Split Pea And Ham Soup
A hearty and comforting split pea and ham soup with smoky flavors, perfect for cold days and family gatherings, rich in protein and warming spices.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Place the split peas in water and soak overnight.
- Cook the diced carrots and chopped onions for 10 minutes or until soft.
- Add the cooked vegetables to the soaked peas.
- Add thyme, bay leaf, salt, and the ham bone with meat to the pot.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for about 2 hours.
- Remove the ham bone from the soup.
- Optionally, put the soup in a blender to puree.
- Add sugar and butter to the blended soup, then stir to combine.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding a smoked ham hock instead of just a ham bone. If you're short on time, you can skip the overnight soaking of the split peas, but this may affect the cooking time. Substitute the thyme with Italian seasoning or rosemary for a different flavor profile. For a vegetarian version, omit the ham and use vegetable broth.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the soup with crusty bread or a side salad for a complete meal. It pairs beautifully with Tennessee Cornbread Salad for a comforting combination. Garnish with fresh herbs or a dollop of sour cream for an extra touch. Consider serving it alongside Skillet Barbecued Pork Chops for a heartier menu.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. The soup can also be frozen for up to 3 months. When reheating, add a splash of water or broth to restore the consistency, and heat on the stove or in the microwave until warmed through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Split Pea And Ham Soup contains roughly 158 calories, with 7g protein, 33g carbohydrates, and 2g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (67% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (36% of the Daily Value), and iron (28% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1004mg per serving (44% of the Daily Value).
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 in a slow cooker?
Yes, you can easily adapt this recipe for a slow cooker. Soak the split peas overnight, then add all ingredients to the slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours until the peas are tender.
How can I make the soup vegetarian?
To make a vegetarian version, simply omit the ham bone and use vegetable broth instead of water. You can add smoked paprika to mimic the smoky flavor traditionally imparted by the ham. Consider adding extra vegetables like diced potatoes or celery for more depth.
What can I do if the soup is too thick?
If your soup turns out too thick, simply add more water or broth to reach your desired consistency. Stir well and let it heat through. Adjust the seasoning if necessary, as adding extra liquid may dilute the flavor.
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).