Warm up with our classic Split Pea Soup with Ham recipe. This soup is easy to make, incredibly delicious, and perfect for any occasion. It is an esepcially delicious way to use leftover spiral ham.
As a busy mom of three, I know how important it is to have quick and easy meals that the whole family will love. This hearty Split Pea Soup is the perfect solution! It’s packed with flavor, super satisfying, and easy enough to whip up on a busy weeknight. Plus, it’s a great way to use up any leftover spiral ham you may have from the holidays.
We love this split pea soup for its hearty comfort, and low time commitment. It’s the perfect meal for a chilly day, warming us from the inside out. The rich, creamy texture and savory flavor, enhanced by the smoky notes of the spiral ham, make it a satisfying dish. Plus, it’s incredibly easy to prepare, requiring minimal effort for maximum flavor. I love that this also typically allows for leftovers which makes life much easier for me during busy school nights.
Ingredients
Split Peas: These are the heart of the soup, providing a creamy texture and a mild, nutty flavor. They’re a good source of protein and fiber.
Chopped Spiral Ham or Smoked Bone: This adds a rich, savory flavor and a smoky undertone. It also contributes collagen, which helps thicken the soup.
- Substitute: You can use a ham hock, a smoked pork hock, or even a piece of smoked sausage.
Onion, Carrot, and Celery: This classic trio forms the aromatic base of the soup, adding sweetness and depth of flavor.
- Substitutes: You can use other root vegetables like parsnips, turnips, or russet potatoes.
Garlic: This pungent bulb adds a complex flavor and aroma.
- Substitute: You can use garlic powder or onion powder.
Broth & Water: This liquid component helps to cook the peas and create a flavorful broth. We used chicken broth because we had plenty available.
- Substitute: You can use vegetable broth for a vegan, or vegetarian dish.
Herbs and Spices: Bay leaves, thyme, and black pepper enhance the flavor profile of the soup.
- Substitutes: You can experiment with other herbs like rosemary or sage.
Making Split Pea Soup
- Sauté: Cook ham, onion, carrot, celery, and garlic in oil, rinse peas.
- Combine: Add split peas, broth, bay leaves, thyme, pepper, and salt.
- Simmer: Bring to a boil, then simmer for 90 minutes.
- Thin and Season: Add water, remove bay leaves, and season with salt and pepper.
- Serve: Enjoy the warm soup.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of ham?
Absolutely! You can use a precooked smoked ham bone, or even a smoked ham steak, chopped.
Can I make this soup vegetarian or vegan?
Yes, you can easily make this soup vegetarian or vegan by omitting the ham and using vegetable broth.
Can I freeze this soup?
Yes, this soup freezes well. Let it cool completely, then transfer it to airtight containers. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. I like to store mine in freezer bags and flatten them out to be able to stack them easily for future defrosting purposes.
Storing
- Refrigerator: Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
- Freezer: Freeze leftover soup in airtight containers for up to 3 months.
Tips
- Soak the Split Peas: Soaking the split peas for a few hours or overnight can help reduce cooking time and improve digestion. It can also make it easier to find and remove debris like small pebbles from the dried peas.
- Add Flavor Boosters: For extra flavor, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes, or fresh parsley.
- Customize Your Soup: Add other vegetables like potatoes to your soup to add additional texture, and flavor.
- Serve with Bread: Serve your soup with crusty bread like sourdough, or yeast rolls.
More Ham Recipes to Try Today
- Leftover Ham and Cheese Casserole
- Leftover Ham & Swiss Crescents
- Ham & Cheese Pasta
- Ham & Cheese Quiche
- Creamy Ham & Swiss Casserole
Split Pea Soup with Spiral Ham
Equipment
- 5-quart stockpot
- cutting board & knife
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Stovetop
Ingredients
- 3 tablespoons avocado oil *can use your preferred oil
- 3 cups cooked spiral ham chopped
- 2 large sweet onions diced
- 4 ribs celery chopped
- 3 large carrots peeled and diced
- 6 cloves garlic minced
- 1 pound dry split peas rinsed, remove any debris
- 2 whole bay leaves
- 5 sprigs fresh thyme removed from sprig
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 10 cups chicken broth
- 1½ cups water
Instructions
- In a large pot, sauté the chopped ham, onion, carrots, andcelery in the avocado oil until vegetables are softened. Add the garlic andcook for 30 seconds more.
- Add the rinsed, split peas to the pot.
- Add the broth, bay leaves, thyme, pepper, and salt to the pot.
- Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer, covered, for 90 minutes, or until the peas are tender and the soup has thickened. Stir occasionally.
- Add 1½ cups of water to the thickened soup.
- Remove the bay leaves and season with additional salt and pepper to taste. Serve soup warm.
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