Easy Split Pea Soup with Ham: Ridiculously Good

Is there anything better than a warm bowl of soup on a chilly day? I don’t think so! And when that soup is an *easy split pea soup with ham*, well, that’s just pure comfort in a bowl. This recipe is one of my go-to’s when I want something hearty, flavorful, and, most importantly, easy to make.

It’s packed with smoky ham, tender split peas, and just the right amount of veggies. Seriously, it’s like a hug from the inside out! I remember one particularly blustery winter day, I was feeling under the weather. I threw this soup together, and after just one bowl, I felt like a new person. The savory aroma filled the entire house, and it was just what I needed.

This *easy split pea soup with ham* recipe is simple enough for a weeknight meal, but it’s also special enough to serve to guests. Trust me, everyone will love it!

Why You’ll Love This Easy Split Pea Soup with Ham

Okay, so why should you make this soup? Let me tell you! It’s seriously the best, and here’s why:

Quick and Easy

I know, “easy” is in the name, but it’s true! The prep is super fast. You’re mostly just chopping a few veggies. Then, it’s just a waiting game while it simmers. How great is that?

Hearty and Filling

This isn’t some wimpy soup, okay? We’re talking serious staying power! All that protein from the ham and fiber from the peas will keep you full for hours. No more mid-afternoon snack attacks!

Classic Comfort Food

Split pea soup is like a warm hug from your grandma, right? It’s total nostalgia in a bowl. This recipe gives you all those cozy vibes.

Budget-Friendly

Let’s be real, we all love a good deal! Split peas are super cheap, and using a ham bone is a fantastic way to stretch your grocery budget. Plus, you get a ton of flavor from that bone, so it’s a win-win!

Gluten-Free

Yup, that’s right! This soup is naturally gluten-free, so everyone can enjoy it. No need to worry about weird substitutions or anything like that. Just pure, delicious soup!

Ingredients for Easy Split Pea Soup with Ham

Alright, let’s talk ingredients! Here’s what you’ll need to make this amazing *easy split pea soup with ham*. Don’t worry, it’s mostly stuff you probably already have!

• 1 Tbsp olive oil. I usually go for extra virgin, but honestly, whatever you’ve got is fine!
• 1 1/2 cups chopped yellow onion (1 medium). Don’t stress about getting it perfect, just give it a good chop!
• 1 1/4 cups chopped celery (about 3 ribs). Again, just a rough chop is totally fine.
• 1 tsp minced garlic (1 clove). I’m lazy, so I use the pre-minced stuff sometimes. Oops! But fresh is always better if you’re feeling ambitious.
• 4 cups unsalted chicken broth. You can always add salt later, but you can’t take it away!
• 4 cups water.
• 1 (16 oz) bag dried split peas, picked over and rinsed. Seriously, don’t skip rinsing them!
• 2 bay leaves. These add a subtle flavor, trust me.
• 1 1/2 tsp chopped fresh thyme, or 1/2 tsp dried. Fresh is amazing, but dried works in a pinch.
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper. To taste, of course!
• 1 1/2 lb meaty ham bone or ham shanks. This is where the magic happens. You can also use ham hocks!
• 1 cup chopped carrots.
• Chopped fresh parsley, for garnish (optional). But it makes it look so pretty!

How to Make Easy Split Pea Soup with Ham: Step-by-Step Instructions

Okay, let’s get cooking! This *easy split pea soup with ham* is so simple, I promise you can’t mess it up (well, almost!). Just follow these steps, and you’ll be enjoying a delicious bowl of soup in no time.

Sauté the Aromatics

First, grab your biggest pot and put it over medium-high heat. Drizzle in that olive oil. Once it’s hot, toss in your chopped onion and celery. Sauté them for about 3 minutes, until they start to soften and smell amazing. Then, add the minced garlic and cook for another minute. Careful, don’t let the garlic burn!

Add Broth, Water, Peas, and Seasonings

Now, pour in the chicken broth and water. Add the rinsed split peas, bay leaves, and thyme. Season lightly with salt and pepper. Remember, you can always add more later! We don’t want a super salty soup, right?

Simmer with Ham

Gently nestle that ham bone (or ham hocks!) into the soup mixture. Bring everything to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and let it simmer for about 60-80 minutes, stirring occasionally. You want the peas and ham to be nice and tender. This is where the magic really happens, so be patient!

Shred the Ham

Carefully remove the ham from the soup and put it on a plate. Let it rest for about 10 minutes – don’t skip this! It’ll be easier to handle. Then, shred or dice the meaty part of the ham into bite-sized pieces. Cover the ham to keep it from drying out. Set it aside for now.

Add Carrots and Continue Simmering

Throw those chopped carrots into the soup. Cover the pot again and continue to simmer for about 30 minutes longer, stirring occasionally. You’ll notice the peas starting to break down and the soup thickening up. That’s exactly what you want!

Combine and Serve

Finally, stir the shredded ham back into the soup. Season with more salt and pepper as needed. Give it a taste and adjust to your liking! Serve warm, garnished with fresh parsley if you’re feeling fancy. And that’s it! Enjoy your homemade *easy split pea soup with ham*!

Ingredient Notes and Substitutions for Easy Split Pea Soup with Ham

Okay, so maybe you don’t have *every single thing* on hand. Don’t sweat it! Here are a few easy swaps you can make for this *easy split pea soup with ham*.

Ham Bone Alternatives

No ham bone? No problem! Ham hocks work great, and they add a ton of smoky flavor. You can also use diced ham if that’s what you’ve got. Just add it towards the end, so it doesn’t get too tough.

Broth Options

If you don’t have chicken broth, vegetable broth will totally work. It’ll still be delicious, I promise!

Herb Variations

Thyme is my go-to, but feel free to experiment! Marjoram or savory are both fantastic in split pea soup. Just use what you like!

Tips for the Best Easy Split Pea Soup with Ham

Want to take your *easy split pea soup with ham* from good to AMAZING? Of course, you do! Here are a few little secrets I’ve learned over the years.

Achieving the Right Consistency

Is your soup too thick? Just add a little more broth or water until it reaches your desired consistency. Too thin? Simmer it uncovered for a bit to let some of the liquid evaporate. Easy peasy!

Don’t Skip the Sauté

Seriously, don’t even think about skipping this step! Sautéing the onions, celery, and garlic is SO important for building flavor. It makes a huge difference, trust me.

Adjusting Seasoning

Taste, taste, taste! Seasoning is key. Add salt and pepper a little at a time until it’s just right. Remember, you can always add more, but you can’t take it away!

Frequently Asked Questions About Easy Split Pea Soup with Ham

Got questions about making this *easy split pea soup with ham*? I’ve got answers! Here are a few of the most common things people ask me.

Can I make this soup in a slow cooker?

Totally! Slow cookers are amazing for soups. Just sauté the veggies like normal, then dump everything into your slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours. Shred the ham and stir it in during the last 30 minutes. Easy peasy!

Can I freeze Easy Split Pea Soup with Ham?

You bet! This soup freezes really well. Let it cool completely, then transfer it to freezer-safe containers or bags. Make sure to leave a little room at the top, since liquids expand when frozen. It’ll last for up to 3 months in the freezer. To thaw, just pop it in the fridge overnight or reheat it gently on the stovetop.

How long does Easy Split Pea Soup with Ham last in the refrigerator?

This soup will keep in the fridge for 3-4 days. Just make sure it’s stored in an airtight container. You know, one of those good ones!

How to store Easy Split Pea Soup with Ham

To store your *easy split pea soup with ham*, let it cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. This prevents condensation and keeps the soup fresher longer. I like to use glass containers, but plastic works too!

What if I don’t have a ham bone?

No ham bone? No problem! You can use ham hocks instead – they’re usually pretty easy to find. Or, just use diced ham! You’ll still get that delicious ham flavor. If you use diced ham, add it towards the end of cooking so it doesn’t dry out.

Serving Suggestions for Your Easy Split Pea Soup with Ham

Okay, so you’ve got this amazing *easy split pea soup with ham*. Now what? Here are a few ideas for what to serve with it to make it a complete meal!

Bread

You gotta have bread with soup, right? Crusty bread is perfect for dipping. Or, how about a grilled cheese sandwich? Yum! Cornbread is also a great option, especially if you want something a little sweeter.

Salad

A simple green salad is a nice, light way to balance out the heartiness of the soup. Or, if you want something a little more substantial, try a hearty winter salad with roasted vegetables and a vinaigrette.

Nutritional Information

Okay, here’s the deal: I’ve included some nutritional info for this *easy split pea soup with ham*, but keep in mind that it’s just an estimate! It can vary depending on the exact brands and ingredients you use. So, please don’t take it as gospel, okay?

Enjoy Your Homemade Easy Split Pea Soup with Ham!

There you have it! Easy peasy, right? Now go enjoy your amazing *easy split pea soup with ham*. And hey, if you loved this recipe, please leave a comment and rate it below! Share it with your friends, too! Happy cooking!

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