Hedda's Pea and Ham Soup

Warm up with the comforting flavors of Hedda's Pea and Ham Soup, a hearty classic that blends earthy split peas, tender shredded ham, and aromatic vegetables into a velvety bowl of goodness. Simmered low and slow with a flavorful ham hock, fragrant thyme, and a hint of bay leaf, this soul-soothing soup delivers layers of rich, savory depth. The addition of fresh parsley and a squeeze of optional lemon juice provides a bright, fresh twist that beautifully balances the dish. Perfect for a cozy family meal or make-ahead lunches, this high-protein, one-pot recipe pairs wonderfully with crusty bread for a satisfying, crowd-pleasing experience. Ideal for meal prep, gluten-free diets, and any occasion craving wholesome comfort, this recipe is your go-to for transforming simple ingredients into a nourishing culinary delight.

Nutriscore Rating: 78/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:120 mins

Total Time:135 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 large onion
• 2 medium carrot
• 2 medium celery stalks
• 3 cloves garlic
• 2 cups dried split peas
• 1 large ham hock
• 8 cups vegetable stock (or chicken stock)
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 0.5 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice (optional)

Directions

Step 1

Rinse the dried split peas thoroughly under cold water and set aside.

Step 2

Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.

Step 3

Dice the onion, carrots, and celery, then add them to the pot. Sauté for 5-7 minutes until softened and fragrant.

Step 4

Mince the garlic cloves and stir them into the pot. Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes.

Step 5

Add the rinsed split peas, ham hock, vegetable stock, bay leaf, and dried thyme to the pot. Stir to combine.

Step 6

Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and cover the pot with a lid. Simmer for 90 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent the peas from sticking to the bottom.

Step 7

After 90 minutes, remove the ham hock from the pot and set it aside to cool slightly.

Step 8

Using an immersion blender, blend the soup to your desired consistency. Alternatively, you can transfer small batches to a blender. (Skip this step if you prefer a chunky texture.)

Step 9

Shred the ham from the hock and discard any bones or fatty pieces. Return the shredded ham to the pot.

Step 10

Season the soup with salt and black pepper to taste, then simmer for an additional 10-15 minutes to meld the flavors.

Step 11

Stir in freshly chopped parsley and lemon juice, if using, for a bright finish.

Step 12

Serve the soup warm with crusty bread or crackers on the side.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(3587.0g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2727.5

Total Fat 94.6g	0%
Saturated Fat 26.5g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.7g
Cholesterol 246.7mg	0%
Sodium 9052.1mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 299.0g	0%
Dietary Fiber 113.5g	0%
Total Sugars 57.3g
Protein 179.5g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 529.9mg	0%
Iron 27.5mg	0%
Potassium 7222.3mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 30.8%

Protein: 26.0%

Carbs: 43.2%