Go Back
A bowl of easy split pea soup with ham, showcasing tender peas and smoky flavors.

Easy Split Pea Soup with Ham

A simple, thick, and comforting split pea soup made with leftover ham, perfect for chilly nights.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 40 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Main Course, Soup
Cuisine: American
Calories: 250
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 1 cup Split peas, rinsed well
  • 2 cups Ham (leftover ham, ham steak, or a ham bone with meat on it)
  • 1 medium Onion, diced
  • 2 medium Carrots, diced
  • 2 stalks Celery, diced
  • 2 cloves Garlic, minced (optional) Recommended for added flavor
  • 6 cups Chicken broth or water Broth gives more flavor
  • 1 leaf Bay leaf
  • to taste Salt and pepper Go easy on salt as ham can be salty

Method
 

Preparation
  1. In a large pot, heat a little oil and sauté the diced onion, carrots, and celery for about 5 to 7 minutes until softened.
  2. Add minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds.
  3. Stir in the rinsed split peas, chicken broth, bay leaf, and ham. If using a ham bone, add it for extra flavor.
Cooking
  1. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, then reduce the heat and cook uncovered for 60 to 90 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  2. If the soup thickens too much, add a splash more broth or water.
  3. Once the peas are soft, remove the ham bone (if used), chop the meat, and stir it back into the soup. Adjust salt and pepper to taste.

Notes

This soup is forgiving; you can adjust it based on what you have on hand. Consider adding diced potatoes, chopped spinach, or even corn for extra nutrition.