Hearty Split Pea Soup with Ham and Fresh Herbs Recipe
A hearty and comforting Split Pea Soup made with tender split peas, savory ham, fresh vegetables, and aromatic herbs, slow-simmered to create a rich and flavorful meal perfect for chilly days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 hours
- Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 to 8 servings 1x
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
Vegetables
- 1 1/2 cups chopped yellow onion (1 medium)
- 1 1/4 cups chopped celery (about 3 ribs)
- 1 tsp minced garlic (1 clove)
- 1 cup chopped carrots
Liquids & Broth
- 4 cups unsalted chicken broth
- 4 cups water
- 1 Tbsp olive oil
Legumes & Meat
- 1 (16 oz) bag dried split peas, picked over and rinsed
- 1 1/2 lb meaty ham bone or ham shanks
Herbs & Seasonings
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 1/2 tsp chopped fresh thyme, or 1/2 tsp dried thyme
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- Chopped fresh parsley, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Vegetables: Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped yellow onion, celery, and garlic, and sauté until the vegetables are softened and fragrant, about 5-7 minutes.
- Add Liquids and Peas: Pour in the chicken broth and water, then add the rinsed split peas to the pot. Stir to combine.
- Add Ham and Herbs: Place the meaty ham bone or ham shanks into the pot. Add the bay leaves and thyme. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat.
- Simmer the Soup: Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and cover the pot. Let the soup simmer gently for about 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the split peas are tender and starting to break down. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and to check consistency.
- Add Carrots and Season: About 30 minutes before the soup is done, add the chopped carrots. Continue simmering until the carrots and peas are tender. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
- Remove Ham Bone and Finish: Carefully take out the ham bone or shanks. Remove any meat from the bone, chop it, and return the meat to the soup. Discard the bay leaves.
- Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired. Serve hot with crusty bread or your favorite side.
Notes
- For a smoother texture, use an immersion blender to puree part or all of the soup before serving.
- If you want a vegetarian version, omit the ham and use vegetable broth instead.
- Split peas can foam and foam may build up during cooking; skim foam off periodically if desired.
- Leftover soup stores well in the refrigerator for up to 4 days and freezes nicely.
Keywords: split pea soup, ham and pea soup, hearty soup, comfort food, slow simmer soup