Judy's Hearty Split Pea and Ham Soup

Warm up with the comforting embrace of **Judy's Hearty Split Pea and Ham Soup**, a timeless recipe brimming with rich flavors and wholesome ingredients. This soul-soothing soup combines tender split peas, smoky ham, and a medley of aromatic vegetables like carrots, celery, and onion for a hearty, nutrient-packed meal that’s perfect for chilly days. The secret to its depth of flavor lies in simmering a savory ham bone alongside fragrant thyme and a bay leaf, creating a velvety, protein-rich base that’s irresistibly creamy without the need for cream. Ready in about two hours, this classic split pea soup is a satisfying choice for a filling family dinner or make-ahead meal prep, and it pairs beautifully with crusty bread or crackers. Whether you're craving comfort or looking to use up leftover ham, this recipe offers the perfect balance of tradition and delicious simplicity.

Nutriscore Rating: 79/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:120 mins

Total Time:135 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 1 pound dried split peas
• 1 ham bone (with some meat still attached)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 medium yellow onion, diced
• 2 medium carrots, diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 8 cups water
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 cup cooked ham, diced

Directions

Step 1

Rinse the dried split peas under cold running water and remove any debris or stones. Set aside.

Step 2

In a large soup pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat.

Step 3

Add the diced onion, carrots, celery, and a pinch of salt to the pot. Sauté for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are softened.

Step 4

Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.

Step 5

Add the ham bone to the pot along with the rinsed split peas.

Step 6

Pour in the water and chicken broth. Stir gently to combine.

Step 7

Add the bay leaf, dried thyme, salt, and black pepper. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat.

Step 8

Once the soup reaches a boil, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer gently for 90-120 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Step 9

After about 90 minutes, check the peas for tenderness. They should be soft and starting to break down, creating a creamy texture.

Step 10

Remove the ham bone from the pot. Let it cool slightly, then shred any remaining meat from the bone and return the meat to the soup.

Step 11

Stir in the diced cooked ham and simmer for an additional 10-15 minutes.

Step 12

Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper, if needed.

Step 13

Serve hot with crusty bread or crackers. Enjoy!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(3692.0g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2366.8

Total Fat 39.7g	0%
Saturated Fat 10.4g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 1.3g
Cholesterol 187.5mg	0%
Sodium 7719.2mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 313.7g	0%
Dietary Fiber 126.0g	0%
Total Sugars 56.2g
Protein 201.7g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 609.4mg	0%
Iron 26.8mg	0%
Potassium 6946.9mg	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: 14.8%

Protein: 33.4%

Carbs: 51.9%