Why You’ll Love this Cozy Split Pea & Ham Soup
Everyone needs a reliable comfort food recipe for those chilly evenings when nothing else will do. This split pea and ham soup is exactly that—warming, hearty, and surprisingly simple to prepare.
I adore how the humble split peas transform into velvety goodness after simmering with that flavor-packed ham bone. Can you think of a better way to use leftovers?
The diced carrots, potatoes, and onions add texture and nutrition, creating a complete meal in one bowl.
What really sells me? The flexibility. Too thick? Add water. Want chunks? Skip the sieve.
What Ingredients are in Cozy Split Pea & Ham Soup?
This classic soup relies on just a handful of humble ingredients that, when simmered together, create absolute magic in your bowl. The star of the show is split peas, those little green gems that break down into a velvety texture, while the ham bone infuses everything with rich, savory depth.
And can we talk about how affordable these ingredients are? Nothing quite matches the satisfaction of creating something so delicious from such simple components.
- 1 cup split peas
- 6 cups boiling water
- 1 ham bone
- 1-2 onions, chopped
- 1 carrot, diced
- 1 potato, sliced
- Salt and pepper to taste
When shopping for these ingredients, quality matters more than you might think. Look for split peas that aren’t too old (they’ll take forever to soften), and if possible, use a meaty ham bone rather than just a stripped one.
No ham bone available? A ham hock works beautifully too, or even thick-cut ham in a pinch. The vegetables can be adjusted to what you have on hand—maybe add a stalk of celery or a bit of leek if they’re looking lonely in your crisper drawer.
The beauty of this soup lies in its forgiving nature and adaptability to whatever your pantry holds.
How to Make this Cozy Split Pea & Ham Soup
Making this heartwarming soup begins with a simple but essential step that guarantees your split peas cook to perfection. Start by adding 1 cup of split peas to 6 cups of boiling water, let it boil for just 2 minutes, then remove from heat, cover tightly, and allow the peas to soak for a full hour. This pre-soaking method helps soften those stubborn little peas and greatly reduces the overall cooking time.
Ever notice how some split pea soups have those partially hard peas that refuse to break down? This technique solves that common kitchen frustration.
Once your peas have had their relaxing soak, it’s time to build the flavor foundation. Add your ham bone (the meatier, the better), 1-2 chopped onions (depending on how much oniony goodness you prefer), 1 diced carrot for sweetness, and 1 sliced potato to help thicken the soup naturally.
Season with salt and pepper, but go easy on the salt at first—the ham will contribute plenty of saltiness as it simmers. Now comes the patience part: cook everything slowly for about 45 minutes, until the split peas have completely surrendered their structure and transformed into that velvety texture we’re after.
The kitchen will smell absolutely divine at this point, with the savory ham essence mingling with the earthy peas.
For the finishing touches, remove the ham bone and decide on your preferred texture. Want a completely smooth, restaurant-style soup? Rub everything through a sieve for that silky consistency. Prefer a more rustic, homestyle approach? Leave it unstrained with bits of vegetable and pea for texture.
If your soup seems too thick (split peas have a tendency to continue absorbing liquid), simply add a bit more water until you reach your desired consistency.
The final touch? Garnish with bits of ham you’ve pulled from the bone. This last step isn’t just for looks—those little ham morsels throughout the soup provide delightful pockets of smoky flavor in every spoonful.
For an even smoother consistency with less effort, a premium food processor can quickly blend your soup to restaurant-quality perfection while preserving all those wonderful flavors.
Cozy Split Pea & Ham Soup Substitutions and Variations
While the classic split pea and ham soup recipe delivers comfort in a bowl, sometimes we need to adjust ingredients based on what’s available in our pantry or dietary preferences.
No ham bone? Try using bacon, smoked turkey, or even a vegetarian option with liquid smoke.
The potato can be swapped for sweet potato, which adds a lovely sweetness to balance the savory elements.
For a creamier texture, I’ll sometimes stir in a dollop of Greek yogurt.
Need it dairy-free? Coconut milk works wonderfully.
And don’t forget herbs—thyme, rosemary, or a bay leaf transforms the flavor profile entirely.
What to Serve with Cozy Split Pea & Ham Soup
Ever wondered what could possibly complement a steaming bowl of split pea and ham soup? I’m a firm believer that crusty bread is the perfect companion—sourdough or a rustic French baguette for dipping into those thick, savory spoonfuls.
A simple side salad with vinaigrette adds brightness that cuts through the richness. Think crisp greens, maybe some thinly sliced radishes or cucumber.
For a heartier meal, cornbread muffins or cheese scones work beautifully. The slight sweetness of cornbread or sharpness of cheese creates a delightful contrast to the earthy soup.
Final Thoughts
Now that we’ve covered all the perfect pairings for our homemade split pea and ham soup, let’s take a moment to appreciate this humble dish for what it truly is—comfort in a bowl.
This soup, with its simple ingredients—split peas, ham bone, onions, carrots, and potatoes—transforms into something magical after a slow simmer.
Isn’t it wonderful how these basic components create such rich flavor? I love how versatile it’s too; strain it smooth or leave it chunky, your choice.
