The Soup That Waits For You
Some soups need you to rush. Not this one. This classic split pea soup is a patient friend. You put everything in the pot. Then you walk away for hours. The smell fills your whole house. It says, “Everything is going to be okay.”
I love an easy split pea soup for that reason. It does the work itself. You just give it a stir now and then. That slow cook makes the ham hock so tender. The peas melt into a creamy, thick broth. Doesn’t that sound like a hug in a bowl?
A Little Story From My Kitchen
My grandson once called this “green monster soup.” He was five. I told him the magic was in the ham hock. It looks funny, but it holds so much flavor. We fished it out together. We pulled off the good meat. He thought that was the best part.
I still laugh at that. Now he asks for it by name. This split pea soup recipe is a family treasure. It turns simple things into a feast. That’s why this matters. Good food builds happy memories around your table.
Why Your Body Will Thank You
This is one of my favorite healthy soup recipes. Those little peas are powerhouses. They are full of fiber. That helps you feel full and happy long after eating. It’s a high fiber soup that tastes like comfort.
It’s also naturally dairy free and gluten free. So many friends can enjoy a bowl. That makes me happy. Good food should be for everyone. What’s one comfort food that always makes you feel better?
Fun Fact & A Tip
*Fun fact*: Split peas are just regular peas. They are dried and split in half! That’s why they cook so fast and get so creamy.
My tip is about the broth. Always use low-sodium. You can control the salt. The ham hock adds salt too. So taste at the end. You can always add, but you can’t take away! Do you have a favorite soup-stirring spoon? I have a wooden one my mom gave me.
Making It Your Own
This split pea soup with ham is a perfect base. You can add a potato, chopped small. Or some celery with the carrots. Some folks add a bay leaf while it cooks. Take it out before you serve.
That’s the second reason this matters. A great recipe is a friend, not a boss. It welcomes your own touch. What would you add to make this comfort soup recipe yours? Tell me, I’d love to know.
Ingredients:
| Ingredient | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Dried split peas | 16 ounce bag | |
| Extra virgin olive oil | 2 teaspoons | |
| Onion, chopped | 1 medium | |
| Garlic, chopped | 2 cloves | |
| Carrots, chopped | 2 large | |
| Low sodium chicken broth | 8 cups | |
| Kosher salt and black pepper | To taste | |
| Smoked ham hock(s) or cooked ham | 1 large (or 2 small) ham hocks, or 8 ounces | Ham hock is traditional; cooked ham is a quicker option. |
Instructions
Step 1: First, rinse your dried split peas in a colander. This is the start of our classic split pea soup. Watch for any little stones. My grandkids always help with this part. It feels good to begin.
Step 2: Now, warm your oil in a big pot. Cook the onion and garlic until they smell amazing. They should look soft and shiny. This builds the flavor for your ham hock soup. (A hard-learned tip: go slow here for the best taste.)
Step 3: Add everything else to the pot! That’s peas, carrots, the ham hock, and broth. This easy split pea soup recipe is so simple. Bring it all to a gentle boil. Then we let the magic happen.
Step 4: Turn the heat down low. Let your healthy soup recipes simmer for two hours. The peas will get soft and thick. Check if it needs a splash of hot water. What’s your favorite cozy smell from the kitchen? Share below!
Step 5: Finally, take out the ham hock. Pull off the meat and stir it back in. Your high fiber soup is ready! This dairy free soup is pure comfort. I still laugh at how my cat waits for a taste.
Creative Twists
Try these fun ideas with your split pea soup with ham. Add a spoonful of salsa for a little kick. Stir in chopped kale at the end for extra greens. Swap the ham hock for a smoked turkey leg. Which one would you try first? Comment below!
Serving & Pairing Ideas
This gluten free soup is a full meal. I love it with thick, crusty bread for dipping. A simple green salad on the side is perfect too. For lunch, pack it in a thermos. It stays hot for hours. This is one of my favorite comfort soup recipes. Which would you choose tonight?
Making Your Soup Last: Fridge, Freezer & Reheating Tips
This soup is even better the next day. Let it cool completely first. Then store it in the fridge for up to four days. The flavors really get to know each other overnight. I remember my first big pot. I was so proud I ate it for three days straight!
You can also freeze this soup beautifully. Use airtight containers. Leave a little space at the top. It will keep for three months. This is a perfect batch-cook meal. Making a double batch saves future-you a lot of work. Having a homemade meal ready matters. It turns a busy night into a cozy one.
To reheat, thaw frozen soup in the fridge overnight. Warm it gently on the stove. Add a splash of water or broth if it’s too thick. Have you ever tried storing it this way? Share below!
Simple Fixes for Common Soup Troubles
Even grandmas have kitchen hiccups. Here are three common ones and easy fixes. First, soup too thin? Let it simmer uncovered a bit longer. The extra liquid will evaporate. I once added too much broth. A little extra simmering time saved the day.
Second, not flavorful enough? Always taste at the end. You can add a pinch more salt or pepper. Salt helps all the other flavors wake up. Getting the flavor right matters. It builds your cooking confidence with every stir.
Third, peas not getting soft? Make sure your soup is at a gentle simmer, not a hard boil. A low, slow cook is key. This gentle cooking matters. It coaxes the best texture and taste from your peas. Which of these problems have you run into before?
Your Quick Questions, Answered
How to make split pea soup with ham bone
Use a ham bone instead of a ham hock. Follow the classic split pea soup recipe. Saute your veggies first. Then add the bone with the peas and broth. Simmer for two hours until thick. The bone gives amazing flavor. Remove it at the end. Shred any meat and add it back to your ham hock soup.
Is split pea soup good for you
Yes, it is a very healthy soup recipe. Split peas are full of protein and fiber. This makes it a high fiber soup. It keeps you feeling full and happy. Using low-sodium broth helps control salt. It is also naturally a dairy free soup and gluten free soup. It is hearty comfort food that loves you back.
What to serve with ham and pea soup
Crusty bread is my favorite partner. It is perfect for dipping. A simple green salad with a tangy dressing is also nice. The fresh crunch balances the creamy soup. For a heartier meal, add a sandwich. This easy split pea soup is a complete, comforting meal with just a little something on the side.
How to thicken split pea soup
The peas thicken it naturally as they cook. Just let it simmer. If you want it thicker, use a potato masher. Gently mash some peas against the pot side. You can also blend one cup of soup. Then stir it back into the pot. This makes your classic split pea soup creamy without any cream.
Can you freeze split pea soup
You absolutely can freeze split pea soup. Let it cool first. Then put it in freezer-safe containers. Leave some space for expansion. It will keep well for about three months. This makes it a fantastic make-ahead meal. Thaw it in your fridge overnight before reheating. You will have a warm comfort soup recipe ready in minutes.
Slow cooker ham and split pea soup recipe
This is the easiest method. Put all ingredients in your slow cooker. Do not saute the onions first. Use a ham hock or leftover ham bone. Cook on low for eight hours. The peas will be soft and the soup thick. Remove the bone, shred the meat, and stir. An easy split pea soup with no fuss!
*Fun fact: Split peas are a type of field pea that are dried and then split in half. That’s why they cook so fast!* Which tip will you try first?
A Cozy Bowl of Memories
This soup always reminds me of family. It fills the whole house with a warm, welcoming smell. I hope it becomes a favorite in your home too. It is simple, hearty, and made with love. Every spoonful is a little hug.
I would love to hear about your cooking adventure. Did your family enjoy it? Have you tried this recipe? Tell me all about it in the comments below. Sharing stories is the best part.
Happy cooking!
—Grace Ellington.
Hearty Ham and Split Pea Soup
Description
A classic, comforting soup made with dried split peas, savory ham hock, and fresh vegetables.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Wash the peas and drain.
- In a large pot or Dutch oven, saute onions and garlic in 2 teaspoons of oil over medium heat until soft, about 4 to 5 minutes.
- Add the peas, carrots, ham hock and chicken broth, then cover the pot and let it come to a boil. Add salt and pepper to taste.
- Once it boils, reduce heat and cook for about 2 hours, or until the peas are soft and thickened.
- Make sure to check the liquid and consistency. You may need to add hot water if it becomes too thick.
- Remove ham hock, discard the skin and bone and serve with ham.
Notes
- For a thicker soup, use a potato masher to lightly mash some of the peas before serving. The soup will thicken as it cools.