Save Pin A comforting, savory soup made with split peas, leftover ham, and a ham bone for rich, smoky flavor—perfect for chilly days and making the most of leftovers.
I first made this soup after a holiday dinner when I had plenty of ham left over. Every spoonful feels like home, especially on cold evenings when everyone gathers around the table.
Ingredients
- Ham bone: 1 leftover ham bone with some meat attached
- Cooked ham: 1 cup, diced
- Onion: 1 large, diced
- Carrots: 2, peeled and diced
- Celery: 2 stalks, diced
- Garlic: 2 cloves, minced
- Bay leaf: 1
- Split peas: 2 cups dried, rinsed and sorted
- Chicken broth (or water): 8 cups, low-sodium
- Dried thyme: 1 teaspoon
- Black pepper: 1/2 teaspoon
- Salt: To taste
Instructions
- Sauté Vegetables:
- In a large soup pot, heat a splash of oil over medium heat. Add onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté for 5 minutes until softened.
- Add Garlic:
- Add garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add Remaining Ingredients:
- Stir in split peas, ham bone, bay leaf, thyme, and black pepper. Pour in chicken broth.
- Simmer:
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 1.5 to 2 hours, stirring occasionally, until peas are very tender and soup thickens.
- Remove Bone and Bay Leaf:
- Remove the ham bone and bay leaf. Let bone cool slightly, then pick off any remaining meat and return to the pot with the diced ham.
- Adjust Seasoning:
- Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and additional pepper if needed.
- Blend (Optional):
- For a creamier texture, use an immersion blender to partially puree the soup, if desired.
- Serve:
- Serve hot with crusty bread.
Save Pin This hearty soup became a family favorite, especially on weekends when we share warm bowls around the kitchen. Even picky eaters ask for seconds.
Required Tools
Large soup pot or Dutch oven, cutting board and knife, ladle, immersion blender (optional).
Allergen Information
Contains none of the top 8 allergens. Always check store-bought broth or ham labels for gluten or other allergens.
Nutritional Information
Per serving: Calories 320, Total Fat 8 g, Carbohydrates 38 g, Protein 22 g.
Save Pin Enjoy this soup with fresh bread and good company. It turns leftover ham into a comforting meal everyone loves.
Recipe FAQs
- → Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Yes, omit the ham and ham bone, substitute vegetable broth, and add smoked paprika for a smoky flavor.
- → How long should the peas simmer?
Simmer for 1.5 to 2 hours until the split peas are very tender and the texture thickens.
- → What is the purpose of the ham bone?
The ham bone infuses a deep, smoky richness that enhances the overall flavor of the dish.
- → Can the soup be partially pureed?
Yes, using an immersion blender to partially puree adds a creamy texture while keeping some chunks.
- → What should I serve with this dish?
It pairs well with crusty bread and complements crisp white wine or amber ale.
- → How to reheat without thickening too much?
Add additional broth or water when reheating to thin the dish to your preferred consistency.