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Classic Hearty Split Pea Soup with Ham

A close-up of a white bowl filled with thick, yellow-green pea soup, topped with diced carrots and ham.
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Make this classic, thick, and savory split pea soup using split peas and ham. It is a comforting, high-protein meal perfect for chilly days and simple weeknight dinners.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound dried split peas, rinsed
  • 8 cups chicken or vegetable broth
  • 1 pound smoked ham hock or diced ham
  • 1 large onion, chopped
  • 2 carrots, diced
  • 2 celery stalks, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • Salt and black pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Rinse the split peas under cold water until the water runs clear. Set aside.
  2. Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery. Cook until the vegetables soften, about 5 to 7 minutes.
  3. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute more until fragrant.
  4. Stir in the rinsed split peas, broth, ham hock (or diced ham), thyme, and bay leaf.
  5. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the peas are completely tender and the soup has thickened. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
  6. If using a ham hock, remove it once the peas are tender. Shred the meat from the bone and return the meat to the pot. Discard the bone and bay leaf.
  7. Taste the soup and season with salt and pepper as needed. If the soup is too thick, add a little water or broth until you reach your desired consistency.
  8. Serve hot. This soup is excellent for meal prep.

Notes

  • For a vegetarian or vegan option, omit the ham and ham hock. Add 1 teaspoon of liquid smoke or smoked paprika for a smoky flavor.
  • If you are using an Instant Pot, cook on high pressure for 20 minutes followed by a natural pressure release for 15 minutes.
  • This soup thickens significantly as it cools. Reheat leftovers with a splash of broth or water.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://devourdish.com/classic-hearty-split-pea-soup-with-ham/