Warm, hearty, and irresistibly comforting, this Simple and Good Ham and Split Pea Soup is the ultimate one-pot meal for cozy evenings. Bursting with flavor from tender green split peas, savory ham, and a medley of aromatic vegetables like carrots, celery, and onion, this recipe is as satisfying as it is easy to make. Slow-simmered with fragrant bay leaf and thyme, the soup develops a rich, velvety texture that pairs perfectly with crusty bread or crackers. Ready in just over 90 minutes, this gluten-free classic is a no-fuss dish that transforms pantry staples into a nourishing, crowd-pleasing dinner. Perfect for weeknights or to use up leftover ham, this split pea soup delivers homemade comfort with every spoonful.
Rinse the split peas under cold water and pick out any debris or stones. Set them aside.
Peel and dice the carrots. Chop the celery into small pieces. Finely chop the onion and mince the garlic.
In a large pot or Dutch oven, combine the split peas, ham bone or diced ham, diced carrots, celery, onion, and garlic.
Add the bay leaf, dried thyme, and a pinch of salt and pepper to the pot.
Pour in the water or chicken broth, and stir to combine all the ingredients.
Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce the heat to low. Let the soup simmer uncovered for about 1.5 hours, stirring occasionally.
After cooking, check the consistency. If the soup is too thick, add a little more water or broth to reach your desired consistency.
Remove the ham bone (if using) and shred any remaining meat from the bone. Return the meat to the soup and discard the bone.
Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with additional salt or pepper as needed.
Serve hot with crusty bread or crackers, and enjoy!
Calories |
1878 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 18.6 g | 24% | |
| Saturated Fat | 5.7 g | 29% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.1 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 119 mg | 40% | |
| Sodium | 4317 mg | 188% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 284.2 g | 103% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 107.7 g | 385% | |
| Total Sugars | 47.3 g | ||
| Protein | 152.4 g | 305% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 369 mg | 28% | |
| Iron | 21.8 mg | 121% | |
| Potassium | 5352 mg | 114% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.