Split Pea Soup with Ham Bone – A Hearty and Flavorful Comfort Food

Split Pea Soup with Ham Bone is a classic comfort food that will warm you up from the inside out! 🥣🍲 This rich, hearty soup combines tender split peas, savory ham, and a variety of vegetables to create the perfect bowl of goodness. Whether you’re enjoying it on a chilly day or making it for a family dinner, this dish is guaranteed to be a hit.

The secret ingredient? A ham bone! It infuses the soup with deep, smoky flavors, giving it an extra level of richness. If you’re ready to dive into a bowl of this delicious homemade soup, let’s get started! 😋

---

🌟 Why You’ll Love This Recipe

✅ Hearty & Filling – Packed with split peas, vegetables, and smoky ham, this soup is a full meal in a bowl!

✅ Comfort Food – Ideal for cold weather or when you need a warm, satisfying dish.

✅ Easy to Make – Requires simple ingredients and minimal prep work.

✅ Nutritious & Wholesome – High in fiber, protein, and vitamins, making it a healthy choice!

---

🛒 Key Ingredients & Substitutions

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious Split Pea Soup with Ham Bone:

For the Soup Base:

• 1 ham bone with some meat left on it 🥩
• 2 cups dried split peas (green or yellow) 🌱
• 1 large onion, chopped 🧅
• 2 carrots, peeled and diced 🥕
• 2 celery stalks, chopped 🌿
• 4 cloves garlic, minced 🧄
• 6 cups low-sodium chicken broth 🍗
• 1 bay leaf 🍃
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme 🌿
• ½ teaspoon ground black pepper 🧂
• 1 teaspoon salt (or to taste) 🧂
• 2 tablespoons olive oil 🛢️

Optional Garnishes & Add-ins:

• Fresh parsley, chopped 🌿
• A dash of hot sauce 🌶️
• A squeeze of lemon juice 🍋

---

💡 Substitutions & Variations:

✔️ Use ham hocks or leftover ham – If you don’t have a ham bone, try using a ham hock or leftover ham for a similar smoky flavor.

✔️ Vegetarian Version – Skip the ham bone and use vegetable broth with added seasonings (like smoked paprika) for depth of flavor.

✔️ Add Potatoes – For a heartier soup, consider adding diced potatoes.

✔️ Smoked Sausage – Want more meat? Use smoked sausage instead of ham for an alternative smoky flavor.

---

👨‍🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients

1️⃣ Rinse the split peas – Wash them under cold water to remove any dirt or debris.

2️⃣ Chop the vegetables – Dice the onions, carrots, and celery into bite-sized pieces. Mince the garlic.

3️⃣ Prepare the ham bone – If you have a ham bone with some leftover meat, that’s perfect! The more meat on the bone, the better the soup will taste.

💡 Pro Tip: If you’re using leftover ham, cut it into bite-sized pieces before adding it to the soup.

---

Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables

1️⃣ Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.

2️⃣ Add the onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté for about 5-7 minutes until the vegetables start to soften.

3️⃣ Add the garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.

💡 Pro Tip: Sautéing the vegetables first enhances their flavors, making the soup even more delicious.

---

Step 3: Add the Ham Bone & Broth

1️⃣ Add the ham bone to the pot with the sautéed vegetables.

2️⃣ Pour in the chicken broth and bring it to a simmer.

3️⃣ Add the split peas, bay leaf, thyme, salt, and pepper.

4️⃣ Stir everything together, then cover the pot with a lid.

💡 Pro Tip: For extra flavor, you can add a dash of smoked paprika or a few dashes of hot sauce to give the soup a slight kick!

---

Step 4: Simmer the Soup

1️⃣ Reduce the heat to low and let the soup simmer gently for 1 ½ to 2 hours. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.

2️⃣ Check the soup – After about 1 hour, check the split peas. If they’re tender and the soup is thickened, it’s time to move on.

💡 Pro Tip: If the soup gets too thick, simply add a little more broth or water to adjust the consistency.

---

Step 5: Shred the Ham & Final Adjustments

1️⃣ Remove the ham bone from the pot. Let it cool slightly, then remove the meat from the bone. Shred or chop the ham and return it to the soup.

2️⃣ Taste the soup – If needed, adjust the seasoning by adding more salt, pepper, or thyme.

3️⃣ Simmer for an additional 10 minutes to blend the flavors together.

💡 Pro Tip: For an extra creamy texture, you can use an immersion blender to blend some of the peas and vegetables before adding the ham back in. This gives the soup a smooth, velvety consistency!

---

🍽️ Serving Suggestions

This hearty soup is a meal on its own, but here are a few ways to make it even better:

• Serve with crusty bread 🥖 – A warm loaf of crusty bread or a baguette is perfect for dipping!
• Pair with a fresh salad 🥗 – A light salad can balance out the richness of the soup.
• Top with fresh parsley 🌿 – A sprinkle of fresh herbs adds color and freshness.
• Serve with a squeeze of lemon 🍋 – A little lemon juice brightens up the flavors, giving the soup a burst of freshness.

---

🧊 Storage & Reheating

📦 Storing Leftovers:

• In the refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days.
• In the freezer: Split pea soup can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. Let it cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container.

🔥 Reheating Instructions:

• Stovetop: Reheat in a pot over medium heat, stirring occasionally. If the soup is too thick, add more broth or water to reach your desired consistency.
• Microwave: Heat in a microwave-safe bowl, stirring every 1-2 minutes until hot.
• Slow Cooker: Transfer the soup to the slow cooker and heat on low for 2-3 hours until it reaches the right temperature.

💡 Pro Tip: Reheated soup may thicken as the peas absorb more liquid. Add broth or water when reheating to adjust the texture.

---

❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1️⃣ Can I Make Split Pea Soup Without a Ham Bone?

Absolutely! You can use leftover ham, ham hocks, or even smoked sausage for that smoky flavor. You can also make a vegetarian version using vegetable broth and smoked paprika for depth.

2️⃣ How Long Should I Simmer Split Pea Soup?

Simmer the soup for at least 1 ½ to 2 hours. This allows the split peas to break down and the flavors to meld together. If you have more time, let it simmer longer for even more flavor!

3️⃣ Can I Make This Soup in a Slow Cooker?

Yes! After sautéing the vegetables, transfer everything to the slow cooker, add the ham bone, broth, split peas, and seasonings. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.

4️⃣ How Do I Make the Soup Creamier?

For a creamier texture, blend a portion of the soup with an immersion blender, or you can mash some of the split peas with a potato masher before adding the ham back in.

5️⃣ Can I Freeze Split Pea Soup?

Yes! Let the soup cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months.

---

🍲 Conclusion – A Hearty, Comforting Dish

There’s nothing quite like a bowl of warm Split Pea Soup with Ham Bone. Whether you’re enjoying it on a cold day or making it for a family dinner, this hearty and flavorful soup will hit the spot every time.

With its rich, savory flavors and nutritious ingredients, this soup is sure to become a family favorite. It’s easy to make, can be stored for later, and is versatile enough for any occasion. Enjoy this comforting dish today, and don’t forget to share it with your loved ones! 😍🥣