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Classic Split Pea Soup with Ham Bone

Close-up of a thick, green pea soup topped with shredded ham and visible chunks of carrots.
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This recipe delivers a thick, creamy, and deeply savory split pea soup, using a ham bone for rich flavor. It is a hearty comfort food perfect for cozy dinners.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound dried green split peas, rinsed
  • 1 large ham bone (with meat attached)
  • 8 cups water or low-sodium chicken broth
  • 1 large yellow onion, chopped
  • 2 carrots, peeled and 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 cooking)

Instructions

  1. Rinse the 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.
  4. Once boiling, reduce the heat immediately to low, cover the pot partially, and let the soup simmer slowly.
  5. Simmer for 1.5 to 2 hours, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking to the bottom. The peas should break down, creating a thick, creamy texture.
  6. Remove the ham bone. Shred any meat clinging to the bone and return the meat to the pot. Discard the bone and bay leaf.
  7. Taste the soup and add salt as needed. If the soup is too thick, add a little hot water or broth until you reach your desired consistency.
  8. Serve hot. This is a hearty soup recipe perfect for cozy dinners.

Notes

  • For a quicker method using an Instant Pot, combine all ingredients (except salt) in the pot. Cook on High Pressure for 20 minutes, followed by a Natural Pressure Release for 15 minutes before quick releasing any remaining pressure.
  • If you do not have a ham bone, substitute with 1 cup of diced smoked ham and 6 cups of vegetable broth. Add the diced ham during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
  • This homemade pea soup freezes well for future quick soup dinners.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://cutcooktaste.com/classic-split-pea-soup-with-ham-bone-pea-soup/