There’s something deeply comforting about a warm bowl of split pea soup — thick, rich, and infused with smoky ham. This Hearty Split Pea Soup with Ham is a nourishing, soul-soothing classic that brings together simple ingredients for bold, savory flavor.
Nothing beats a homemade soup that fills the kitchen with delicious aroma while simmering away on the stovetop.
This one-pot wonder is perfect for cold nights, meal prep, or feeding a hungry family — and it tastes even better the next day.
The first time I tasted split pea soup with ham was in my grandmother’s kitchen during a snowy winter afternoon.
She had simmered a leftover ham bone from Christmas dinner with dried peas, carrots, and onions, letting it bubble away until it turned into a thick, fragrant stew.
It wasn’t fancy — just old-fashioned comfort food at its best.
That memory inspired me to make this soup a staple in my own home.
Over the years, I’ve tweaked and perfected the recipe to be foolproof, flavorful, and incredibly satisfying.
Why You’ll Love This
1. Incredibly Flavorful and Hearty
The slow simmering process melds the smoky richness of ham with the natural sweetness of split peas, onions, and carrots. Every spoonful delivers a satisfying bite with depth and warmth, making it a crowd-pleaser even for those who claim they’re not soup people.
2. Nutritious and Filling
Packed with plant-based protein and fiber from split peas, plus essential vitamins and minerals from vegetables, this soup is a powerhouse meal. It’s high in protein, low in fat, and will keep you full for hours without feeling heavy.
3. Perfect for Meal Prep and Freezing
This soup stores exceptionally well and actually improves in flavor after a day in the fridge. You can make a big batch and portion it out for lunches or dinners throughout the week. It also freezes beautifully for easy future meals.
4. Uses Simple Pantry Ingredients
You likely have most of the ingredients in your pantry and fridge already. The recipe is budget-friendly and easy to adapt with what you have on hand — making it an ideal last-minute meal when you need something comforting and substantial.
Recipe Details
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Cuisine Type: American, Comfort Food
- Servings: 6 hearty bowls
- Estimated Cost: $10–12 (for entire batch)
Equipment Needed:
- Large soup pot or Dutch oven
- Wooden spoon
- Cutting board
- Chef’s knife
- Ladle
- Optional: immersion blender (for desired texture)
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 medium carrots, peeled and chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 1 pound (about 2 ¼ cups) dried green split peas, rinsed and sorted
- 1 ham bone or 1 ½ cups diced cooked ham
- 7–8 cups chicken broth or water (adjust for desired thickness)
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Optional garnish: chopped parsley or croutons
Substitution Notes:
- You can use smoked turkey leg instead of ham for a leaner option.
- For a vegetarian version, omit the ham and use vegetable broth with 1 teaspoon smoked paprika for a hint of smokiness.
- Feel free to add diced potatoes or frozen peas for added texture and variety.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics
Heat the olive oil in a large soup pot over medium heat. Add the diced onion, garlic, carrots, and celery. Cook for about 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are softened and fragrant. This base builds essential flavor for the soup.
Step 2: Add Peas, Ham, and Seasonings
Stir in the rinsed split peas, ham bone or diced ham, thyme, and bay leaf. Pour in 7 cups of broth or water. Give everything a good stir and bring the pot to a gentle boil.
Step 3: Simmer Low and Slow
Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover slightly with a tilted lid, and simmer the soup for 60–75 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. The split peas will begin to break down and thicken the soup naturally.
Step 4: Adjust Texture
After cooking, the soup should be thick and creamy. For a smoother texture, you can blend part of the soup using an immersion blender. If it becomes too thick, add a splash of water or broth to loosen it.
Step 5: Final Seasoning and Ham Shreds
If using a ham bone, remove it from the pot and shred any remaining meat into the soup. Discard the bone. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
Step 6: Serve and Garnish
Ladle into bowls and garnish with fresh chopped parsley or crunchy croutons. Serve with crusty bread or a simple salad for a well-rounded meal.
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)
- Calories: ~320
- Protein: 23g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 12g
- Fat: 9g
- Sodium: ~860mg (depends on broth/ham used)
- Vitamin A: 60% DV
- Iron: 20% DV
- Potassium: 900mg
Tips for Success
1. Use a Ham Bone for Maximum Flavor
If you have one, a leftover ham bone infuses the broth with unbeatable depth. Let it simmer for the full cook time, and you’ll get tender meat and robust taste.
2. Stir Occasionally to Prevent Scorching
Split peas can settle and stick to the bottom of the pot. A good stir every 15–20 minutes ensures even cooking and prevents burning.
3. Adjust the Liquid to Your Preference
Some like it super thick, others prefer a looser soup. Add more broth near the end of cooking if needed — the peas thicken significantly as they cook.
4. Let It Rest Before Serving
Like many soups, this one improves after sitting for 15–20 minutes. It thickens up, and the flavors continue to develop — perfect for make-ahead meals.
Common Questions
Can I make this in a slow cooker?
Yes! Combine all ingredients in a slow cooker and cook on LOW for 7–8 hours or HIGH for 4–5 hours. The peas will break down beautifully, and the flavors will meld perfectly.
How can I make it vegetarian?
Omit the ham and use vegetable broth. Add a teaspoon of smoked paprika or liquid smoke to mimic the smoky flavor of ham.
Does it freeze well?
Absolutely. Let the soup cool completely, then freeze in airtight containers for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat gently on the stovetop.
Can I use yellow split peas instead of green?
Yes! Yellow split peas have a slightly milder flavor and work just as well in this recipe. The cooking time and texture will be similar.
Variations & Substitutions
- Add More Veggies: Diced potatoes, green peas, kale, or even chopped spinach make great additions.
- Spice It Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne for a little kick.
- Creamy Finish: Stir in a splash of cream or milk at the end for an ultra-creamy texture.
- Use Lentils: In a pinch, green lentils can substitute for split peas. Adjust cooking time accordingly.
Storage & Reheating Tips
- Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- Freezer: Freeze in single-serve portions for up to 3 months.
- Reheating: Warm on the stovetop over medium heat or in the microwave in 1-minute bursts, stirring in between. Add a splash of water if it’s too thick.
Health Benefits & Nutritional Insights
Split peas are a fantastic source of plant-based protein and fiber. Just one serving provides nearly half your daily fiber needs, which supports digestion and helps keep you full. The soup is naturally low in fat and can be adjusted for sodium by choosing low-sodium broth and trimming excess ham fat. It’s a wholesome, heart-healthy dish that doesn’t compromise on flavor.
Split Pea Soup with Ham
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium yellow onion diced
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 2 medium carrots peeled and chopped
- 2 celery stalks chopped
- 1 pound (about 2 ¼ cups) dried green split peas, rinsed and sorted
- 1 ham bone or 1 ½ cups diced cooked ham
- 7 –8 cups chicken broth or water adjust for desired thickness
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Optional garnish: chopped parsley or croutons
Substitution Notes
- You can use smoked turkey leg instead of ham for a leaner option.
- For a vegetarian version omit the ham and use vegetable broth with 1 teaspoon smoked paprika for a hint of smokiness.
- Feel free to add diced potatoes or frozen peas for added texture and variety.
Instructions
- Heat the olive oil in a large soup pot over medium heat. Add the diced onion, garlic, carrots, and celery. Cook for about 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are softened and fragrant. This base builds essential flavor for the soup.
- Stir in the rinsed split peas, ham bone or diced ham, thyme, and bay leaf. Pour in 7 cups of broth or water. Give everything a good stir and bring the pot to a gentle boil.
- Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover slightly with a tilted lid, and simmer the soup for 60–75 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. The split peas will begin to break down and thicken the soup naturally.
- After cooking, the soup should be thick and creamy. For a smoother texture, you can blend part of the soup using an immersion blender. If it becomes too thick, add a splash of water or broth to loosen it.
- If using a ham bone, remove it from the pot and shred any remaining meat into the soup. Discard the bone. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
- Ladle into bowls and garnish with fresh chopped parsley or crunchy croutons. Serve with crusty bread or a simple salad for a well-rounded meal.
Notes
If you have one, a leftover ham bone infuses the broth with unbeatable depth. Let it simmer for the full cook time, and you’ll get tender meat and robust taste. 2. Stir Occasionally to Prevent Scorching
Split peas can settle and stick to the bottom of the pot. A good stir every 15–20 minutes ensures even cooking and prevents burning. 3. Adjust the Liquid to Your Preference
Some like it super thick, others prefer a looser soup. Add more broth near the end of cooking if needed — the peas thicken significantly as they cook. 4. Let It Rest Before Serving
Like many soups, this one improves after sitting for 15–20 minutes. It thickens up, and the flavors continue to develop — perfect for make-ahead meals.
There’s a reason Split Pea Soup with Ham has stood the test of time.
It’s warm, filling, and makes you feel like home with every bite.
Whether you’re cooking from scratch or using up leftovers, this recipe is the perfect way to bring comfort to your kitchen.
Serve it on a chilly night, as part of your weekly meal prep, or whenever you’re craving something nourishing and satisfying.
Happy cooking — and don’t forget to pair it with a slice of crusty bread for dipping!
