Hearty and Delicious: The Ultimate Split Pea Soup with Ham Recipe

Split pea soup with ham is a classic comfort food, perfect for a chilly day. This hearty and flavorful soup is packed with protein and fiber, making it a nutritious and satisfying meal. This recipe will guide you through creating the perfect split pea soup with ham, offering detailed steps, helpful tips, and variations to suit your taste.

## Why You’ll Love This Recipe

* **Comforting and Flavorful:** The combination of split peas, ham, and aromatic vegetables creates a rich and satisfying flavor profile.
* **Easy to Make:** This recipe is straightforward and requires minimal effort, making it ideal for busy weeknights.
* **Nutritious and Filling:** Split peas are a great source of protein and fiber, keeping you full and energized.
* **Budget-Friendly:** Split peas and ham hocks are relatively inexpensive ingredients, making this a cost-effective meal.
* **Great for Leftovers:** Split pea soup tastes even better the next day, as the flavors meld together.

## Ingredients You’ll Need

* **Dried Split Peas:** 1 pound (green or yellow)
* **Ham Hock:** 1 large (about 1-1.5 pounds) or 1-2 cups diced cooked ham
* **Onion:** 1 large, chopped
* **Carrots:** 2 medium, chopped
* **Celery:** 2 stalks, chopped
* **Garlic:** 4 cloves, minced
* **Chicken Broth:** 8 cups (low sodium preferred)
* **Water:** 4 cups (or as needed)
* **Dried Thyme:** 1 teaspoon
* **Dried Bay Leaf:** 1-2 leaves
* **Salt:** To taste
* **Black Pepper:** To taste
* **Olive Oil or Butter:** 1-2 tablespoons
* **Optional Garnishes:** Fresh parsley, croutons, a swirl of cream

## Equipment You’ll Need

* Large Stockpot or Dutch Oven
* Cutting Board
* Knife
* Measuring Cups and Spoons
* Ladle

## Step-by-Step Instructions

### Step 1: Rinse the Split Peas

Place the dried split peas in a colander and rinse them thoroughly under cold running water. This helps remove any debris or dust.

### Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables

In a large stockpot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil or butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté for about 5-7 minutes, or until the vegetables are softened and the onion is translucent. Stir occasionally to prevent burning.

### Step 3: Add Garlic and Spices

Add the minced garlic, dried thyme, and bay leaf to the pot. Cook for another minute, stirring constantly, until the garlic is fragrant. This step releases the flavors of the garlic and spices, enhancing the overall taste of the soup.

### Step 4: Add Ham Hock (or Ham)

If using a ham hock, add it to the pot. If using diced cooked ham, you can add it later in the cooking process to prevent it from drying out.

### Step 5: Add Split Peas and Broth

Pour the rinsed split peas, chicken broth, and water into the pot. Stir well to combine all the ingredients.

### Step 6: Bring to a Boil and Simmer

Bring the mixture to a boil over high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and simmer for 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the split peas are tender and have broken down. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.

### Step 7: Remove Ham Hock (if used)

If you used a ham hock, carefully remove it from the pot using tongs. Place it on a cutting board to cool slightly.

### Step 8: Shred the Ham (if using Ham Hock)

Once the ham hock is cool enough to handle, shred the meat from the bone. Discard the skin, bone, and any excess fat. Add the shredded ham back into the soup.

### Step 9: Adjust Consistency and Seasoning

If the soup is too thick, add more chicken broth or water to reach your desired consistency. Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Remember that the ham will add saltiness, so start with a small amount and adjust as needed.

### Step 10: Simmer for Another 15-20 Minutes

Continue to simmer the soup for another 15-20 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.

### Step 11: Serve and Garnish

Remove the bay leaf before serving. Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley, croutons, or a swirl of cream, if desired. Serve hot and enjoy!

## Tips for the Best Split Pea Soup

* **Soaking Split Peas (Optional):** While not 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, discard the soaking water before adding them to the soup.
* **Use a Good Quality Ham Hock:** A good quality ham hock will add a lot of flavor to the soup. Look for one that is meaty and has a good amount of fat.
* **Don’t Overcook the Soup:** Overcooking the soup can result in a mushy texture. Cook it until the split peas are tender but still have some texture.
* **Adjust the Seasoning:** Taste the soup frequently and adjust the seasoning as needed. Remember that the ham will add saltiness, so be careful not to over-salt.
* **Use Low-Sodium Broth:** Using low-sodium broth allows you to control the salt content of the soup. You can always add more salt if needed.
* **Add Vegetables:** You can add other vegetables to the soup, such as potatoes, parsnips, or turnips. Add them along with the carrots and celery.
* **Spice It Up:** For a spicy kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the soup.
* **Make it Vegetarian:** To make a vegetarian version of the soup, omit the ham and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. You can also add smoked paprika to give it a smoky flavor.
* **Use an Immersion Blender (Optional):** If you prefer a smoother soup, you can use an immersion blender to partially or fully blend the soup. Be careful when blending hot liquids.
* **Storage:** Leftover soup can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days or in the freezer for up to 2-3 months.

## Variations and Add-ins

* **Smoked Sausage:** Add sliced smoked sausage for a different flavor profile.
* **Potatoes:** Add diced potatoes for a heartier soup.
* **Bacon:** Cook and crumble bacon and add it to the soup for a smoky flavor.
* **Spinach or Kale:** Add chopped spinach or kale for added nutrients.
* **Leeks:** Substitute leeks for onions for a milder flavor.
* **Cream or Coconut Milk:** Add a swirl of cream or coconut milk for a richer and creamier soup.
* **Lemon Juice:** A squeeze of fresh lemon juice can brighten up the flavor of the soup.

## Serving Suggestions

* **With Crusty Bread:** Serve the soup with a side of crusty bread for dipping.
* **With a Salad:** Pair the soup with a simple salad for a complete meal.
* **As a Starter:** Serve the soup as a starter for a larger meal.
* **In a Bread Bowl:** For a fun and hearty presentation, serve the soup in a bread bowl.

## Nutrition Information (Approximate)

(Per serving, based on 8 servings)

* Calories: 300-350
* Protein: 20-25g
* Fat: 10-15g
* Carbohydrates: 30-35g
* Fiber: 10-15g

*Note: Nutritional information is approximate and can vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.*

## Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

**Q: Do I need to soak the split peas?**
A: Soaking the split peas is optional. Soaking can help them cook faster and more evenly, but it’s not required.

**Q: Can I use a different type of ham?**
A: Yes, you can use diced cooked ham, leftover ham, or even ham bone instead of a ham hock. Adjust the cooking time accordingly.

**Q: Can I make this soup in a slow cooker?**
A: Yes, you can adapt this recipe for a slow cooker. Sauté the vegetables as directed, then add all the ingredients to the slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.

**Q: How do I store leftover soup?**
A: Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days or in the freezer for up to 2-3 months.

**Q: Can I freeze this soup?**
A: Yes, split pea soup freezes well. Allow the soup to cool completely before transferring it to freezer-safe containers or bags. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

**Q: What if my soup is too thick?**
A: If the soup is too thick, add more chicken broth or water to reach your desired consistency.

**Q: What if my soup is too thin?**
A: If the soup is too thin, you can simmer it uncovered for a longer period to allow some of the liquid to evaporate.

**Q: Can I use yellow split peas instead of green split peas?**
A: Yes, you can use either green or yellow split peas. The flavor difference is minimal.

**Q: Can I add other vegetables to the soup?**
A: Yes, you can add other vegetables such as potatoes, parsnips, turnips, or spinach.

**Q: What can I serve with split pea soup?**
A: Split pea soup pairs well with crusty bread, a simple salad, or as a starter for a larger meal.

## Conclusion

This split pea soup with ham recipe is a classic for a reason. It’s easy to make, packed with flavor, and incredibly comforting. Whether you’re looking for a hearty weeknight meal or a cozy weekend lunch, this soup is sure to satisfy. Experiment with different variations and add-ins to create your perfect bowl of split pea soup. Enjoy!