Old-Fashioned Split Pea Soup
A hearty, comforting split pea soup infused with smoky ham and seasoned with herbs, perfect for cozy gatherings and satisfying lunch or dinner options.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a large kettle, combine green split peas, water, ham bone, sliced onions, pepper, garlic salt, and marjoram.
- Simmer, covered, for 2 hours.
- Remove the ham bone, cut off bits of meat, and return the meat to the soup along with diced celery, sliced carrots, potatoes as desired, parsley flakes, and salt to taste.
- Cook for an additional 45 minutes.
- Serve hot, preferably with French bread.
Tips & Substitutions
For a heartier soup, consider adding diced potatoes earlier in the cooking process. If you don't have a ham bone, you can use diced ham or even a smoked turkey leg for a different flavor profile. Adjust seasoning to taste, and don't hesitate to add more vegetables like bell peppers or green beans for extra nutrition. This soup is great for meal prepping and freezes well.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the soup hot, ideally with a side of crusty French bread for dipping. A sprinkle of fresh parsley on top adds a nice touch. This comforting dish pairs beautifully with a side salad, such as Wendy's Overnight Layered Green Salad, for a complete meal. You can also enjoy it with a light dessert to round out the dining experience.
Storage & Reheating
Allow the soup to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It can be refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months. When reheating, add a splash of water or broth to loosen the consistency, and heat gently on the stove or in the microwave until warmed through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Old-Fashioned Split Pea Soup contains roughly 392 calories, with 11g protein, 66g carbohydrates, and 13g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (150% of the Daily Value), vitamin A (79% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (75% of the Daily Value). It also contributes 21g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this soup vegetarian?
Yes! To make a vegetarian version, simply omit the ham bone and replace the water with vegetable broth for added flavor. You can also incorporate other vegetables like mushrooms or zucchini to enhance the richness of the soup.
How can I thicken the soup if it's too thin?
If your soup is too thin, you can blend a portion of it using an immersion blender or regular blender to create a creamier texture. Alternatively, you can mash some of the peas with a fork and stir them back into the pot for added thickness.
Can I use dried peas instead of canned?
Yes, dried peas are ideal for this recipe. Just be sure to rinse and sort them before cooking. Dried peas will need to be simmered longer than canned peas, so adjust your cooking time accordingly for the best results.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).