Any time of year is a great time for a cozy soup recipe.
A classic split pea soup with ham is one of our favorites and is easy to make. Green split peas are simmered with veggies and ham in broth until tender and thickened.
This hearty soup is the perfect way to use up that frozen leftover ham bone. This is one of those dishes that is just as good (if not better) the next day and it freezes beautifully.
A Healthy Favorite
The humble pea soup has been around since 500 BC and has been a budget staple for generations. There are many versions of this soup including a Canadian Split Pea soup (most often made with yellow peas).
- It has a creamy consistency and delicious flavor but it is made without cream so it has fewer calories than most creamy soups.
- Uses simple ingredients you likely have on hand.
- This split pea soup recipe is very budget-friendly.
- It is a healthy source of fiber and protein (and it will really fill you up).
Ingredients for Split Pea Soup
SPLIT PEAS Dried split peas are cheap and easy to find. While they resemble a lentil, they’re actually a type of dried pea. That being said, you can use dried lentils in this recipe (cooking time may need to be adjusted)!
I choose green split peas because they’re a bit sweeter but you can use yellow split peas if you’d like. The cooking time will remain the same.
VEGETABLES Celery, carrots, and a handful of seasonings will flavor the soup. Add a few cloves of garlic if desired. To stretch the soup even further, peel and dice two russet potatoes and add them along with the other vegetables.
MEAT Use up that leftover ham. No extra ham on hand? Use cooked and crumbled pieces of bacon for that smoky, salty punch of flavor.
BROTH In this recipe a ham bone flavors the broth just like in a ham bone soup. If you don’t have a ham bone you can use ham hocks (I cook ham hock for an hour before adding other ingredients).
If you have only diced or leftover ham (and no bone) swap out some of the water for extra broth as the bone is used for flavor.
Should I Soak Split Peas?
Split peas will almost always come from the store dried, so they need to be either simmered in liquid or soaked overnight before they can be enjoyed.
Soaking is not required for this recipe but if you have already soaked the peas, the cooking time will be reduced by about 40 minutes. To soak your split peas place them in a bowl of water (or a ziplock of water)! They take about 4 hours to be soaked through.
How to Make Split Pea Soup
The best Split pea soup is one that’s thick, creamy and flavorful. This version is easy to make and while it takes a while to cook, most of the time is hands off.
- Simmer peas, ham, water, broth, parsley, & bay leaf in a large pot for an hour.
- Add remaining ingredients (per recipe below) and simmer for an additional 45 minutes.
- Remove ham bone (or ham) & chop up the meat. Return ham to the pot & cook on low until thickened.
- Discard bay leaf & serve.
Serving Suggestions
The best sides for split pea soup are lots of hearty bread or crusty bread and a crisp, fresh salad!
Tip the soup with fresh herbs, a sprinkle of cheese, or a handful of garlic croutons.
Recipe Tips
- Like dried beans, dried peas should be carefully sorted. Place them in a colander and rinse them in cold water. Oftentimes, sand or small pebbles are mixed in with the peas.
- Thicken split pea soup by allowing it to simmer uncovered for a little bit. If you’re short on time, some of the peas can be mashed or blended with an immersion blender.
- Store cooked split pea soup in the refrigerator for about 4 days. Reheat on the stove top over medium heat or in the microwave.
- Leftovers can be frozen in zippered bags for up to 3 months.
- Split pea soup can be cooked in a slow cooker or a pressure cooker.
More Savory Soups
- Potato Broccoli Soup – comforting & cheesy
- Sausage Tortellini Soup – 30 minute meal
- Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup – a family favorite
- Lasagna Soup – a twist on a classic
- 15 Bean Soup – budget friendly
Did your family enjoy this Split Pea Soup? Be sure to leave a rating and a comment below!
Split Pea Soup
Ingredients
- 2 cups dried split peas green or yellow (14 oz)
- 1 meaty ham bone or leftover ham
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 4 cups water or additonal low sodium broth if desired
- 2 teaspoons parsley
- 1 bay leaf
- 3 stalks celery diced
- 2 large carrots diced
- 1 large onion diced
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
- salt to taste
Instructions
- Sort through the peas to ensure there is no debris. Rinse and drain well.
- In a large pot, combine peas, ham, water, broth, parsley, and bay leaf. Bring to a boil, reduce heat to low, and simmer covered for 1 hour.
- Add in celery, carrots, onion, pepper, thyme, and salt. Cover and simmer 45 minutes more.
- Remove ham bone and chop meat. Return meat to soup and cook uncovered until thickened and the peas have broken down, about 20 minutes more.
- Discard bay leaf and serve.
Video
Notes
- This recipe does not require soaking the peas.
- If desired, add 2 cloves of minced garlic along with the vegetables.
- If you have only diced or leftover ham (and no bone) swap out some of the water for extra broth as the bone is used for flavor
- Thicken split pea soup by allowing it to simmer uncovered for a little bit. If you're short on time, some of the peas can be mashed or blended.
- Store cooked split pea soup in the refrigerator for about 4 days. Reheat on the stove or in the microwave.
- Split pea soup can be frozen in zippered bags for up to 3 months.
Nutrition Information
Nutrition information provided is an estimate and will vary based on cooking methods and brands of ingredients used.
Course Dinner, Entree, Ham, Lunch, Main Course, Soup
Cuisine American© SpendWithPennies.com. Content and photographs are copyright protected. Sharing of this recipe is both encouraged and appreciated. Copying and/or pasting full recipes to any social media is strictly prohibited. Please view my photo use policy here.
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Recipe updated for improved flavor and consistency March, 2022.
Can I use a frozen ham bone straight out of the freezer for this? If so what adjustments should I use? Thanks! I love all your recipes!
You can use it frozen but that might add to the cook time so if you’re able, I’d recommend setting it in the fridge to defrost the night before.
This is the best pea soup I’ve ever had. It’s my go to recipe from now on. Awesome flavor!
Go-to soup for all times of the year. I’ve only used 8 cups of broth instead of 4 and 4 and have loved it!! I’ve added an extra carrot or 2 because they’re my favorite part. Perfect recipe!
You kidding me? The best ever! no tweaks, no substitutions. Phenomenal!
Was excellent!
sooo yummy! Thank u
I am from Québec, Canada, where Split Pea Soup is a traditional dish. This recipe was FANTASTIC!
I did add more spice (1 tsp savoury for my Newfoundlander husband, 1 tsp thyme, fresh if I have it) but otherwise followed the recipe. Very flavourful!
We will definitely be having this again!
Excellent recipe! I used leftover cottage roll and some of the broth from it in the base. Of course, because it’s so salty, you have to use a low or even no sodium chicken broth. Amazing flavour and a great way to use up leftovers.
I’ve made many Pea soups before, it happens to be my husbands favorite! Your recipe is by far the best! The soup was easy to make, I did thicken it a bit and it came out perfect
I am so happy to hear you love this recipe Shelly!
Absolutely…. The best!!!
Another winner. Made this today, it is delicious. Next time, I do think even if I use ham, I would throw a ham hock in there too, as we love the smoky flavor. After making it as written today, I did add 5 drops of liquid smoke and I used a bit of cornstarch to thicken. It’s pretty hot today for me to be adding to my soup collection. C’mon winter!
Just made it in the slow cooker. Taste wonderful. Cooked on high for 4 hours and then on low for 8 more. Pulled the bones out and gave it a taste. This is my new go to recipe for Split Pea Soup.
This is the BEST SPS EVER!
place hock in whole as is from shop
you can use a smoked hock of ham as much or as little as you like the hock is best for flavor
That would be delicious, thanks for sharing Stephen!
It looks real good I can.t wait to try it.
Hi could you give me an indication much ham to use if not using a bone. Thanks Kathyrn
About 2 cups of diced ham. You can use a little bit more or less depending on what you have.
I use the precooked ham that come in a bundle that looks like a watermelon. At what point do I add the cut up ham into the soup
Add the ham at the same time as mentioned in the recipe. I suggest about 2 cups of diced ham (a little bit more or less depending on what you have will work).