Split Pea Soup with Ham
You'll turn to this split pea soup with ham all winter long -- especially when you need to warm up! Use leftover ham to make split pea soup prep even easier.
You'll turn to this split pea soup with ham all winter long -- especially when you need to warm up! Use leftover ham to make split pea soup prep even easier.
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion
- 4 carrots thinly sliced
- coarse salt and ground pepper
- 1 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon dried thyme leaves
- 3 celery stalks thinly sliced
- 1 can (14.5 ounces) reduced-sodium chicken broth
- 1 bag (16 ounces) green split peas picked over and rinsed
- ham bone plus 2 cups reserved ham from the recipe cut into 1/2-inch cubes
- 4 slices whole-wheat sandwich bread, crusts removed, cut i
- Carbohydrate 8.74686858412427 g
- Cholesterol 10.1677083376937 mg
- Fat 4.68309541862822 g
- Fiber 2.74189496755715 g
- Protein 1.04197041678253 g
- Saturated Fat 2.55913270110278 g
- Serving Size 1 1 serving (110g)
- Sodium 459.978441678927 mg
- Sugar 6.00497361656712 g
- Trans Fat 0.393893050152524 g
- Calories 72 calories
Step-by-step
- In a Dutch oven or 5-quart heavy pot with a lid, heat oil over medium. Add onion, carrots, celery, and thyme; season with salt and pepper. Cook until vegetables begin to soften, 5 to 8 minutes.
- Add broth, split peas, ham bone, and 5 cups water. Bring to a boil, reduce heat to medium-low, and partially cover; simmer until peas are soft, 30 to 45 minutes.
- Meanwhile, make croutons: In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add bread and cook, tossing occasionally, until browned and crisp, 6 to 8 minutes. Transfer to a paper-towel-lined plate.
- Remove and discard bone from soup. Working in batches, puree only 1/2 the soup in a blender (don't overfill); return to pot.
- Add ham cubes, and simmer until heated through. If necessary, thin with water.
- Add salt, pepper, and lemon juice to taste.
- Serve topped with croutons.
My Cozy Winter Warmer: Split Pea Soup with Ham
As a busy working mom, finding time to cook a hearty, healthy, and delicious meal can feel like a mission impossible. But let me tell you, this split pea soup with ham is a game-changer. It's so simple to prepare, yet bursting with flavour and warmth—exactly what I crave on a chilly evening after a long day at the office. The best part? It's incredibly versatile. I can easily adapt it to whatever ham I have on hand, whether it’s leftover from a holiday roast or a quick-grab from the deli counter.
The recipe itself is unbelievably straightforward. The initial stages involve a simple sauté of onions, carrots, and celery—a classic combination that forms the aromatic base of this comforting soup. Then, it's just a matter of adding the split peas, broth, and ham bone, letting it simmer until the peas are perfectly tender. The gentle simmering process allows the flavours to meld and deepen, creating a rich and satisfying broth. Honestly, the smell alone is enough to transport me back to cozy childhood memories of family dinners and warm hearths.
What truly elevates this soup, though, are the homemade croutons. They add a delightful textural contrast to the creamy soup. The slightly crunchy texture and subtle buttery flavour create a perfect balance. And the process of making these croutons is just as easy as the soup itself. It's a simple case of toasting bread until golden and crisp—a task that takes mere minutes and makes all the difference.
The beauty of this recipe lies in its adaptability. You can easily adjust the ingredients to your liking. Want to add a bit of spice? A pinch of red pepper flakes works wonders. Prefer a thicker soup? Simply blend more of the pea mixture. Feeling creative? Experiment with different herbs, such as rosemary or sage, to add another layer of flavour complexity.
This split pea soup with ham isn't just a meal; it's an experience. It's the embodiment of comfort food, a warm hug in a bowl, and a testament to the fact that delicious, satisfying meals don't have to be complicated. It’s a recipe I've perfected over the years, constantly tweaking and refining to suit my tastes and my busy schedule. Now, it's a staple in my family’s dinner rotation, and I hope it will become one of yours, too.
Beyond its deliciousness and ease of preparation, this soup also offers a wonderful opportunity to reduce food waste. Using leftover ham bone and any extra ham scraps transforms them into a delicious and nutritious meal, minimizing waste and maximizing flavour. So, the next time you find yourself with leftover ham, don't hesitate to make this soup. It's the perfect way to repurpose those ingredients and create a truly memorable meal.
I often serve this soup with a side of crusty bread, perfect for soaking up every last drop of that delicious broth. It's a hearty, wholesome meal that satisfies both my body and soul. And it’s the perfect recipe for those chilly winter evenings when all you want is something warm, comforting, and deeply satisfying. So grab your pot, gather your ingredients, and get ready to experience the magic of this simple yet extraordinary split pea soup with ham.
More than just a recipe, this soup represents the simple joys of cooking and sharing meals with loved ones. It's a dish that has warmed my heart and my family's bellies countless times, and I hope it will do the same for you. So, go ahead and try it. You won't regret it.
