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Hearty Classic Split Pea Soup with Ham Bone

Close-up of a thick, green pea soup topped with diced ham pieces in a white bowl.
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Make this thick, rich split pea soup with a ham bone for the ultimate comfort food dinner. This hearty pea soup recipe is wholesome, old-fashioned, and naturally creamy without added cream.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound dried green split peas, rinsed
  • 1 smoked ham bone (or 1 cup diced ham)
  • 6 cups water or low-sodium chicken broth
  • 1 large yellow onion, chopped
  • 2 carrots, peeled and diced
  • 2 celery stalks, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil (optional, for sautéing)

Instructions

  1. Rinse the split peas under cold water until the water runs clear. Discard any small stones or debris.
  2. If using a ham bone, place the ham bone, rinsed split peas, broth or water, bay leaf, and thyme into a large pot or Dutch oven.
  3. If you are not using a ham bone, heat the olive oil in the pot over medium heat. Add the onion, carrots, and celery. Cook until the vegetables soften, about 5 to 7 minutes. Add the garlic and cook for 1 minute more. Add the rinsed split peas, diced ham, water or broth, bay leaf, thyme, and pepper.
  4. Bring the mixture to a boil over high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot partially, and let it simmer.
  5. Simmer for 1.5 to 2 hours, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. The soup is done when the peas have completely broken down and the soup is thick and creamy.
  6. Remove the ham bone. Shred any usable meat from the bone and return the meat to the soup. Discard the bone.
  7. Remove the bay leaf before serving. Taste and add salt if needed (ham bones are often salty).
  8. Serve hot with crusty bread for a satisfying meal.

Notes

  • For a quicker method, use an Instant Pot: Combine all ingredients (except salt) in the pressure cooker. Cook on High Pressure for 20 minutes, followed by a Natural Pressure Release for 15 minutes. Remove the bone and stir well.
  • To make this a vegetarian split pea soup, omit the ham bone and diced ham. Use 6 cups of vegetable broth and add 1 teaspoon of liquid smoke or smoked paprika for a smoky flavor.
  • If the soup becomes too thick while simmering, add small amounts of water or broth until you reach your desired consistency.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://mayaplate.com/hearty-pea-soup-classic-comfort-recipe/