring! And I always add thyme.
Yes! Thyme is probably my favorite all year herb!
I add a couple dashes of Tabasco to liven up the soup.
sounds good!
Delicious! Definitely putting on the menu rotation!
thank you!
This was such a tasty soup. It was just like the one my mom used to make growing up. Five stars all the way!!!
Thanks so much! Such a simple soup too!
Love this recipe, I bought some split peas Friday! Plus I could use the lemon towel you brought back from Italy up for give away to lay out and finish the look of the photo of the steaming bowl of soup!
You have two entries Melissa! I love how easy split pea soup is!
I am so ready for soup season!
Will be making this soon!
me too! I made it last week!
Thank you
I haven’t had split pea soup in a while and this looks delicious!! Will make this soon!!!
Please enter me!