Description

This cozy split pea soup with ham and veggies is the ultimate comfort food, packed with creamy texture, smoky ham flavor, and hearty vegetables. Perfect for chilly nights or meal prepping.

Ingredients

Scale

1 pound dried green split peas, rinsed and sorted
1–1.5 cups cooked ham, diced or shredded
2 medium carrots, diced
2 celery stalks, diced
1 large onion, chopped
3 garlic cloves, minced
6 cups chicken broth (or vegetable broth for vegetarian option)
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 bay leaf
Salt and pepper to taste
1–2 tablespoons olive oil or butter for sautéing

Instructions

Rinse and sort the split peas to remove any debris. Chop all your vegetables and dice the ham.
In your large pot, heat olive oil or butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, carrots, celery, and garlic. Cook for 5–7 minutes until softened and fragrant, stirring occasionally.
Pour in the rinsed split peas and the chicken broth. Stir to combine.
Add the thyme, bay leaf, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer.
Cover the pot and let the soup simmer for 1–1.5 hours, stirring occasionally. The peas will break down and create a thick, creamy texture.
In the last 20 minutes of cooking, stir in the diced or shredded ham. Let it heat through as the flavors meld together.
If the soup gets too thick, add a bit more broth or water to reach your desired texture. For a smoother soup, blend part of it with an immersion blender.
Taste the soup and adjust the salt and pepper as needed.
Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley if desired. Serve warm with crusty bread or crackers.

Notes

Rinse the peas thoroughly to remove debris. Avoid over-salting if using salty ham or broth. Let the soup simmer gently for the best texture. Freeze leftovers in airtight containers for up to 3 months.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Category: Soup
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 bowl
Calories: 250
Sugar: 5
Sodium: 800
Fat: 6
Saturated Fat: 2
Carbohydrates: 30
Fiber: 10
Protein: 15

Keywords: split pea soup, ham soup, comfort food, hearty soup, meal prep, easy soup recipe, gluten-free soup, cozy soup, healthy soup