Split Pea Soup with Ham

A hearty, comforting soup packed with smoky flavor from bacon and canned ham, perfect for chilly days.

On cold evenings, nothing beats the warmth of split pea soup simmering on the stove. The smoky bacon and hearty canned ham turn an ordinary batch into something my family always looks forward to.

Ingredients

• Bacon: 4 oz (115 g), chopped
• Canned ham: 1 (12 oz/340 g) can, diced (reserve juices if possible)
• Onion: 1 medium, finely chopped
• Carrots: 2 medium, diced
• Celery: 2 stalks, diced
• Garlic: 2 cloves, minced
• Split peas: 1 lb (450 g), dried, rinsed and sorted
• Chicken broth: 6 cups (1.4 L), low-sodium
• Water: 2 cups (480 ml)
• Bay leaf: 1
• Dried thyme: 1 tsp
• Black pepper: 1/2 tsp
• Salt: to taste

Instructions

Cook Bacon:

In a large pot, cook chopped bacon over medium heat until crisp. Remove bacon with a slotted spoon and set aside, keeping fat in the pot.

Sauté Vegetables:

Add onion, carrots, and celery to pot. Cook for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until softened.

Add Garlic:

Stir in garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.

Add Split Peas, Ham, Liquids, and Seasonings:

Add split peas, diced canned ham (plus juices if possible), chicken broth, water, bay leaf, thyme, and black pepper. Stir to combine.

Simmer:

Bring to a boil, reduce heat to low, cover and simmer for 1 hour; stir occasionally until peas are tender.

Finish Soup:

Remove bay leaf. Partially purée soup with immersion blender if desired, or leave chunky.

Season:

Taste and add salt and pepper as needed.

Serve:

Serve hot, topped with reserved crispy bacon.

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My kids love dunking crunchy bread into this soup, and we always end up with happy faces around the dinner table.

Serving Suggestions

Pair this soup with gluten-free crusty bread or rice crackers for a hearty meal that everyone will enjoy. A sprinkle of parsley adds freshness.

Storage and Leftovers

Leftover soup will thicken after refrigeration. Reheat gently with extra water or broth to loosen the texture before serving.

Variations

For a vegetarian option, omit the meat and use vegetable broth; smoked paprika provides a savory taste and you can add potatoes or extra veggies.

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This split pea soup is perfect for cozy nights and is a satisfying, simple dish you'll want to make again and again.

Recipe FAQs

→ Can I make this dish vegetarian?

Yes, omit the ham and bacon and replace chicken broth with vegetable broth. Adding smoked paprika can help mimic the smoky flavor.

→ How do I achieve a creamy texture without a blender?

Simmer the split peas until very soft; mashing some with a spoon can help thicken the soup naturally.

→ What is the best way to store leftovers?

Keep leftovers refrigerated in an airtight container and reheat gently, adding water or broth if the soup thickens.

→ Can I substitute dried split peas with canned ones?

Dried peas provide better texture and flavor. Canned peas can be used but may alter cooking times and consistency.

→ Is there a gluten-free option for this soup?

Ensure the canned ham and broth are gluten-free by checking labels carefully. The dish itself uses naturally gluten-free ingredients.

→ How can I add more vegetables to the dish?

Diced potatoes or fresh parsley can be added to enrich flavor and texture without overpowering the core ingredients.