Split Pea Soup is a comforting and nutritious dish, traditionally made as a thick stew. This version combines the heartiness of split peas with tender chunks of ham, creating a rich, savory soup. As it simmers, the peas break down, forming a creamy texture while the aroma of cooked vegetables and herbs fills your kitchen. I often prepare this recipe on chilly evenings when a warming meal is most welcome.
Why This Split Pea Soup Works
The method chosen here allows the flavors to develop beautifully while the split peas break down to create a smooth texture. Simmering on the stovetop concentrates the flavor, making sure each ingredient contributes to the overall richness. When made in a slow cooker or Instant Pot, the dish retains moisture while tenderizing the peas and meat evenly, ensuring a satisfying finish.
What Goes In
- 1 lb. dry split peas (2 cups)
- 1 ham bone
- 2 cups ham, cut from the ham bone
- 2 cups onions, diced
- 1 and 1/2 tablespoons onion powder
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon garlic, minced
- 2 bay leaves
- 2 sprigs thyme
- 8 cups water
- 2 cups carrots, diced
- 2 russet potatoes, peeled and diced
Using dry split peas provides a nutty flavor and hearty texture, while the ham bone imparts deep, meaty notes. You’ll notice that the ingredients combine to make a soup rich in both protein and fiber.
Cooking Sequence
- For the stovetop method, add the ham bone, split peas, onions, onion powder, butter, olive oil, garlic, bay leaves, thyme, and water to a large soup pot. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer with the lid slightly cracked. Cook for 2.5 hours, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking and to check for tenderness.
- About 40 minutes before serving, add the diced carrots and potatoes. As they cook, they will soften and mingle with the other ingredients, enriching the broth.
- Once the peas and vegetables are tender, remove the ham bone, bay leaves, and thyme. Shred 2 cups of ham from the bone and return the shredded meat to the soup. Serve hot, allowing the comforting aromas to fill your home.
- For the Instant Pot, rinse the peas before incorporating them with all ingredients into the pot. Cook on high for 25 minutes, then let pressure release naturally for 10-15 minutes. Remember to remove the ham bone once you’ve finished cooking.
- For the slow cooker, add all ingredients and cook on low for 8+ hours or high for 6+ hours, until the peas are tender. Remove the ham bone before serving.
This preparation method not only enhances the flavor through slow cooking but also changes the texture, making it creamy without additional thickeners.
Quick Nutrition Info
- Serving size: 1 cup
- Calories: 320
- Protein: 22g
- Carbohydrates: 54g
- Fat: 8g
- Fiber: 15g
This breakdown highlights how nutrient-rich the soup is, providing a balanced meal that can sustain you through a busy day.
Serving Ideas
- Pair with crusty bread for a hearty meal that captures the soup’s richness.
- Top with a sprinkle of fresh herbs like parsley for brightness.
- Serve with a simple green salad to add a refreshing crunch.
- Use it as a warm filling for a baked potato to create a quick and filling dinner.
- Consider a side of roasted vegetables to complement the flavors and add more nutrients.
Each of these ideas adds a different dimension to the meal while keeping it simple.
Storage and Reheat
- Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 5 days in an airtight container.
- If you want to freeze the soup, it will hold well for up to 3 months.
- For reheating, gently warm on the stovetop or use a microwave until heated through.
- The texture may thicken after sitting, so add a bit of water or broth when reheating to achieve your desired consistency.
An honest note: the flavors actually deepen and become more harmonious if left overnight.
What to Do With Leftovers
Consider using leftover soup in various ways:
- Blend it into a smooth dip for bread or crackers.
- Incorporate it into a grain bowl alongside rice or quinoa.
- Thin it out with additional broth and serve as a hearty sauce over pasta.
These ideas can help you diversify your meals while ensuring nothing goes to waste.
Conclusion
Preparing split pea soup not only brings nourishment but also layers of comforting flavors worth savoring. Whether using the stovetop, Instant Pot, or slow cooker, this dish transforms simple ingredients into a heartwarming meal. As you enjoy it, remember that it’s a versatile option that can accommodate many dining scenarios, from cozy family dinners to quick lunches. Evaluating how the peas soften and flavors meld will enhance your cooking experience every time.
Once you get comfortable with this preparation, you may find more ways to incorporate it into your menu rotation. For more recipes and cooking tips, you can explore this resource for additional inspiration.
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Split Pea Soup
- Total Time: 165 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Low Carb
Description
A comforting and nutritious split pea soup with ham, perfect for chilly evenings.
Ingredients
- 1 lb. dry split peas (2 cups)
- 1 ham bone
- 2 cups ham, cut from the ham bone
- 2 cups onions, diced
- 1 and 1/2 tablespoons onion powder
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon garlic, minced
- 2 bay leaves
- 2 sprigs thyme
- 8 cups water
- 2 cups carrots, diced
- 2 russet potatoes, peeled and diced
Instructions
- Add the ham bone, split peas, onions, onion powder, butter, olive oil, garlic, bay leaves, thyme, and water to a large soup pot.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer with the lid slightly cracked.
- Cook for 150 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking and to check for tenderness.
- Add the diced carrots and potatoes about 40 minutes before serving.
- Remove the ham bone, bay leaves, and thyme once the peas and vegetables are tender.
- Shred 2 cups of ham from the bone and return the shredded meat to the soup.
- Serve hot and enjoy!
Notes
Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 5 days or freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat gently and add water or broth as needed.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 150 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop, Slow Cooker, Instant Pot
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 54g
- Fiber: 15g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
