Cozy Hearty Split Pea Soup with Ham Bone Recipe

Introduction

This cozy hearty split pea soup with ham bone is perfect for chilly days when you want something warm and satisfying. Made with tender split peas, savory ham, and fresh vegetables, it’s a comforting classic that’s easy to prepare and full of flavor.

Ingredients

• 1 cup green split peas (rinsed)
• 1 ham bone (with some meat attached)
• 2 medium carrots (chopped)
• 2 stalks celery (chopped)
• 1 medium yellow onion (chopped)
• 3 cloves garlic (minced)
• 6 cups low-sodium vegetable broth
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• 2 bay leaves
• Freshly cracked black pepper (to taste)
• Oil for sautéing

Instructions

1. Step 1: Heat a large pot over medium heat and add a little oil. Sauté the chopped onions, carrots, and celery until they become tender, about 5 minutes.
2. Step 2: Stir in the minced garlic, dried thyme, and bay leaves, and sauté for another minute to release their aromas.
3. Step 3: Add the rinsed split peas and the ham bone, stirring to combine everything well.
4. Step 4: Pour in the vegetable broth until all ingredients are submerged. Bring the mixture to a boil, then lower the heat to let it simmer gently.
5. Step 5: Let the soup simmer for about 1.5 hours, or until the split peas are soft and breaking down.
6. Step 6: Remove the ham bone, shred any remaining meat into the soup if desired, discard the bone, and season with freshly cracked black pepper to taste before serving.

Tips & Variations

• For a richer flavor, substitute vegetable broth with low-sodium chicken broth.
• Use smoked ham hocks instead of a ham bone for an even smokier taste.
• Add a splash of apple cider vinegar before serving to brighten the flavors.
• If you prefer a smoother texture, use an immersion blender to puree part of the soup.

Storage

Store leftover split pea soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stove over low heat, adding a little water or broth if the soup has thickened too much. This soup also freezes well for up to 3 months; thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this soup without a ham bone?

Yes, you can omit the ham bone and add smoked paprika or liquid smoke for flavor. Using vegetable or chicken broth keeps it vegetarian or lighter but with less smoky richness.

Do I need to soak the split peas before cooking?

No soaking is necessary for split peas. Just rinse them well before adding to the soup. They cook relatively quickly compared to other dried legumes.

Cozy Hearty Split Pea Soup with Ham Bone Recipe

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★★★★★

4.7 from 69 reviews

This Cozy Hearty Split Pea Soup with Ham Bone is a comforting and flavorful meal perfect for chilly days. Featuring tender green split peas slow-simmered with a savory ham bone and fresh vegetables, this soup is rich in taste and easy to prepare. The combination of aromatic herbs and hearty ingredients creates a satisfying dish that’s both nutritious and filling.

• Author: Dylan
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Category: Soup
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Soup Ingredients

• 1 cup green split peas (rinsed)
• 1 ham bone (with some meat attached)
• 2 medium carrots (chopped)
• 2 stalks celery (chopped)
• 1 medium yellow onion (chopped)
• 3 cloves garlic (minced)
• 6 cups low-sodium vegetable broth
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• 2 bay leaves
• Freshly cracked black pepper (to taste)

Instructions

1. Sauté Vegetables: Heat a large pot over medium heat and add a small amount of oil. Add the chopped onions, carrots, and celery and sauté until tender, about 5 minutes. This develops the base flavor for the soup.
2. Add Aromatics: Stir in the minced garlic, dried thyme, and bay leaves, cooking for an additional minute to release their aromas without burning the garlic.
3. Combine Main Ingredients: Add the rinsed green split peas and the ham bone with attached meat to the pot, mixing everything well to combine the flavors.
4. Add Broth and Simmer: Pour in 6 cups of low-sodium vegetable broth making sure all ingredients are submerged. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low to let it simmer gently.
5. Cook Soup: Let the soup simmer uncovered for about 1.5 hours or until the split peas are very soft and the soup has thickened nicely. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
6. Finish and Serve: Remove the ham bone from the pot. Stir in freshly cracked black pepper to taste. Optionally, remove any remaining meat from the ham bone, shred it, and return it to the soup before serving.

Notes

• For a thicker soup, simmer longer to let more liquid evaporate or mash some peas against the pot’s side.
• Use low-sodium broth to control salt content, as the ham bone adds saltiness.
• Leftover soup stores well in the fridge for up to 4 days and freezes beautifully.
• For a vegetarian version, omit the ham bone and use vegetable broth only.
• You can add a splash of apple cider vinegar or lemon juice before serving to brighten the flavors.

Keywords: split pea soup, ham bone soup, hearty soup, cozy soup, vegetable broth soup, comfort food, easy soup recipe