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Ham and Split Pea Soup Recipe — A Great Soup

This hearty split pea soup with ham has a slightly sweet, somewhat salty, and subtle smoky flavor. An ideal fall or winter soup — great for lunch or dinner.
Print Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 45 minutes
Course lunch/dinner
Cuisine british
Servings 8 people
Calories 3015.6 kcal

Equipment

  • 1 Large Soup Pot
  • 1 Chef's knife
  • 1 Cutting Board
  • 1 Stirring Spoon
  • 1 Measuring Cups/Spoons set

Ingredients
  

Main

  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 2 ribs celery diced
  • ½ onion diced
  • 3 cloves garlic sliced
  • 1 pound dried split peas rinsed
  • 1 pound cooked ham diced
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 1 quart chicken stock
  • 2 ½ cups water
  • salt and ground black pepper to taste

Instructions
 

  • Gather all ingredients. Dotdash Meredith Food Studios
  • Melt butter in a large soup pot over medium-low heat. Stir in celery, onion, and sliced garlic; cook and stir until onions are translucent but not brown, 5 to 8 minutes. Dotdash Meredith Food Studios
  • Stir in split peas, ham, and bay leaf. Pour in chicken stock and water; stir to combine and simmer until peas are tender and soup has thickened, about 1 hour and 15 minutes. Stir occasionally. Dotdash Meredith Food Studios
  • Season with salt and black pepper to serve. Dotdash Meredith Food Studios
  • Enjoy! Dotdash Meredith Food Studios

Notes

For enhanced flavor depth, consider simmering the soup with a ham hock or ham bone, removing it before serving. Ensure the aromatics (celery, onion, garlic) are cooked until truly translucent, as this step builds the foundational flavor. Rinsing the split peas is sufficient; pre-soaking is not essential for this recipe. As the soup simmers, the peas will naturally break down and thicken. If the consistency is too thick, adjust with a little more stock or water. Always taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper at the end, as ham and stock contribute significant sodium. A final squeeze of lemon juice or a dash of sherry vinegar can brighten the overall profile before serving.