Description
Experience the ultimate comfort of homemade Split Pea Soup, a thick and creamy dish that warms both body and soul. This nourishing soup is brimming with hearty vegetables, protein-packed split peas, and tender ham, making it an ideal choice for chilly evenings or family gatherings. With its rich flavors and smooth texture, this recipe not only utilizes leftover ham but also delivers a wholesome meal that everyone will love. Perfect for meal prep, this soup stores beautifully in the fridge or freezer, ensuring you always have a comforting dish on hand.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cups finely diced onion (2 medium onions)
- 1 cup finely diced carrot (2 to 3 large carrots)
- 1 cup finely diced celery (3 to 4 stalks)
- Salt and pepper
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic (4 cloves)
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
- 1–1/2 teaspoons ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/8 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1–1/2 cups green split peas (rinsed; old split peas may not soften)
- 2 small bay leaves (or 1 large)
- 1 meaty ham bone (or ham hocks, plus more ham if desired)
- 8 cups reduced-sodium chicken broth
- Fresh thyme leaves (optional)
- Hearty buttered bread (for serving)
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a heavy-bottomed pot, then add onions, carrots, celery, salt, and pepper. Cook until softened.
- Stir in garlic and spices; cook for another minute before adding rinsed split peas.
- Add ham bone and chicken broth; bring to a boil and then simmer uncovered for 60–90 minutes.
- Remove ham bone; shred meat back into the pot. Blend part of the soup for creaminess if desired.
- Adjust seasoning, serve hot with bread.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 75 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 10g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 25mg