Mum's Pea and Ham Soup

Warm, hearty, and steeped in tradition, Mum's Pea and Ham Soup is the ultimate comfort food that brings family memories to the table. This classic recipe combines tender dried split peas, a rich and smoky ham hock, and a medley of fresh vegetables—onion, carrot, celery, and garlic—all simmered together to create a velvety, flavorful base. Infused with aromatic bay leaf and perfectly seasoned with a touch of salt and pepper, this slow-cooked soup is both nourishing and deeply satisfying. Perfect for chilly days, it can be served with a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley and a slice of crusty bread for an effortless, soul-soothing meal. Ready in just over two hours, with minimal prep time, this time-honored dish is ideal for meal prepping or feeding a crowd. Whether you call it split pea soup or ham and pea soup, this timeless recipe will warm your heart and home.

Nutriscore Rating: 77/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:120 mins

Total Time:135 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 500 grams Dried green split peas
• 1 large (about 800 grams) Ham hock
• 1 large Onion
• 2 medium Carrots
• 2 Celery stalks
• 2 Garlic cloves
• 1 Bay leaf
• 2 liters Vegetable stock or water
• 0 to taste Salt
• 0 to taste Black pepper
• 0 to taste Parsley (optional, for garnish)

Directions

Step 1

Rinse the split peas under cold water until the water runs clear, then set them aside to drain.

Step 2

Finely dice the onion, carrots, celery, and garlic. Set aside.

Step 3

In a large stockpot, place the ham hock, split peas, diced vegetables, bay leaf, and vegetable stock (or water). Ensure the ham hock is mostly submerged.

Step 4

Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, skimming off any foam that rises to the surface.

Step 5

Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let the soup simmer gently for about 1.5 to 2 hours, stirring occasionally.

Step 6

After 1.5 hours, check the consistency of the soup. The split peas should have broken down, creating a creamy base. If it's too thick, add a bit more water or stock.

Step 7

Remove the ham hock from the pot and set it aside to cool slightly. Once cool enough to handle, shred the meat, discarding the skin, fat, and bone.

Step 8

Return the shredded ham to the pot and stir well. Season the soup with salt and black pepper to taste.

Step 9

Remove the bay leaf and discard it. If desired, use a hand blender to partially blend the soup for a smoother texture, leaving some chunks of vegetables intact.

Step 10

Serve the soup hot, garnished with fresh parsley if desired. Enjoy with crusty bread for a fulfilling meal.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(3731.9g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2879.5

Total Fat 67.8g	0%
Saturated Fat 22.4g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0.1g
Cholesterol 246.7mg	0%
Sodium 13225.1mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 374.7g	0%
Dietary Fiber 138.2g	0%
Total Sugars 67.3g
Protein 201.5g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 596.1mg	0%
Iron 32.3mg	0%
Potassium 8736.2mg	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: 20.9%

Protein: 27.7%

Carbs: 51.4%