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The Best Split Pea and Ham Soup

A thick, hearty, and comforting classic soup made with split peas, smoky ham, and aromatic vegetables.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 45 minutes
Servings: 6 bowls
Course: Soup
Cuisine: American, Winter
Calories: 310

Ingredients
  

Soup Base
  • 1 lb dried green split peas rinsed
  • 1 ham bone or 2 cups diced ham
  • 1 tbsp olive oil or butter
  • 1 onion diced
  • 2 carrots diced
  • 2 celery stalks diced
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 8 cups chicken broth low sodium
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 1 tsp dried thyme
  • 0.5 tsp black pepper

Equipment

  • Large soup pot
  • Wooden spoon
  • Ladle

Method
 

  1. Rinse split peas under cold water until clear.
  2. Heat oil in a large pot and sauté onion, carrots, and celery until softened.
  3. Add garlic and cook briefly until fragrant.
  4. Stir in split peas, ham, broth, bay leaf, thyme, and pepper.
  5. Bring to a boil, reduce heat, and simmer 75–90 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  6. Remove ham bone, shred meat, return to pot, and discard bay leaf.
  7. Adjust seasoning and serve hot.

Notes

Soup thickens as it cools; add broth when reheating.