This hearty Split Pea and Ham Soup combines tender vegetables, creamy split peas, and ham, simmered in a savory broth with thyme and garlic. Topped with fresh thyme and parsley, it’s a cozy, comforting dish perfect for chilly days! This homemade soup is so worth it, better than any canned version! If you love comforting homemade soups, I also have Ham and Potato Soup that is sure to warm you up and satisfy!
Ingredients & Substitutions
- Dried Split Peas: The star ingredient in split pea soup is the split peas. (No kidding, right?!?). As they cook down, they become creamy and give the soup a bit of an earthy flavor. Rinse the split peas before adding them to the soup. I also like to check them over, removing any damaged or discolored peas.
- Ham: This split pea soup recipe is perfect for using up that leftover holiday ham (check out my brown sugar-glazed ham or apricot honey ham). Deli ham, cut into small pieces, would also work. I love the added protein!
- Vegetables: Fresh vegetables really make this soup special. I added celery, carrots, and onions. They add vibrant flavors and textures.
- Chicken Broth: The base of the soup is chicken broth. If you want to control the saltiness, use low-sodium chicken broth. Alternatively, for a richer flavor, you can use chicken stock.
- Thyme: For herbal freshness, I added dried thyme to the soup and fresh thyme for garnish. If using fresh thyme in the soup (instead of dried), use about three times the amount, or about 1 1/2 teaspoons fresh.
Can I Make Split Pea Soup Without Ham?
Yes, you can make Split Pea Soup without ham! Use vegetable broth for flavor, add smoked paprika or liquid smoke for a smoky taste, and increase the herbs like thyme and garlic. I also like to add diced potatoes, more carrots, or bell peppers for extra texture and nutrition. Enjoy your hearty meatless soup!
What To Serve With Split Pea Soup
Here are some delicious options to serve with split pea soup:
- Crusty bread like a French baguette or sourdough
- Homemade croutons
- Crispy grilled cheese sandwich (or grilled cheese croutons from my roasted tomato soup recipe!)
- Cheesy garlic dinner rolls
- Buttermilk biscuits
Storing & Reheating Split Pea and Ham Soup
To store split pea and ham soup, first, let the soup cool to room temperature. Next, transfer the soup to an airtight container or portion into smaller containers. (This is great for grab-and-go lunches!) It will last in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat the soup on the stovetop or in the microwave until hot.
Can I Freeze Split Pea Soup?
Yes, you can freeze this soup. To freeze split pea soup, first, let it cool to room temperature. Next, transfer the soup into freezer-safe containers or bags, leaving room for expansion. Label and date the containers; it will last up to 2-3 months in the freezer. When ready to enjoy, let the soup thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Split Pea and Ham Soup
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- 2 ribs celery, diced
- 1 large carrot, peeled and chopped
- 1 small yellow onion, diced (about ½ cup)
- 2 teaspoons garlic, minced
- 1 pound dried split peas, rinsed and sorted
- 1 pound cooked ham, diced
- 5 cups (40 ounces) chicken broth
- 2 cups (16 ounces) water
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt, or to taste
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- fresh parsley, chopped for garnish
- fresh thyme, for garnish
Instructions
- In a large heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil and butter over medium heat until the butter is melted.
- Add the celery, carrot, and onion. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables have softened slightly, about 5 to 8 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 additional minute.
- Stir in the split peas, ham, chicken broth, water, thyme, salt, and pepper. Increase the heat to medium-high and bring the mixture to a gentle boil.
- Reduce heat to medium-low. Simmer the soup uncovered for about 65-75 minutes, or until the peas are tender and the soup has thickened. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Serve warm, garnished with fresh parsley.
Did you make this recipe?
You can tag me at @iamhomesteader.
What the Test Kitchen had to say about this recipe:
Autumn
This is so good and so hearty! (I grabbed all of the leftovers to take home!) I love how the ham adds a nice smokiness. Definitely a new favorite!
Elizabeth
I have always been a fan of split pea soup, and I loved this recipe! I loved the thickness of the soup and the ham. Perfect.
Annabelle
I am not a fan of peas, so I am not the best judge of this soup. But, it looked pretty good, and the people who tried a lot of it loved it, so I will take their word for it.
Bella
If you're a fan of ham, you'll love this soup! The chunks of ham are delicious, and the split peas add a nice texture. It’s filling enough for a meal on its own.
Selena
This soup is perfect for chilly evenings. It's rich and comforting, and the fresh parsley on top adds a nice touch. I’ll definitely be making this again soon.
