split pea soup recipe.

 

🍲 Split Pea Soup with Ham (Hearty & Comforting Homemade Soup)

Creamy split pea soup with ham made from scratch! A hearty, protein-packed soup perfect for chilly nights or leftover holiday ham.

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🕒 Prep & Cook Time

• Prep time: 15 minutes
• Cook time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Total time: 1 hour 30 minutes
• Serves: 6–8

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🧂 Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon olive oil or butter
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 2 carrots, diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 lb (450 g) dried split peas, rinsed and drained
• 6 cups chicken broth (or vegetable broth)
• 2 cups diced cooked ham (or leftover ham bone)
• 1 bay leaf
• ½ teaspoon thyme
• Salt and pepper to taste

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👩‍🍳 Instructions

1. Sauté vegetables:
   In a large pot, heat oil over medium heat. Add onion, carrots, and celery; cook 5 minutes until softened. Add garlic and sauté for 1 minute.

2. Add peas and broth:
   Stir in split peas, chicken broth, ham, bay leaf, and thyme. Bring to a boil.

3. Simmer:
   Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 60–70 minutes, stirring occasionally, until peas are tender and soup thickens.

4. Adjust texture:
   For a smoother soup, use an immersion blender to puree part or all of the soup.

5. Season and serve:
   Remove bay leaf. Add salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot with crusty bread or crackers.

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🍞 Serving Ideas

• Top with croutons or crispy bacon bits.
• Pair with grilled cheese sandwiches.
• Add a swirl of cream or Greek yogurt for extra richness.

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💡 Tips for the Best Split Pea Soup

• Use a ham bone for deeper flavor — simmer with the soup and remove before serving.
• Add smoked paprika or parsley for an extra layer of taste.
• Soup thickens as it cools — add warm water or broth to reheat.

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🧁 Similar Recipes

• Creamy Potato Soup
• Chicken Noodle Soup
• Butternut Squash Soup
• French Onion Soup
• Ham and Bean Soup