There’s something undeniably nostalgic about a bowl of split pea soup—it’s the kind of meal that feels like a hug from the inside out. This Hearty Split Pea Soup with Smoky Ham and Vegetables is my go-to when I’m craving something warm, deeply savory, and filling. It’s a dish that brings back memories of cozy winter evenings, but it's easy enough to make on a weeknight. Whether you're using leftover holiday ham, a hambone you’ve stashed in the freezer, or a fresh smoked ham hock, this recipe builds layers of flavor that are way more impressive than the short list of ingredients would suggest. And if you’ve been exploring green split peas recipes lately, you’re in for a real treat.
Hearty Split Pea Soup with Smoky Ham and Vegetables
Prep Time 15 minutes mins
Cook Time 1 hour hr 30 minutes mins
Total Time 1 hour hr 45 minutes mins
Course Soup
Cuisine American
Large heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven This is essential for even heat distribution and slow simmering. A 6-quart size works perfectly.
Wooden spoon or silicone spatula Great for stirring the soup without damaging your cookware.
Ladle For easy serving.
Blender or immersion blender (optional) If you prefer a smoother consistency.
- 1 lb dried green split peas rinsed and sorted
- 1 meaty smoked ham hock or 1 ½ cups diced cooked ham
- 1 medium yellow onion diced
- 2 medium carrots peeled and chopped
- 2 celery stalks chopped
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- ½ teaspoon black pepper adjust to taste
- 8 cups low-sodium chicken broth or vegetable broth for a lighter base
- Salt to taste depending on the saltiness of your ham
Optional for added flavor
- A dash of smoked paprika
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar or lemon juice to brighten the final flavor
Sauté the base
In your pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion, carrot, and celery. Sauté for 5–7 minutes until the vegetables are soft and fragrant. Add the garlic and cook for another minute until just golden.
Add the ham and peas
Nestle the smoked ham hock (or diced ham) into the vegetables. Pour in the rinsed green split peas and stir everything together.
Season and pour in the broth
Add the bay leaf, thyme, black pepper, and chicken broth. Give it a stir and bring to a boil.
Simmer low and slow
Reduce the heat to low and cover the pot partially. Let the soup simmer gently for about 1 to 1.5 hours, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. The peas will slowly dissolve and thicken the soup. If you’re using a hambone, the meat will fall off—just remove the bone, shred the meat, and return it to the pot.
Final touches
Taste and adjust seasoning. If desired, add a splash of apple cider vinegar or lemon juice to cut through the richness. For a smoother texture, blend part of the soup with an immersion blender.
Serve
Ladle into bowls and serve piping hot with crusty bread, crackers, or a side salad.
Pairings
Split pea soup is hearty enough to stand alone, but here are a few perfect pairings:
- Crusty sourdough bread: Nothing beats dunking a warm slice into the thick broth.
- Grilled cheese sandwich: Especially one made with sharp cheddar and a good hearty loaf.
- Simple green salad: Dressed with lemon vinaigrette to offset the soup’s richness.
- Pickled vegetables or gherkins: Their tartness contrasts beautifully with the smoky depth of the soup.
- A dry white wine or malty amber ale: These beverages elevate the soup from comfort food to cozy elegance.
FAQs
1. Can I use yellow split peas instead of green?
Absolutely. Yellow split pea soup has a slightly milder and sweeter taste. While this recipe uses green split peas, it adapts perfectly into yellow split pea recipes with no major adjustments—just swap the peas.
2. Can I make this vegan?
Yes! Skip the ham and use vegetable broth. Add a bit of smoked paprika or liquid smoke to give the soup a smoky flavor profile. You'll have a delicious vegan split pea soup that’s just as hearty and flavorful.
3. Is it okay to use a hambone from a holiday roast?
Yes, in fact, split pea soup with hambone is a classic use for leftover ham. The bone infuses the soup with rich flavor and the remaining meat adds depth. Just remember to remove the bone and shred any clinging meat before serving.
4. How do I make this in an Instant Pot?
For a split pea soup Instant Pot version, sauté your vegetables using the sauté function, then add all remaining ingredients. Pressure cook on high for 15 minutes, followed by a natural or quick release. It’s an easy split pea and ham soup method when you’re short on time.
5. What cut of ham works best?
You can use a smoked ham hock, diced ham steak, or even thick slices from a leftover roast. For more meat, go with boneless cuts. For deeper flavor, use a bone-in ham hock or hambone. This recipe is very adaptable whether you want more meat or more smoky flavor.
