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Ultimate Classic Split Pea Soup with Ham Bone

Close-up of a thick, green pea soup in a white mug, topped with chunks of ham and diced carrots.
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This hearty split pea soup recipe delivers deep, comforting flavor using a ham bone and fresh vegetables. It is simple to make and results in a thick, satisfying meal perfect for cozy dinners.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound dried split green peas, rinsed
  • 1 large ham bone (with meat attached)
  • 8 cups water or low-sodium chicken broth
  • 1 large yellow onion, chopped
  • 2 carrots, diced
  • 2 celery stalks, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste after removing ham bone)

Instructions

  1. Rinse the dried split peas under cold water until the water runs clear. Discard any small stones or debris.
  2. In a large stockpot or Dutch oven, combine the rinsed split peas, ham bone, water or broth, onion, carrots, celery, garlic, thyme, bay leaf, and pepper.
  3. Bring the mixture to a boil over high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat immediately to low, cover the pot partially, and let it simmer.
  4. Simmer for 1.5 to 2 hours, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking, until the peas are very tender and have broken down, thickening the soup.
  5. Remove the ham bone and bay leaf. Shred any usable meat from the bone and return the meat to the pot. Discard the bone.
  6. Taste the soup and add salt as needed. If the soup is too thick, add a little more water or broth until you reach your desired consistency.
  7. Serve hot. This is a wonderful comfort food soup.

Notes

  • For a vegetarian split pea soup, omit the ham bone and use 8 cups of vegetable broth. Add 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika for depth of flavor.
  • If you prefer a smoother texture, use an immersion blender to partially blend the soup before serving.
  • This soup freezes well. Cool completely before transferring to airtight containers for storage.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://sundayflavor.com/classic-split-pea-soup-recipe/