5 Hearty Split Pea Ham Soup Recipes

1. Classic Split Pea Ham Soup

This timeless recipe is a favorite for its simplicity and rich flavor. With just a few ingredients, you can create a warm bowl of goodness that will delight your taste buds.

• Ingredients:
  • 1 pound dried green split peas
  • 1 meaty ham hock
  • 1 onion, diced
  • 2 carrots, diced
  • 2 stalks celery, diced
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 6 cups chicken broth
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 bay leaf
• Instructions:
  1. Rinse the split peas under cold water and set aside.
  2. In a large pot, sauté the onion, carrots, and celery in a bit of oil until softened.
  3. Add the garlic and cook for another minute.
  4. Stir in the split peas, ham hock, chicken broth, bay leaf, salt, and pepper.
  5. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for about 1.5 hours, or until the peas are tender.
  6. Remove the ham hock, shred the meat, and return it to the pot. Discard the bones and bay leaf.
  7. Adjust seasoning as needed and serve hot.

2. Hearty Split Pea and Vegetable Soup

This recipe adds a medley of fresh vegetables to the classic split pea ham soup, making it even more nutritious and flavorful.

• Ingredients:
  • 1 pound dried green split peas
  • 1 ham bone or 2 cups diced ham
  • 1 onion, diced
  • 3 carrots, sliced
  • 2 stalks celery, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup diced potatoes
  • 1 cup chopped kale or spinach
  • 8 cups vegetable broth
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 teaspoon thyme
  • 1 bay leaf
• Instructions:
  1. Rinse and drain the split peas.
  2. In a large pot, sauté the onion, carrots, and celery until softened.
  3. Add garlic and cook for an additional minute.
  4. Add the split peas, ham bone or diced ham, potatoes, vegetable broth, thyme, bay leaf, salt, and pepper.
  5. Bring to a boil, then simmer for about 1 to 1.5 hours, or until the peas are soft.
  6. Stir in the kale or spinach in the last 10 minutes of cooking.
  7. Remove the ham bone, shred the meat, and return it to the soup. Discard the bay leaf.
  8. Serve hot with crusty bread.

3. Spicy Split Pea Ham Soup

Add a kick to your split pea ham soup with this spicy variation that incorporates jalapeños and smoked paprika for an extra layer of flavor.

• Ingredients:
  • 1 pound dried green split peas
  • 1 ham hock or 2 cups diced ham
  • 1 onion, diced
  • 2 carrots, diced
  • 2 stalks celery, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1-2 jalapeños, diced (seeds removed for less heat)
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 6 cups chicken broth
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 bay leaf
• Instructions:
  1. Rinse the split peas and set aside.
  2. In a large pot, sauté the onion, carrots, and celery until softened.
  3. Add garlic and jalapeños and cook for another minute.
  4. Stir in the split peas, ham hock or diced ham, chicken broth, smoked paprika, bay leaf, salt, and pepper.
  5. Bring to a boil and then reduce heat to simmer for about 1.5 hours, or until peas are tender.
  6. Remove the ham hock, shred the meat, and return it to the soup. Discard the bones and bay leaf.
  7. Adjust seasoning if needed and enjoy with a dollop of sour cream if desired.

4. Creamy Split Pea Ham Soup

This creamy version of split pea ham soup is perfect for those who enjoy a velvety texture. Blending part of the soup creates a rich and satisfying dish.

• Ingredients:
  • 1 pound dried green split peas
  • 1 meaty ham hock or 2 cups diced ham
  • 1 onion, diced
  • 2 carrots, diced
  • 2 stalks celery, diced
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 6 cups chicken broth
  • 1 cup heavy cream or coconut milk
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 bay leaf
• Instructions:
  1. Rinse the split peas thoroughly and set them aside.
  2. In a large pot, sauté the onion, carrots, and celery until they become tender.
  3. Add garlic and cook for an additional minute.
  4. Add the split peas, ham hock or diced ham, chicken broth, bay leaf, salt, and pepper.
  5. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for about 1.5 hours until the peas are soft.
  6. Remove the ham hock, shred the meat, and return it to the pot. Discard the bones and bay leaf.
  7. Use an immersion blender to partially blend the soup until creamy. Stir in the heavy cream or coconut milk.
  8. Serve warm with crusty bread or croutons.

5. Mediterranean Split Pea Ham Soup

This unique version combines split peas with Mediterranean flavors like lemon and herbs, creating a refreshing twist on the classic recipe.

• Ingredients:
  • 1 pound dried green split peas
  • 1 ham hock or 2 cups diced ham
  • 1 onion, diced
  • 2 carrots, diced
  • 2 stalks celery, diced
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 6 cups chicken broth
  • 1 lemon, juiced and zested
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 bay leaf
• Instructions:
  1. Rinse the split peas and set aside.
  2. In a large pot, sauté the onion, carrots, and celery until softened.
  3. Add garlic and cook for another minute.
  4. Stir in the split peas, ham hock or diced ham, chicken broth, lemon juice, lemon zest, oregano, bay leaf, salt, and pepper.
  5. Bring to a boil and then reduce heat to simmer for about 1.5 hours, or until peas are tender.
  6. Remove the ham hock, shred the meat, and return it to the soup. Discard the bones and bay leaf.
  7. Adjust seasoning as needed and serve garnished with fresh parsley.

4. Spicy Split Pea Ham Soup

If you’re looking to add a little heat to your bowl, this spicy split pea ham soup recipe delivers just the right amount of kick. With the addition of jalapeños and a splash of hot sauce, it’s perfect for those who enjoy a little spice in their life.

• Ingredients:
  • 1 pound dried green split peas
  • 1 ham hock or 2 cups diced ham
  • 1 onion, diced
  • 2 carrots, diced
  • 2 stalks celery, diced
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 6 cups chicken broth
  • 1-2 jalapeños, diced (seeds removed for less heat)
  • 1 tablespoon hot sauce (adjust to taste)
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 bay leaf
• Instructions:
  1. Rinse the split peas and set aside.
  2. In a large pot, sauté the onion, carrots, and celery until softened.
  3. Add garlic and jalapeños, cooking for another minute.
  4. Stir in the split peas, ham hock or diced ham, chicken broth, hot sauce, bay leaf, salt, and pepper.
  5. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for about 1.5 hours, or until the peas are soft.
  6. Remove the ham hock, shred the meat, and return it to the pot. Discard the bones and bay leaf.
  7. Adjust the seasoning if necessary, and serve hot with a drizzle of extra hot sauce if desired.

3. Smoky Split Pea Ham Soup

This recipe infuses a delightful smoky flavor into the split pea soup, thanks to the addition of smoked paprika and a touch of liquid smoke. It’s perfect for those chilly evenings when you want something hearty and comforting.

• Ingredients:
  • 1 pound dried green split peas
  • 1 meaty ham hock or 2 cups diced ham
  • 1 onion, diced
  • 2 carrots, diced
  • 2 stalks celery, diced
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 6 cups chicken broth
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon liquid smoke (optional)
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 bay leaf
• Instructions:
  1. Rinse the split peas and set aside.
  2. In a large pot, sauté the onion, carrots, and celery until tender.
  3. Add garlic, smoked paprika, and liquid smoke, cooking for an additional minute.
  4. Stir in the split peas, ham hock or diced ham, chicken broth, bay leaf, salt, and pepper.
  5. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to simmer for about 1.5 hours, or until peas are soft.
  6. Remove the ham hock, shred the meat, and return it to the pot. Discard the bones and bay leaf.
  7. Serve warm, garnished with fresh herbs for an added touch.

2. Classic Split Pea Ham Soup

This traditional recipe is a timeless favorite, showcasing the classic combination of split peas and ham. The simplicity of the ingredients allows the flavors to shine through, making it a staple in many homes.

• Ingredients:
  • 1 pound dried green split peas
  • 1 ham hock or 2 cups diced ham
  • 1 onion, diced
  • 2 carrots, diced
  • 2 stalks celery, diced
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 6 cups chicken broth
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 bay leaf
• Instructions:
  1. Rinse the split peas and set aside.
  2. In a large pot, sauté the onion, carrots, and celery until soft.
  3. Add garlic and cook for another minute.
  4. Stir in the split peas, ham hock or diced ham, chicken broth, bay leaf, salt, and pepper.
  5. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to a simmer for about 1.5 hours, or until peas are tender.
  6. Remove the ham hock, shred the meat, and return it to the pot. Discard the bones and bay leaf.
  7. Adjust seasoning as needed and serve hot, ideally with a slice of crusty bread.

Conclusion

Incorporating split pea ham soup into your meal rotation not only offers a comforting and nutritious option but also showcases the versatility of this classic dish. With these five hearty recipes, you can easily explore different flavors and ingredients while enjoying the rich, savory goodness that split peas and ham provide.

Whether you prefer a traditional style or a modern twist, these recipes are sure to warm your heart and satisfy your cravings. So gather your ingredients and start cooking to create a delightful bowl of soup that everyone will love.