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To make a hearty split pea soup with ham bone, you need these key items: - 1 pound green split peas, rinsed and drained - 1 meaty ham bone (or 2 cups diced smoked ham) - 1 medium onion, chopped - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 3 medium carrots, diced - 2 celery stalks, diced - 6 cups low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth - 1 teaspoon dried thyme - 1 bay leaf - Salt and pepper to taste - 1 tablespoon olive oil - Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) You can add extra flavors with these items: - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika for depth - 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar for brightness - A dash of cayenne pepper for heat - 1 cup diced potatoes for heartiness Each serving of this soup provides a comforting mix of nutrients: - Calories: 200 - Protein: 15g - Carbohydrates: 30g - Dietary Fiber: 10g - Total Fat: 5g - Saturated Fat: 1g - Sodium: 300mg This soup is not only tasty but also filling and good for you! {{ingredient_image_1}} Start by chopping the onion, carrots, and celery. You want them small enough to cook quickly. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, diced carrots, and diced celery. Sauté them for 5 to 7 minutes. You’re looking for the onion to become soft and clear. This mix adds great flavor to the soup. Next, add minced garlic to the pot. Cook it for 1 to 2 minutes. You want to smell that garlic! It adds a nice kick to your soup. Now, it’s time for the star of the show: the split peas! Add the rinsed split peas, ham bone or diced ham, broth, thyme, and bay leaf to the pot. Stir well to mix everything together. Bring the soup to a boil, then lower the heat. Cover it and let it simmer for about 1 hour. Stir it occasionally to keep things from sticking. If you used a ham bone, take it out after an hour. Let it cool a bit, then shred the meat. Return the shredded ham to the pot. This adds lots of flavor and texture to your soup. Remove the bay leaf before serving. Season the soup with salt and pepper to taste. If the soup is too thick, add more broth or water. Simmer for another 10 minutes. This helps all the flavors blend nicely. Serve your soup hot in warm bowls. Don’t forget to garnish with fresh parsley! It adds a pop of color and fresh taste. Enjoy your hearty split pea soup with ham! To make great split pea soup, start with good peas. Use fresh, green split peas. Rinse them well to remove dirt and dust. Soaking is not needed, but it can help them cook faster. Use a meaty ham bone or diced ham for rich flavor. The fat from the ham adds depth to the soup. Always sauté your veggies first. This brings out their sweetness and enhances the taste. When it comes to seasoning, less is more at first. Use salt and pepper to bring out the flavors. Add salt slowly so you don't overdo it. Thyme and bay leaf are great herbs for this soup. They create a warm, comforting taste. After cooking, taste your soup before serving. Adjust the seasoning as needed. You can also add a splash of vinegar for brightness. Want to save time? Chop your veggies in advance. Store them in the fridge for quick use later. You can also make the soup in a big batch. It freezes well and tastes even better the next day. Use a pressure cooker for faster cooking. It cuts the time down to about 30 minutes. If you have leftover ham, use it in other meals to reduce waste. Pro Tips Soak the Peas: For an even creamier soup, soak the split peas in water for a few hours or overnight before cooking. This helps to soften them quicker during the cooking process. Add Smokiness: If you want to enhance the smoky flavor, you can add a few drops of liquid smoke or a smoked paprika seasoning to the soup while it simmers. Vegetable Variations: Feel free to add other vegetables like potatoes or leeks for extra flavor and texture, making your soup even heartier. Storage Tips: This soup stores well in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, and it freezes beautifully. Just ensure it cools completely before transferring it to airtight containers. {{image_2}} You can make a tasty vegetarian split pea soup. To do this, skip the ham bone and use vegetable broth instead. Add more veggies like bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach for extra flavor. You can also use smoked paprika for a smoky taste without the meat. This soup still provides warmth and comfort. If you want to change the meat, try using diced turkey or chicken. Both give great flavor and still keep the soup hearty. You can also add bacon for a smoky touch. Just cook the bacon first, then sauté your veggies in the bacon fat for added taste. To make your soup special, add different herbs and spices. Try using rosemary or cumin for a new taste. A splash of hot sauce can also bring heat and zing. For a creamy touch, stir in some coconut milk at the end. This gives a rich texture and a hint of sweetness. To keep your split pea soup fresh, let it cool first. Then, pour it into an airtight container. Make sure to leave some space at the top. This helps the soup expand if it freezes. Store it in the fridge if you plan to eat it soon. It will last for about three to four days. For longer storage, freezing is best. When you are ready to enjoy your soup again, take it out of the fridge. Pour the soup into a pot and heat it over medium heat. Stir it often to warm it evenly. If it seems too thick, add a splash of broth or water. This will help bring back its creamy texture. You can also reheat it in the microwave. Just cover the bowl and heat it in short bursts, stirring in between. Freezing is a great way to save your split pea soup. After the soup cools, pour it into freezer-safe containers. Leave some space at the top for expansion. You can also use freezer bags for easy storage. Just remember to lay them flat until frozen. This saves space in your freezer. When you want to eat it, thaw it overnight in the fridge. Then, reheat as described above for a warm, tasty meal. Yes, you can make split pea soup in a slow cooker. Just follow these steps: - Sauté the onion, carrots, celery, and garlic in a pan. - Add them to the slow cooker with the other ingredients. - Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 4-5 hours. This method gives you a rich flavor and tender peas. Split pea soup will last about 3 to 5 days in the fridge. Store it in an airtight container. Make sure it cools down before sealing. Always check for any signs of spoilage before eating. Split pea soup pairs well with many sides. Here are some great options: - Crusty bread or rolls for dipping. - A fresh green salad to add crunch. - Cornbread for a cozy touch. - A dollop of sour cream or yogurt for creaminess. These sides enhance the soup's flavor and make a complete meal. We covered the key ingredients and steps to make split pea soup. You learned how to prepare it, cook it, and add fun flavors. I shared tips for the best taste and time-saving hacks. You now know variations, from vegetarian options to meat choices, and how to store leftovers. With the right techniques and a bit of creativity, you can make this soup your own. Enjoy every bowl and share it with others!

Hearty Split Pea Soup with Ham Delight

A comforting and hearty soup made with green split peas and ham, perfect for chilly days.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 15 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 6
Calories 250 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 pound green split peas, rinsed and drained
  • 1 meaty ham bone or 2 cups diced smoked ham
  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 3 medium carrots, diced
  • 2 stalks celery, diced
  • 6 cups low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 bay leaf
  • to taste Salt and pepper
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • for garnish Fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions
 

  • In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, diced carrots, and celery. Sauté for about 5-7 minutes until the vegetables are softened and the onion is translucent.
  • Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
  • Add the rinsed split peas, ham bone (or diced ham), chicken broth, dried thyme, and bay leaf to the pot. Stir well to combine.
  • Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and simmer for about 1 hour, stirring occasionally, until the peas are tender and starting to break down.
  • If using a ham bone, carefully remove it from the pot, let it cool slightly, and shred the meat from the bone. Return the shredded ham to the soup.
  • Remove the bay leaf, and season the soup with salt and pepper to taste. If the soup is too thick, add more broth or water until the desired consistency is reached.
  • Simmer for an additional 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
  • Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley on top for a burst of color and freshness.

Notes

Serve in warm bowls, and consider pairing it with crusty bread or cornbread for a comforting meal.
Keyword comfort food, ham, soup, split peas