Best Split Pea Soup Recipe (with Ham Bone)

I take pleasure in creating hearty recipes and my Split Peas Soup With Ham Bone is a celebration of authentic ingredients. I combined 1 lb dried split peas, a savory ham bone, crisp celery, diced carrots, and aromatic garlic with thyme and bay leaf. This blend brings a delightful finish to festive meals.

I’ve been experimenting with different soup recipes since the holidays and found one that really stands out. This split pea soup with ham bone is a game changer.

I start with 1 lb of dried split peas, rinsed really well, and a ham bone with plenty of meat still clinging to it. I let it simmer in 10 cups of water with a large chopped onion, 3 diced carrots, and 3 chopped celery stalks.

Then I add 2 minced garlic cloves, a bay leaf, and 1 tsp of dried thyme to build an amazing depth of flavor. I season it off with salt and pepper to taste.

Every spoonful reminds me of the simplicity of a good meal done right and it definitely makes me think of all those creative recipes like pea and ham soup or variations of split pea soup that are popular in the crockpot community. It’s a hearty dish that’s sure to bring a bit of excitement back to any post-holiday table.

Why I Like this Recipe

1. I love how the flavors from the ham bone and veggies blend together perfectly.
2. I really appreciate that this soup is super hearty and warming, making it a great comfort food.
3. I like that its simple ingredients come together to make an amazing meal, especially after a big holiday meal.

I made this split pea soup with ham bone because its chunky and filled with flavor. Its the kind of recipe that really hits the spot after holidays like Easter, Christmas or Thanksgiving, making me feel cozy and satisfied every time I dig in.

Ingredients

• Split Peas: They pack fiber and plant protein, making the soup thick and nutritious.
• Ham Bone: Provides rich flavor and natural protein, creatin a hearty broth.
• Onion: Brings subtle sweetness and beneficial nutrients to balance the savory taste.
• Carrots: Add slightly sweet notes with bursts of vitamins and antioxidants.
• Celery: Offers crunchy texture and fiber, balancing the soup overall flavor.
• Garlic: Infuses bold aroma and has immune boosting properties for extra zest.
• Dried Thyme: Gives a light herbal note that brightens and deepens the soup flavor.
• Bay Leaf: Offers a subtle earthy aroma enhancing overall taste complexity.
• Water: Binds all ingredients together, creating a soothing, warming base.

Ingredient Quantities

• 1 lb dried split peas, rinsed and sorted
• 1 ham bone (about 1-2 lbs) with some meat still attached
• 10 cups water
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 3 carrots, peeled and diced
• 3 celery stalks, chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• Salt and pepper, to taste

How to Make this

1. First, rinse and sort the split peas, then toss them in a big pot along with your ham bone and bay leaf.

2. Pour in 10 cups of water and add the dried thyme. Bring the mixture to a boil on high heat.

3. Once boiling, lower the heat so it simmers gently.

4. Add in your chopped onion, diced carrots, chopped celery, and minced garlic.

5. Let the soup simmer for about 1 to
1.5 hours, stirring every now and then until the peas get really soft.

6. Check the peas and if you like a thicker soup, you can mash some of them with a spoon.

7. Carefully remove the ham bone and bay leaf from the pot.

8. Pick off all the meat from the ham bone, chop it up and put it back into the soup.

9. Season the soup with salt and pepper to your taste.

10. If it feels too thick, add a little extra water, let it heat for another few minutes, and then serve hot.

Equipment Needed

1. A colander or strainer to rinse and sort the peas
2. A large cooking pot for boiling and simmering the soup
3. A measuring cup to measure 10 cups of water
4. A cutting board for chopping the onion, carrots, celery, and garlic
5. A chef’s knife to dice and chop those veggies
6. A stirring spoon for mixing the ingredients and mashing the peas if needed
7. Tongs or a fork for handling and removing the ham bone safely
8. A ladle for serving hot soup

FAQ

Best Split Pea Soup Recipe (with Ham Bone) Substitutions and Variations

• Instead of a ham bone you can use a smoked turkey leg if you prefer a different smoky flavour.
• If you dont have dried split peas you can try green lentils which will give a similar heartiness.
• In place of minced garlic you can use garlic powder instead, just start with a little and adjust to taste.
• If you are out of bay leaf you might add a pinch of fennel seeds for a unique twist.
• For dried thyme, rosemary works too but use a bit less as its flavour can be stronger.

Pro Tips

1. When the soup is simmering, keep an eye on it cuz sometimes the peas need a bit more time to get super soft before you start mashing them up. If it starts looking too thick, don’t be afraid to stir in a little extra water.

2. Be careful with that ham bone when you take it out. Let it cool down a bit so you don’t burn yourself while picking off the meat. It can be tricky and messy if you rush it.

3. Taste as you go, especially with the salt and pepper. The flavors can change with that ham bone releasing extra salt and richness, so feel free to tweak the seasoning near the end.

4. If you want to amp up the flavor, try adding a tiny bit more thyme or even a pinch of red pepper. It’s a smart way to give the soup a little extra kick without overdoing it.