Description
Hearty split pea soup brings warmth from classic American kitchens, offering rich comfort with each spoonful. Smoky ham and tender vegetables combine in this timeless recipe that invites you to savor pure, homemade satisfaction.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein:
- 1 ½ lb meaty ham bone or ham shanks
Vegetables:
- 1 ¼ cups (296 ml) chopped celery (about 3 ribs)
- 1 cup (240 ml) chopped carrots
- 1 teaspoon (5 ml) minced garlic (1 clove)
Other Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon (15 ml) olive oil
- 1 (16 ounces / 454 grams) bag of dried split peas, picked over and rinsed
- 4 cups (946 ml) unsalted chicken broth
- 4 cups (946 ml) water
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 ½ teaspoons (7.5 ml) chopped fresh thyme, or ½ teaspoon (2.5 ml) dried
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper
- Chopped fresh parsley, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Warm olive oil in a generously sized stockpot over medium-high heat. Sauté chopped celery and diced onions for approximately 3 minutes until they become translucent and fragrant.
- Mince fresh garlic and incorporate into the vegetable mixture, continuing to cook for an additional minute to release aromatic flavors.
- Pour chicken broth and water into the pot, then add dried bay leaves, green split peas, and an initial light seasoning of salt and black pepper. Reserve final salt adjustment until after ham integration.
- Carefully introduce the ham bone into the liquid mixture. Allow the soup to reach a robust boil, then reduce heat to maintain a gentle simmer. Cover the pot and let the ingredients meld together for 60 to 80 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Slice fresh carrots and introduce them to the simmering soup during the cooking process. Continue cooking covered, intermittently stirring, until split peas begin to disintegrate and soften.
- Remove the ham bone and allow it to rest for 10 minutes. Shred or dice the ham meat into bite-sized pieces.
- Return the prepared ham to the soup, taste, and adjust seasoning with additional salt if needed. Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the top for a vibrant garnish.
- Ladle the warm, hearty soup into serving bowls and enjoy immediately.
Notes
- Customize this hearty soup by adding your favorite vegetables like potatoes or kale to boost nutrition and flavor.
- Blend the soup partially with an immersion blender before adding ham to create a thicker, more luxurious texture.
- Watch the salt content when incorporating ham, as it naturally increases the soup’s seasoning intensity.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
- Method: Sautéing, Simmering
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 160 kcal
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 5 g
- Saturated Fat: 1 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 23 g
- Fiber: 7 g
- Protein: 10 g
- Cholesterol: 20 mg