Ham Bone and Green Split Pea Soup: A Flavorful & Comforting Classic

There’s something inherently comforting about a warm bowl of soup, especially when the days get shorter and the temperatures drop. And when it comes to classic, hearty, and satisfying soups, Ham Bone and Green Split Pea Soup reigns supreme. This recipe is not only delicious but also a fantastic way to use up that leftover ham bone from your holiday feast, transforming it into a culinary masterpiece. This isn’t just a soup; it’s a tradition, a memory, and a deeply flavorful experience all simmered into one pot.

Why This Recipe Works

• Utilizes Leftovers: This recipe cleverly uses a leftover ham bone, extracting every last bit of flavor. It’s economical and reduces food waste.
• Deeply Flavorful: The ham bone imparts a rich, smoky depth of flavor that permeates the entire soup. The combination of vegetables and herbs complements the ham beautifully.
• Hearty and Filling: Green split peas are packed with protein and fiber, making this soup incredibly filling and satisfying. It’s a complete meal in a bowl.
• Simple to Make: While the soup requires some simmering time, the actual preparation is quite simple and straightforward.
• Freezes Well: This soup freezes exceptionally well, making it ideal for meal prepping or enjoying leftovers later.

Ingredients You’ll Need

• Ham Bone: The star of the show! A leftover ham bone with some meat still clinging to it is ideal. If you don’t have a ham bone, you can use smoked ham hocks or a smoked ham shank instead.
• Green Split Peas: Dried green split peas are essential for this soup. They provide the signature texture and flavor. One pound is generally sufficient for a large pot of soup.
• Onion: A yellow or white onion, diced, forms the aromatic base of the soup.
• Carrots: Diced carrots add sweetness and color to the soup.
• Celery: Diced celery contributes to the savory flavor profile of the soup.
• Garlic: Minced garlic adds a pungent kick to the soup.
• Chicken Broth (or Water): Provides the liquid base for the soup. Chicken broth adds more flavor, but water works just fine.
• Bay Leaf: A bay leaf adds a subtle, earthy aroma to the soup. Remove it before serving.
• Dried Thyme: Dried thyme complements the ham and vegetables beautifully.
• Salt and Pepper: To taste. Remember that the ham bone will already contribute salt, so start with less and add more as needed.
• Optional Add-ins: Diced potatoes, diced ham (if you want even more ham flavor), smoked paprika, a splash of apple cider vinegar (for brightness), a squeeze of lemon juice (for brightness).

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these detailed instructions to create a delicious and comforting Ham Bone and Green Split Pea Soup:

1. Rinse the Split Peas: Place the green split peas in a colander and rinse them thoroughly under cold running water. This removes any debris or dust.
2. Sauté the Aromatics: In a large, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven, heat a tablespoon of olive oil or butter over medium heat. Add the diced onion, carrots, and celery and sauté until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
3. Add the Ham Bone and Broth: Place the ham bone in the pot with the sautéed vegetables. Pour in the chicken broth (or water) until the ham bone is submerged. The amount of liquid will depend on the size of your pot and the size of the ham bone. You want enough liquid to cover the bone and still have enough room for the split peas to expand.
4. Simmer: Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and simmer for at least 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the ham bone is tender and the meat is easily falling off the bone. The longer it simmers, the more flavor will be extracted from the ham bone. Stir occasionally to prevent the peas from sticking to the bottom of the pot.
5. Remove the Ham Bone: Carefully remove the ham bone from the pot using tongs. Place it on a cutting board to cool slightly.
6. Shred the Ham: Once the ham bone is cool enough to handle, use your fingers or a fork to shred the meat from the bone. Discard the bone, skin, and any excess fat.
7. Return the Ham to the Pot: Add the shredded ham back to the pot with the soup.
8. Add the Split Peas and Seasonings: Stir in the rinsed green split peas, bay leaf, and dried thyme. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Remember to start with less salt than you think you’ll need, as the ham bone will already contribute salt to the soup.
9. Simmer Again: Bring the soup back to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and simmer for another 1 to 1.5 hours, or until the split peas are tender and the soup has thickened to your desired consistency. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
10. Adjust Seasoning: Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning as needed. Add more salt, pepper, or thyme if desired. If the soup is too thick, add more broth or water to thin it out. For a brighter flavor, stir in a splash of apple cider vinegar or a squeeze of lemon juice.
11. Serve: Remove the bay leaf before serving. Ladle the soup into bowls and serve hot.

Tips for the Best Ham Bone and Green Split Pea Soup

• Soaking the Split Peas: While not strictly necessary, soaking the split peas for a few hours (or overnight) can help them cook faster and more evenly. If you choose to soak them, drain and rinse them before adding them to the soup.
• Using a Pressure Cooker or Instant Pot: You can significantly reduce the cooking time by using a pressure cooker or Instant Pot. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for your specific appliance. Typically, you’ll need to cook the ham bone and vegetables for about 30-45 minutes on high pressure, followed by a natural pressure release. Then, add the split peas and cook for another 15-20 minutes on high pressure, followed by a quick pressure release.
• Adding Smoked Paprika: A pinch of smoked paprika can enhance the smoky flavor of the soup.
• Blending for a Creamier Texture: If you prefer a smoother, creamier texture, you can use an immersion blender to partially or fully blend the soup. Be careful when blending hot liquids.
• Adjusting the Thickness: The soup will thicken as it cools. If it becomes too thick, add more broth or water to thin it out. If it’s too thin, simmer it uncovered for a longer period to allow some of the liquid to evaporate.
• Adding Vegetables Later: Some people prefer to add delicate vegetables like spinach or kale towards the end of the cooking time to prevent them from becoming too mushy.
• Don’t over salt: The ham bone is salty, so be conservative with the salt until the end.

Variations and Additions

Ham Bone and Green Split Pea Soup is a versatile recipe that can be easily customized to your liking. Here are a few variations and additions to try:

• Smoked Sausage: Add sliced smoked sausage for an extra layer of smoky flavor.
• Potatoes: Diced potatoes add heartiness and thicken the soup.
• Different Herbs: Experiment with different herbs, such as rosemary, oregano, or marjoram.
• Spice: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a touch of heat.
• Vegetables: Add other vegetables, such as diced turnips, parsnips, or sweet potatoes.
• Croutons: Top with homemade or store-bought croutons for added texture.
• Fresh Herbs: Garnish with fresh parsley, chives, or dill.
• Lemon Wedge: Serve with a lemon wedge for a burst of brightness.

Serving Suggestions

Ham Bone and Green Split Pea Soup is delicious on its own, but it can also be served with a variety of accompaniments.

• Crusty Bread: A slice of crusty bread is perfect for dipping into the soup and soaking up all the flavorful broth.
• Grilled Cheese Sandwich: A classic combination! A grilled cheese sandwich pairs perfectly with a bowl of warm soup.
• Salad: A light salad provides a refreshing contrast to the richness of the soup.
• Cornbread: Cornbread is another classic pairing with split pea soup.

Storage Instructions

Refrigerating: Allow the soup to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container and refrigerating for up to 3-4 days.

Freezing: Allow the soup to cool completely before transferring it to freezer-safe containers or bags. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

Reheating Instructions

Stovetop: Reheat the soup in a pot over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through.

Microwave: Reheat the soup in a microwave-safe bowl, covered, for 2-3 minutes, or until heated through. Stir halfway through.

Ham Bone and Green Split Pea Soup Recipe

Yields: 8-10 servings
Prep time: 20 minutes
Cook time: 3-4 hours

Ingredients:

• 1 ham bone, with some meat remaining
• 1 pound green split peas, rinsed
• 1 large onion, diced
• 2 carrots, diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 8 cups chicken broth (or water)
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Optional: 1 teaspoon smoked paprika, splash of apple cider vinegar or lemon juice

Instructions:

1. In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat a tablespoon of olive oil or butter over medium heat. Add the onion, carrots, and celery and sauté until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Add the garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
2. Place the ham bone in the pot with the sautéed vegetables. Pour in the chicken broth (or water) until the ham bone is submerged.
3. Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and simmer for at least 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the ham bone is tender and the meat is easily falling off the bone.
4. Carefully remove the ham bone from the pot. Once cool enough to handle, shred the meat from the bone and discard the bone.
5. Return the shredded ham to the pot. Stir in the rinsed green split peas, bay leaf, and dried thyme. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Bring the soup back to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and simmer for another 1 to 1.5 hours, or until the split peas are tender and the soup has thickened to your desired consistency.
7. Remove the bay leaf before serving. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Add smoked paprika, apple cider vinegar, or lemon juice if desired.
8. Ladle the soup into bowls and serve hot.

Nutritional Information (approximate, per serving)

Nutritional information will vary depending on the specific ingredients used and portion sizes.

• Calories: Approximately 250-350
• Protein: 20-30 grams
• Fat: 5-15 grams
• Carbohydrates: 30-40 grams
• Fiber: 10-15 grams

Conclusion

Ham Bone and Green Split Pea Soup is a timeless classic that’s perfect for a cozy night in. It’s a delicious, hearty, and economical way to use up a leftover ham bone. With its rich, smoky flavor and satisfying texture, this soup is sure to become a family favorite. So, the next time you have a ham bone, don’t throw it away – turn it into a pot of comforting goodness!