Split Pea And Ham Soup Recipe – A Hearty And Protein Rich Diet

Venture into the culinary embrace of comfort with our split pea and ham soup recipe. Step by step, we’ll immerse you in a symphony of flavors that soothe the soul and energize the body. Cherish the rich, savory infusion of smoked ham, blending harmoniously with tender split peas. 

Unearth the essence of home cooking, reimagined and streamlined for today’s busy gourmands. Heartwarming and wholesome, this soup recipe ensures every spoonful is a delightful surprise. Explore the lingering notes of aromatic vegetables and hearty broth, elevating the humble split pea to the dish’s star. 

Conjure this liquid gold in your kitchen today and bask in the envious praises of friends and family. Remember, nourishment isn’t just about what’s in the pot but also the love and passion stirred in. Experience this soup’s timeless allure and see how simplicity wins in the gastronomic journey. 

Don’t just cook; create and savor with our split pea and ham soup recipe.

What Is Split Pea And Ham Soup Recipe?

Split pea and ham soup is a classic, hearty dish. It uses dried split peas, simmered until soft with chunks of savory ham. The soup often includes a medley of vegetables, such as onions, carrots, and celery, enhancing the depth of flavor. Garlic and herbs like thyme and bay leaf lend their aromatic notes. 

Ham bones or hocks are used for a richer, meatier broth. Some versions also add potatoes for additional heartiness. This soup is cooked slowly, melding all the flavors together. The result? A thick, comforting soup, perfect for chilly evenings, complete with the smoky richness of ham.

Can You Vary The Split Pea And Ham Soup Recipe With Other Ingredients? 

Absolutely, the split pea and ham soup recipe is quite flexible and can be adjusted to fit different dietary needs:

1. Vegan/Vegetarian You can skip the ham and use vegetable broth instead of chicken or beef. Add smoked paprika or liquid smoke to mimic the smoky flavor of the ham. Include more vegetables or tofu for added protein.
2. Gluten-Free The classic split pea and ham soup is already gluten-free. Just ensure that any broth or stock used is also gluten-free.
3. Paleo Replace split peas with other paleo-friendly vegetables like sweet potatoes or butternut squash. Use a ham bone from a ham cured without added sugars to keep it paleo-compliant.
4. Keto While split peas are not typically part of a ketogenic diet due to their high carbohydrate content, you can make a similar soup using lower-carb vegetables like cauliflower or zucchini and using ham or bacon for the protein source.
5. Whole30 For a Whole30 compliant version, replace the split peas with a compliant vegetable like turnips or rutabaga and ensure your ham is sugar-free and Whole30 compliant.

Variations, Add-Ons, And Toppings

• Smoky Vegan Variation: Replace ham with smoked tofu or tempeh. Add smoked paprika for extra smokiness.
• Creamy Version: After cooking, blend half the soup and mix it back in. It adds a lovely creaminess without using dairy.
• Hearty Vegetable Twist: Add celery, potatoes, or other root vegetables to make the soup heartier.
• Spicy Kick: Add a dash of cayenne or a spoonful of your favorite hot sauce for a warming kick.
• Toppings and Add-ons: Garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or thyme. Top with croutons for added crunch. A dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt can add a cooling contrast.
• Cheesy Delight: Sprinkle-grated sharp cheddar or parmesan on top for a cheesy finish.
• Bacon Bliss: Crisp some bacon and use it as a topping for added crunch and flavor.

Can I Make Split Pea And Ham Soup Recipe In A Slow Cooker Or Instant Pot?

Yes, you can prepare split pea and ham soup in a slow cooker and an Instant Pot. Here are brief instructions for each:

Slow Cooker

• Place the ham bone, onions, garlic, carrots, split peas, and pepper in the slow cooker.
• Pour in enough water to cover the ingredients.
• Cover and cook on low for 7-8 hours or high for 4-5 hours. Check the soup occasionally; add more water if it’s getting too thick.
• Once the peas are soft, remove the ham bone. Strip off any remaining ham and stir it back into the soup.
• Before serving, season the soup with salt to taste and garnish as desired.

Instant Pot

• Set the Instant Pot to the sauté function. Add a bit of oil and sauté the onions and garlic until fragrant.
• Add the ham bone, carrots, split peas, and pepper. Pour in enough water to cover the ingredients.
• Close the lid and set the Instant Pot to the Soup function, then set the timer for 15 minutes.
• Once the timer goes off, allow the pressure to release naturally for 10 minutes, then use the quick-release method to release the remaining pressure.
• Open the lid, remove the ham bone, strip off any remaining ham, and stir it back into the soup.
• Season the soup with salt to taste and garnish as desired before serving.

Can I Use Store Bought Broth, Or Should I Make My Own?

You can certainly use store-bought or homemade broth in your split pea and ham soup recipe. Both options have their benefits.

Store-Bought Broth

• This is a convenient option when you’re short on time. It’s readily available and often comes in various flavors, such as vegetable, chicken, or beef. When buying store-bought broth, choose a low-sodium version to control the salt level in your soup.

Homemade Broth

• Making your broth allows you to control the ingredients and the flavor profile. It’s a great way to use leftover bones and vegetable scraps, reducing food waste. While it does require more time and effort than store-bought broth, it can be made in large batches and frozen for future use.

How To Serve?

The presentation of a dish can greatly enhance its appeal. Here are some suggestions to serve your split pea and ham soup in the best way:

• Pre-Warmed Bowls: Serve the soup in pre-warmed bowls to ensure it stays hot longer.
• Garnish: Top the soup with a fresh garnish, such as chopped parsley, thyme, or crispy croutons. A dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt can add a beautiful contrast.
• Bread on Side: Accompany the soup with a slice of crusty bread or a bread roll for dipping.
• Crackers: Offering a side of whole-grain crackers can add a nice crunch.
• Pairings: Consider what you’re serving the soup with. It pairs well with a green salad for a lighter meal or a sandwich for a heartier lunch.
• Serveware: Use colorful bowls to make the soup pop. Or, for a rustic look, serve the soup in bread bowls.
• Herb Sprig: For an elegant touch, place a sprig of fresh herbs, like thyme or parsley, on the edge of the bowl.

Perfect Side Dishes

Sandwiches

• Grilled Cheese: A classic grilled cheese sandwich with a twist – try using different types of cheese or add some caramelized onions for extra flavor.
• Turkey and Avocado: A light, fresh sandwich with turkey, avocado, lettuce, and tomatoes can complement the rich soup well.
• Ham and Swiss: Continue the ham theme with a simple ham and Swiss sandwich on rye bread.

Salads

• Green Salad: A simple salad of mixed greens, cucumber, cherry tomatoes, and a vinaigrette dressing can offer a refreshing contrast to the soup.
• Apple and Walnut Salad: The sweetness of apples and the crunch of walnuts make this a perfect companion to the savory soup.
• Beet and Goat Cheese Salad: Earthy beets paired with creamy goat cheese and arugula offer a flavor contrast that pairs well with the soup.

First Course

• Bruschetta: Tomato and basil bruschetta offers a fresh, tangy start to the meal.
• Cheese Board: A selection of your favorite cheeses, served with grapes and crackers, can be a delightful opener.
• Shrimp Cocktail: A classic shrimp cocktail can provide a light and refreshing contrast to the hearty soup.

Storage And Make Ahead

• Storage: Store the cooled soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4-5 days.
• Freezing: Split pea and ham soup freezes well. Transfer the cooled soup to a freezer-safe container, leaving some space for expansion, and freeze for up to 3 months.
• Thawing: To thaw frozen soup, place it in the refrigerator overnight or use the defrost setting on your microwave.
• Reheating: Reheat the soup on the stove over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. Add a splash of water or broth if it’s too thick.
• Make Ahead: This soup can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator or freezer for easy meals later. Just reheat and enjoy!

What Can We Do With Leftovers? 

• Reheat and Eat: The simplest option is to reheat the soup for another meal. The flavors often deepen and improve after a day or two.
• Add to a Stew: Use the soup as a base for a hearty stew. You can add extra vegetables, grains, or even another type of protein.
• Pasta Sauce: Thicken the soup slightly and use it as a sauce for pasta. Add a bit of cream or cheese for a richer sauce.
• Baked with Rice: Mix the soup with cooked rice, top with cheese, and bake until golden for a comforting casserole.
• Filling for Pot Pie: Use the thickened soup for a rustic pot pie.
• Topping for Baked Potatoes: Warm the soup and spoon it over baked potatoes for a hearty meal.

TIPS

• Enhance the flavor by sautéing onions, carrots, and celery in butter before adding them to the soup.
• For a smoky flavor, use a smoked ham hock or add a few drops of liquid smoke.
• To make the soup creamy without cream, use an immersion blender to partially blend the soup.
• Add a splash of apple cider vinegar or lemon juice at the end to brighten the flavors.
• For a thicker soup, mash some of the peas against the side of the pot with a spoon.
• Serve the soup with a dollop of sour cream and a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley for a fresh contrast.
• Freeze leftovers in individual portions for quick and easy meals.

Nutrition Table