If you’re craving a bowl of cozy comfort that warms you from the inside out, this Split Pea Soup with Ham Bone Recipe is exactly what you need. It’s a hearty blend of tender green split peas slowly simmered with a savory ham bone, fresh vegetables, and fragrant spices, creating a blend of flavors that’s both rustic and deeply satisfying. Every spoonful offers that perfect balance of creamy texture and smoky richness, making it an ideal dish for chilly evenings or weekends when you want something soulful and nourishing on the table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe shines because of its simplicity and carefully chosen ingredients. Each component plays an essential role in delivering the heartiness, texture, and bright flavors that make this split pea soup so memorable.
- Olive oil: A quality olive oil provides a smooth base for sautéing and adds subtle richness.
- Onion: Diced onions bring natural sweetness and depth to the soup.
- Carrot: Adds a vibrant orange color and gentle earthiness.
- Celery: Provides a mild bitterness and crunch that balances the dish.
- Minced garlic: Intensifies the aromatic profile with a savory punch.
- Italian seasoning: A fragrant bouquet of herbs that enhances the soup’s warmth.
- Ground cumin: Adds subtle earthiness and a hint of warming spice.
- Dried thyme: Lends herbal, slightly minty notes that complement the peas.
- Red pepper flakes: A touch of heat to lift the flavors without overpowering.
- Green split peas: The star ingredient, providing the creamy texture and mild, nutty flavor.
- Ham bone (or hocks): Infuses the soup with irresistible smoky, meaty richness.
- Reduced-sodium chicken broth: A flavorful liquid base that ties all the ingredients together.
How to Make Split Pea Soup with Ham Bone Recipe
Step 1: Sauté the Vegetables
Begin by warming two tablespoons of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add diced onion, carrot, and celery, seasoning lightly with salt and pepper. Cook these until they become tender and fragrant, about five to eight minutes. This soft vegetable mix lays the foundation for the soup’s rich flavor.
Step 2: Build the Spice Base
Next, stir in the minced garlic along with Italian seasoning, ground cumin, dried thyme, and a pinch of red pepper flakes. Let these toast briefly for about a minute. This step wakes up the herbs and spices, contributing layers of aromatic complexity that deepen the overall taste.
Step 3: Add Main Ingredients and Simmer
Pour in the green split peas and chicken broth, carefully nestle your ham bone into the pot, and add the bay leaves. Bring everything to a robust boil, then reduce the heat to low. Allow the soup to simmer uncovered for 60 to 90 minutes until the peas are tender and the broth has thickened to a luscious consistency.
Step 4: Shred the Ham Meat
Once the gorgeous soup has cooked down, remove the ham bone. Pick off the meat, shred it finely, and stir it back into the soup, discarding any excess bones or fat. This step infuses even more smoky, savory notes throughout the pot.
Step 5: Blend for Creaminess
For a wonderfully creamy finish, scoop out a portion of the soup and blend it until smooth, then stir this back into the pot. Taste and adjust seasoning as desired. This blending trick elevates the texture without overpowering the rustic charm of the ingredients.
How to Serve Split Pea Soup with Ham Bone Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley or chives on top just before serving for a burst of green and a fresh herbal note. A dollop of sour cream or a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil also adds an irresistible creamy contrast that brightens the smoky elements.
Side Dishes
This soup pairs perfectly with crusty artisan bread or warm cornbread to soak up every spoonful of broth. A simple side salad with crisp greens and a tangy vinaigrette can also balance the richness beautifully and add a refreshing crunch.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve this soup in rustic bowls or enamel mugs to highlight its homey character. For a more elegant approach, garnish with crispy pancetta or a sprinkle of grated sharp cheddar cheese. You can even prepare a bread bowl by hollowing out a small round loaf and ladling soup directly inside for a fun, edible vessel.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, transfer your leftover split pea soup to airtight containers and refrigerate. It will keep well for up to four days, making it a convenient and comforting meal to enjoy again during the week.
Freezing
The Split Pea Soup with Ham Bone Recipe freezes beautifully. Pour cooled soup into freezer-safe containers or bags and store for up to three months. Just make sure to leave some headspace as the soup will expand when frozen.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. You may need to add a splash of water or broth to thin the soup as it warms. Avoid boiling to maintain the soup’s creamy texture and delicate flavors.
FAQs
Can I make split pea soup without a ham bone?
Absolutely! While the ham bone imparts incredible smoky depth, you can substitute with smoked sausage or add a few strips of cooked bacon. For a vegetarian version, skip the meat entirely and boost flavor with extra herbs and vegetable broth.
How long does it take for split peas to cook?
Green split peas typically need about 60 to 90 minutes to become soft and creamy when simmered. Keep the heat low and stir occasionally to avoid burning on the bottom of your pot.
Why should I blend part of the soup?
Blending a portion of the soup creates a silky, creamy texture without adding cream or dairy. It also helps thicken the soup naturally while keeping some peas whole for texture variety.
Can I use dried herbs instead of fresh?
Yes. Dried herbs like thyme and Italian seasoning actually work well in soups where longer cooking times help release their flavors fully. Just adjust quantities to taste because dried herbs can be more concentrated than fresh.
What if I don’t have reduced-sodium chicken broth?
You can use regular chicken broth, but be mindful when seasoning to avoid making the soup too salty. Alternatively, vegetable broth is a good option for a lighter flavor or vegetarian take.
Final Thoughts
This Split Pea Soup with Ham Bone Recipe has a wonderful way of turning simple ingredients into a bowl full of heartwarming flavor and texture. Whether you’re cozying up on a chilly day or looking to make a large batch for family, this recipe delivers satisfaction with every spoonful. Don’t hesitate to make it your own with your favorite garnishes and sides – it’s sure to become a staple you’ll come back to again and again.
Print
Split Pea Soup with Ham Bone Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
A hearty and comforting Split Pea Soup recipe featuring tender green split peas, flavorful ham bone, and a medley of vegetables and spices. Simmered slowly to develop rich flavors, this soup is perfect for a nutritious and satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Vegetables
- 2 cups diced onion
- 1 cup diced carrot
- 1 cup diced celery
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
Seasonings
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
- 1–1/2 teaspoons ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/8 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Main Ingredients
- 1–1/2 cups green split peas
- 1 meaty ham bone (or hocks)
- 8 cups reduced-sodium chicken broth
- 2 bay leaves
Instructions
- Sauté the Vegetables: In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion, carrot, celery, salt, and pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are softened, about 5 to 8 minutes.
- Add Seasonings: Stir in the minced garlic, Italian seasoning, ground cumin, dried thyme, and red pepper flakes. Cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
- Simmer the Soup: Add the green split peas, ham bone, bay leaves, and reduced-sodium chicken broth to the pot. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Let it simmer uncovered for 60 to 90 minutes, or until the peas are soft and the flavors have melded.
- Remove Ham Bone: Carefully take out the ham bone. Shred any meat from the bone and return it to the soup, discarding the bones and any excess fat.
- Blend for Creaminess: For a creamier texture, blend a portion of the soup using an immersion blender or regular blender, then stir it back into the pot. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed before serving.
Notes
- Use reduced-sodium chicken broth to control salt levels.
- Remove the ham bone carefully to avoid any bone fragments.
- Blending part of the soup adds creaminess without using cream.
- Can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and freezes well.
- Add extra water or broth if soup thickens too much while reheating.
