There’s something wonderfully comforting about a steaming bowl of split pea soup with ham – it’s the kind of dish that wraps you up in warmth from the inside out. This easy split pea soup recipe is a classic for good reason: it’s hearty, satisfying, and absolutely delicious. With just a handful of simple ingredients and minimal effort, you can have a restaurant-quality soup on your table in under an hour.
Split peas are nutritional powerhouses, packed with protein and fiber, making this soup not just tasty but genuinely good for you. The ham adds a smoky depth of flavor that transforms the earthy sweetness of the peas into something truly special. Whether you’re using leftover ham from a holiday dinner or picking up a ham steak from your local butcher, this recipe is incredibly forgiving and adaptable to whatever you have on hand.
What I absolutely love about this split pea soup is how it comes together with minimal hands-on time. You’ll sauté your aromatics, add your ingredients, and let the stovetop do most of the work for you. It’s the perfect recipe for busy weeknights or lazy Sunday afternoons. Plus, it makes a massive batch, so you’ll have plenty of leftovers for lunch throughout the week. This soup actually tastes even better the next day, as all those flavors have time to meld together beautifully.
I’ve been making versions of this soup for years, and I’ve perfected it to be foolproof. The key is using good quality ham and not skimping on the aromatics – carrots, celery, and onions are the holy trinity that builds incredible flavor. Some people like to add a bay leaf or thyme, and I won’t stop you, but honestly, this recipe is perfect as written. Serve it with crusty bread, and you’ve got yourself a complete meal.
If you’re looking for other comforting soups to add to your rotation, check out our guide to creamy pasta dishes or explore more hearty options. For a lighter side, you might enjoy a chickpea salad to pair with your soup. And if you want to get fancy, serve with some pickled red onions for a tangy garnish.
This recipe comes together in about 45 minutes total, though most of that is hands-off simmering time. The beauty of split pea soup is that it’s naturally thick and creamy without any heavy cream – the peas break down and create their own luxurious texture. Once you make this, it’ll become a staple in your kitchen. Trust me, your family will be asking for it constantly!
For more soup inspiration and techniques, check out Serious Eats’ soup collection or browse Bon Appétit’s recipe database. You can also find great variations on New York Times Cooking.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons butter or olive oil
- 1 large yellow onion, diced
- 3 carrots, peeled and diced
- 3 celery stalks, diced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups dried split peas, rinsed and picked over
- 8 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 2 cups diced ham (about 12 ounces)
- 1 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for a little heat)
- 2 bay leaves (optional)
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme (optional)
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Heat the butter or olive oil in a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat. Once shimmering, add the diced onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are softened and the onion is translucent.
- Add the minced garlic to the pot and cook for another minute, stirring constantly, until fragrant. This step is crucial for building a flavorful base.
- Rinse the split peas under cold water in a fine-mesh strainer, picking through them to remove any small stones or debris. Add the rinsed split peas to the pot and stir to coat with the butter and vegetables.
- Pour in the chicken or vegetable broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot with a wooden spoon. These flavorful bits will add depth to your soup.
- Add the diced ham, salt, black pepper, cayenne pepper if using, bay leaves, and thyme. Stir everything together until well combined.
- Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, then immediately reduce the heat to low and let it simmer gently, partially covered, for about 35-40 minutes. The split peas should break down and become very tender.
- Stir the soup occasionally throughout cooking to ensure even cooking and to prevent sticking on the bottom of the pot.
- After about 35 minutes, the soup should be thick and creamy, with most of the peas having broken down into the broth. If you prefer a smoother texture, you can use an immersion blender to puree it partially or fully, depending on your preference.
- Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper as needed. Remove the bay leaves if you used them.
- Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley if desired. Serve hot with crusty bread on the side.
Pro Tips
For a chunkier texture, don’t blend the soup at all – the split peas will naturally break down enough to create a hearty, rustic consistency.
If you don’t have ham on hand, you can substitute with bacon, pancetta, or even skip the meat entirely for a vegetarian version (just use vegetable broth).
Split peas don’t require soaking like dried beans do, which is one reason this recipe is so quick and easy.
The soup will thicken as it cools, so if you’re reheating leftovers and it seems too thick, simply add more broth or water to reach your desired consistency.
For added flavor depth, try using ham bone or ham hock instead of diced ham – it will add incredible richness to the broth. Just remove the bone before serving and shred any meat clinging to it.
Make sure to rinse and sort your split peas carefully – sometimes there are small stones mixed in that can crack your teeth if not caught.
This recipe is highly customizable. Some people add potatoes for extra heartiness, others add a splash of apple cider vinegar or white wine for brightness.
Serve with cornbread, crusty sourdough, or grilled cheese sandwiches for the ultimate comfort meal.
Leftovers actually taste better the next day after the flavors have had time to meld together, making this perfect for meal prep.