There’s just something so comforting about a bowl of split pea soup with ham, isn’t there? It’s like a warm hug on a chilly evening! I remember cozy nights when my family would gather around the table, the delicious aroma wafting through the house, signaling that dinner was almost ready. This soup is not only simple to make, but it’s also hearty and filling, perfect for those days when you need a little extra love in your life. Trust me, once you try this recipe, you’ll want to keep it in your rotation! It’s a classic that brings everyone together, and you’ll feel like a pro in your kitchen, even if you’re just starting out!
Ingredients for Split Pea Soup with Ham
Gathering your ingredients is the first step to making this delicious split pea soup with ham, and it couldn’t be easier! Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 cup dried split peas – make sure they’re fresh for the best flavor!
- 4 cups water – this will help cook the peas to that perfect creamy texture.
- 1 cup diced ham – I love using leftover ham, but any cooked ham will work.
- 1 onion, chopped – adds a wonderful depth of flavor.
- 2 carrots, chopped – for a touch of sweetness and color.
- 2 celery stalks, chopped – don’t skip this, it’s crucial for that classic soup taste!
- 2 cloves garlic, minced – because garlic makes everything better!
- 1 teaspoon thyme – a little earthiness to round out the flavors.
- Salt and pepper to taste – season it just right to elevate the soup.
These simple ingredients come together to create a truly comforting dish that’s perfect for any day of the week!
How to Prepare Split Pea Soup with Ham
Now that you’ve got your ingredients ready, let’s dive into making this cozy split pea soup with ham! Follow these easy steps, and you’ll have a delicious pot of soup simmering in no time.
Step 1: Rinse the Split Peas
First things first, you’ll want to rinse those split peas under cold water. This step is super important because it helps remove any debris or dust that might be hiding in them. Just place them in a fine-mesh strainer and give them a good rinse until the water runs clear. It’s a quick step, but it makes a world of difference!
Step 2: Combine Ingredients
Next, grab a large pot and combine the rinsed split peas with 4 cups of water. Bring it all to a rolling boil over medium-high heat. It’s like the peas are getting a warm-up before the main event! Once it’s boiling, you’re ready for the next step.
Step 3: Add Ham and Vegetables
Now it’s time to add in the star players! Toss in your diced ham, chopped onion, carrots, celery, minced garlic, and thyme. Each of these ingredients adds layers of flavor that will make your soup taste incredible. Stir everything together and let those flavors mingle for a moment.
Step 4: Simmer the Soup
Reduce the heat to low and let your soup simmer gently for about 1 hour. This is where the magic happens! Make sure to stir occasionally, so nothing sticks to the bottom of the pot. You’ll know it’s ready when the split peas are tender and starting to break down into that creamy goodness we all love.
Step 5: Season and Serve
Finally, it’s time to season your soup with salt and pepper to taste. Don’t be shy—this is where you can really bring out the flavors! If you like, you can garnish with a bit more diced ham or even some fresh herbs for a pop of color. Serve it hot, and enjoy the cozy comfort of your homemade split pea soup with ham!
Tips for Success
Here are some of my favorite tips to ensure your split pea soup with ham turns out perfectly every time! First off, if you find that your soup is too thick for your liking, don’t hesitate to add a bit more water during cooking—it’s all about finding that perfect consistency. Also, if you’re planning to store leftovers, let the soup cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It’ll keep well in the fridge for up to 3 days, but trust me, it’s even better the next day! And if you want to freeze it, just portion it out and freeze in individual containers for a quick meal later on. Enjoy the cozy goodness whenever you need it!
Frequently Asked Questions about Split Pea Soup with Ham
Can I use other meats instead of ham?
Absolutely! If you’re not a fan of ham or just want to switch things up, you can use other meats like diced turkey, cooked bacon, or even smoked sausage. Each substitute will bring its own unique flavor to the soup. Just keep in mind that the smokiness of the ham really adds depth, so if you opt for a less smoky meat, you might want to add a splash of liquid smoke or some extra seasoning to enhance the flavor!
How do I store leftovers?
Storing leftovers is super easy! Just let your soup cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container. It’ll keep well in the fridge for up to 3 days. If you want to enjoy it later, you can freeze it too! Just portion it into freezer-safe containers, and it should last for about 2-3 months. When you’re ready to eat, simply thaw it in the fridge overnight and reheat on the stovetop until warmed through. Perfect for a quick and cozy meal!
Is this soup gluten-free?
Yes, this split pea soup with ham is naturally gluten-free! The ingredients are all gluten-free, making it a great option for those with gluten sensitivities or celiac disease. Just double-check any packaged items, like the ham, to ensure there are no hidden gluten ingredients. Enjoy this hearty soup without any worries!
Nutritional Information
As with any recipe, the nutritional values for this split pea soup with ham can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you use. However, here’s a general idea of what you can expect per serving (about 1 cup): around 250 calories, 5g of fat, 15g of protein, and 40g of carbohydrates, including 15g of fiber. It’s a hearty option that fills you up without weighing you down! Just remember, if you’re watching your sodium intake, you might want to adjust the amount of salt or choose a lower-sodium ham to keep it healthier!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- So easy to make, even for beginners!
- Hearty and filling, perfect for chilly days.
- Packed with flavor from simple, wholesome ingredients.
- Great for using up leftover ham.
- Comforting and satisfying—like a warm hug in a bowl!
- Perfect for meal prep or cozy family dinners.
Serving Suggestions
To make your meal even more delightful, I love serving my split pea soup with ham alongside some crusty bread or a warm baguette. It’s perfect for dipping and soaking up all that delicious soup! A simple side salad with a light vinaigrette also complements the hearty flavors beautifully. You could even throw in some cheese for an extra touch of indulgence. Enjoy your cozy meal!
Split Pea Soup with Ham: 5 Simple Steps to Comfort
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A hearty split pea soup with ham, perfect for a cozy meal.
Ingredients
- 1 cup dried split peas
- 4 cups water
- 1 cup diced ham
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Rinse the split peas under cold water.
- In a large pot, combine the split peas and water. Bring to a boil.
- Add the diced ham, onion, carrots, celery, garlic, and thyme.
- Reduce heat and simmer for about 1 hour, stirring occasionally.
- Once the peas are tender, season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve hot, garnished with additional ham if desired.
Notes
- Make sure to rinse the split peas to remove any debris.
- Adjust the thickness by adding more water if needed.
- Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 15g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: split pea soup with ham, easy soup recipes, beginner soup recipe
